MINEXPO PREVIEW
Sandvik will have several of its latest innovations on display for the first time anywhere at MINExpo 2021 , including its AutoMine Concept vehicle
customers by boosting productivity , uptime and operator comfort , will be one of the headline attractions on its booth .
The 95 t payload truck is powered by a 783 kW Tier 4 Final engine and a combined drivetrain to provide high torque capabilities , unparalleled pulling performance and class-leading rimpull for optimal travel times , Volvo said . It also has a 60.4 cu . m capacity V-shaped body for optimum load retention and minimal material carry-back .
The 90 t Volvo EC950F crawler excavator , the largest in Volvo ’ s lineup , is also set to be shown off . This excavator is equipped with a 450 kW Volvo D16 Tier 4 Final engine that , the company says , delivers high torque at low rpm .
This machine is paired with a Volvo A60H articulated hauler , with the EC950F filling the 55 t , 33.6 cu . m haul truck in just four bucket passes , with an average cycle time of 20-25 seconds .
Finally on the stand is the Volvo L350H wheel loader , fitted with next-generation hydraulics and powered by a Tier 4 Final D16J engine for high torque at low rpm . The L350H comes with a higher capacity 7.3 cu . m rock bucket for maximum performance , plus an optional load sensing hydraulic system that works in harmony with the drivetrain , increasing response times and lifting and lowering speed of the newly designed buckets . This can result in up to 5 % faster cycle times , according to the company . It is also equipped with the latest technology dedicated to reducing fuel consumption and engine emissions .
Sandvik has new battery-electric vehicles of its own to show off in Las Vegas , alongside its developments automating both underground equipment and open-pit surface drills .
The OEM will have several of its latest innovations on display for the first time anywhere at the event , including its AutoMine ® Concept vehicle . The first fully autonomous battery-electric vehicle for underground mining , this vehicle is equipped with new sensing capabilities and artificial intelligence to help the cabinless technology demonstrator perceive its surroundings and environment in 3D and react in real time , enabling it to adapt and plan its own route and find the most suitable paths even in continuously changing environments .
In addition , Sandvik will unveil its latest battery-electric underground truck in Las Vegas , together with a virtual introduction to new loader technology with AutoMine readiness . The company will also launch the Sandvik DS412iE , its first battery-powered rock bolter , to round out the company ’ s first full zero-emissions offering for all underground drilling applications .
Sandvik ’ s 1,876 sq . m exhibit will demonstrate its commitment to “ Innovation in mining – make the shift ”, a theme that , Sandvik says , underscores its focus on helping customers mine more sustainably through technology .
On the surface drilling side , Sandvik will showcase the Sandvik DR410i rotary blasthole drill rig , Leopard™ DI650i down-the-hole drill rig and Pantera™ DP1600i top hammer drill rig , part of the Top Hammer XL system . Booth visitors will also learn more about AutoMine Surface Drilling , a system for fully autonomous and tele-remote operation of a wide range of intelligent Sandvik surface drill rigs . The AutoMine system ’ s new AutoCycle functionality enables a fully autonomous drilling cycle with hole-to-hole tramming for automatic rig relocation according to the drill plan .
The DR410i , the newest member of the iSeries family of intelligent blasthole drills , is designed to deliver unmatched productivity and return on investment for 152-251 mm rotary and DTH holes , with a standard mast offering a first pass capability of 10 m and a maximum depth of 46.6 m . The extended mast option delivers a first pass option of 14 m with a total depth capacity of 32.3 m across all recommended pipe diameters . It is automation-ready with functionality for both on-board and off-board automated needs .
In addition to displaying its latest rock tools offering at MINExpo , including the recently launched Sandvik LT90 top hammer tool – part of Top Hammer XL – Sandvik will launch a new DTH hammer with “ class-leading fuel efficiency ”. The company will also launch a new rotary bit , new heavy duty drill bits , a new drill bit for autonomous drilling and its latest digital rock tools solutions , all developed to increase sustainability and productivity . Sandvik will also launch the new Sandvik RD212 and Sandvik RD315 rock drills at the show .
Sandvik will use a simulation game to introduce its new digital offering , Remote Monitoring Service , and will show off its smart inspection tools through interactive demonstrations . MINExpo attendees can also expect some “ exciting news ” about OptiMine ® , the company ’ s suite of digital tools for analysing and optimising underground hard-rock mining production and processes .
Other exhibit highlights include Sandvik ’ s latest training simulators and live presentations by Sandvik ’ s AutoMine and OptiMine ecosystem partners . Representatives from Sandvik Financial Services will also be available at the booth to discuss possibilities for financing equipment .
Sandvik will draw on its virtual event last year to enable those who will not be in Las Vegas to share the MINExpo experience , with the company ’ s dedicated microsite including an interactive virtual booth , live chat functionality and videos from the show .
Epiroc ’ s MINExpo 2021 booth will showcase the company ’ s latest drilling , bolting and electrification developments .
Making its MINExpo debut in Las Vegas will be the Epiroc Pit Viper 291 . This rig is designed to tackle larger diameter drilling in soft-tomedium ground conditions in both rotary and DTH drilling , offering more than 100 different configuration options . It is capable of 171-311 mm diameter holes with a 16.76 m clean hole single pass with the drill bit above the table . It is also available with an 18 m option . With Epiroc ’ s Rig Control System ( RCS ), the drill rig can carry out autonomous functions .
The new generation SmartROC D65 XLF will also be highlighted at the event . This rig is packed with smart features such as automated drilling and rod handling , and is equipped with an intelligent fuel-saving system that reduces fuel consumption by 20 % compared with the FlexiROC D65 drill rig , Epiroc said . It is available in three feed beam sizes to carry 5- , 6- or 8-m pipes , and has the capacity to drill down to a depth of 56 m . A smaller SmartROC T45 tophammer surface drill rig will also be showcased .
Epiroc ’ s Boomer M20 with battery option , launched earlier this year , will too receive the MINExpo treatment .
International Mining | AUGUST 2021