HIGH PROFILE
Paul Moore in the LiuGong R&D centre semianechoic
noise testing chamber in Liuzhou
for LiuGong’s mining trucks is using a hybrid
approach with batteries recovering energy on
downhill loaded hauls.
LiuGong has also introduced a new 5G-based
remote-control intelligent wheel loader, codeveloped
and supported by China Telecom and
Huawei technology. And its new F-series excavators
combine the integrated operation of a single
excavator, intelligent control, network-based
integration of excavators, intelligent monitoring,
detection, prediction and remote control. IM saw
close up the new 990F model, a new-generation
intelligent hydraulic excavator that adopts a fully
electronically controlled advanced hydraulic system,
heavy-duty structure and optimised design.
Boasting excellent operating efficiency, low oil
consumption and high reliability, the product can
be used for excavation and loading in open-pit
mines. IM
Paul Moore also spoke with Vice President, Huang Min,
responsible for the mining segment, who offered further
insight into that part of the business
Q LiuGong has traditionally focussed on the construction sector but does have
a range of products that are relevant to mining eg Dressta, larger wheel
loaders, larger excavators. Are you going to focus more on mining in the
future?
A Yes, you are right that LiuGong has mainly positioned itself as an
earthmoving equipment supplier. But we are evolving and it is also our intent
to grow into a major mining and quarrying machine provider. This includes not
only excavators, dozers and wheel loaders but also dump trucks, crushing &
screening machines and other mining equipment. We have already started in
2014 a cooperation with Metso (now Metso Outotec) for the supply of
screening technology. LiuGong Metso Construction Equipment (Shanghai) Co
Ltd combines Metso's know-how in the track-mounted crushing and screening
business and technology with LiuGong's extensive distribution resources and
manufacturing capabilities in China. We also some years ago formed a JV
producing mining dump trucks. This was developed as far back as 2011 when
we acquired 42% of Beijing Capital Steel Heavy Duty Truck Co Ltd. Since then
the ownership level of that company increased to 96% then to 100% in 2019.
We also moved the manufacturing from Beijing to Changzhou, where we also
make smaller excavators and dozers and which is also the HQ of the JV with
Metso Outotec. We are already in a position to produce mining trucks up to a
240 t class and have a 150 t truck in development. A prototype was built which
we are making improvements such as upgrading with new drive technology.
So actually, as of today you could say that we already offer to the Chinese
market a full line of mining equipment. The overseas market will take more
time, but this will come. Into the future it is also our intention to develop
underground mining equipment lines though this will require more investment
in electronic controls and is more our vision rather than a current reality.
Q Will the greater mining focus see any organisational changes?
A We are already changing our organisation to reflect the plans for mining and
quarrying solutions. We have created a specific and independent mining
business unit within LiuGong in Changzhou (LiuGong Changzhou Mining
Machinery Co Ltd) with an initial investment of RMB 80 million which was
followed by a further investment of RMB 180 million.
Overall, we are also investing more and more in mining R&D and marketing.
Major investments have been made in developing larger tonnage wheel
loaders and excavators, while also developing mining class dozers and motor
graders. It is the intention that the mining class excavators will be developed
specifically within this unit instead of at the current smaller excavator lines.
Q Can you give us some idea of the models that you have in development for
mining?
A We are developing a 120 t hydraulic excavator, but actually for many smaller
Paul Moore sat down with Huang Min, LiuGong Vice President
responsible for mining
mines, the 90 t model is enough for their needs. It matches very well with our
popular new 90 t class wide body tipper dump truck, for example. Of course,
for our 150 t and 240 t mining trucks, another step up in excavator class will be
needed up to about 250 t and this is something we intend to do.
Q What is the current status and what are your future plans for the Metso
Outotec JV? What about other partnerships?
A The JV is currently 50:50 held by both companies; so there is branding on
the domestically sold crushing and screening equipment for both companies.
LiuGong is mainly responsible for the sales of the products with Metso
Outotec carrying out the manufacturing in Lizhou. But we are exploring the
deepening of cooperation between the two companies. We also have our JV
with Cummins, Guangxi Cummins Industrial Power, which produces mid-range
engines in Liuzhou but to have this relationship is useful as we look to
incorporate high horsepower Cummins engines into our growing product lines
for mining markets.
Q How will you grow mining focus internationally?
A Our overseas focus is currently on countries where we have established
quarry class equipment businesses already such as South Africa where we
have our larger excavators working, Mongolia where our larger wheel loaders
are operating, and Indonesia. In Poland of course we have the famous Dressta
factory as part of our company, which has a high domestic market share as
well as in Eastern Europe and the CIS and is a growing player globally in
mining dozers. And of course mining companies already using Dressta dozers
means they already get to know LiuGong and therefore may consider our
other equipment lines. This is happening in Russia, for example, with our
larger wheel loaders.
International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2020