Round up: BEV manufacturers’ product releases

The adoption of battery electric vehicles is paramount to the mining industry as it cuts its carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions going forward. The sector is taking the lead in the use of low-emissions equipment, as outlined here, from all the major manufacturers. The BEV is finding its way into every aspect of open pit and underground operations.

A bit of a “Catch 22” situation has arisen in that the minerals we need to build efficient, cost-effective BEVs must be mined. Miners know this, and the public is beginning to realize it, too. Therefore, the adoption of low-carbon technologies cannot come fast enough.

Rokion

The R700 is Rokion’s newest line of industrial support equipment featuring dual end functionality. This multi-purpose platform is built for versatility with a quick attach system that supports a variety of accessories including forklift, backhoe, loader, bolter, blade, tire manipulator, and man lift.

The R700 is designed for optimum performance, even on uneven ground, with a shifted articulation pivot reward to reduce the relative motion of load and keep the center of gravity within the track width of the vehicle. Engineered to handle the harshest mining conditions safely and efficiently, the R700 is outfitted with configurable auxiliary hydraulic power circuits, five efficient induction motors, dual steering cylinders, 180° seat swivel, and on-board charging.

Explore the full line of Rokion trucks and vehicles to power your mine at rokion.com.

Sandvik

Sandvik has released the latest generation Toro LH518iB 18-ton battery electric loader. The loader, now with AutoMine mining automation readiness, also includes improved field serviceability. The equipment is currently undergoing factory tests before production ramp up and deliveries to customers in North America, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia during 2023.

“We are extremely proud of this new loader that is setting the standard for productive, sustainable and autonomous underground mining,” says Jari Söderlund, product management director, Division Load and Haul, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.

Learn more: ROCKTECHNOLOGY.SANDVIK

Jama unveils the all-new battery JMS 7000 scaling machine for the mining industry

Machine manufacturer Jama Mining Machines, Sweden, has launched the JMS 7000, a new medium-sized machine model for scaling rock in mines. The compact, state-of-the-art machine can be powered either entirely by battery, by a combination of electricity and diesel, or solely by diesel. A major focus for the machine has been to create a market-leading driver environment, based on the protected ergonomic, tiltable cab in combination with Jama’s latest control system. Explore the full line of Jama vehicles at www.Jama.se.

Normet

Normet SmartDrive is a modular battery electric vehicle (BEV) architecture designed to optimize energy consumption and performance in underground mining and tunnelling applications. The latest battery electric technology combined with decades-long process expertise takes underground operations to the next level.

SmartDrive equipment allows for higher productivity, lower operating costs and, most importantly – zero local emissions. Ease of use and carefully engineered controls guarantee that SmartDrive machines are safe and effortless to operate. The electric motors both reduce tramming time to reach worksites faster and recover energy in downhill driving.

In addition to complete turnkey solutions, Normet can also offer flexible services to integrate SmartDrive equipment step-by-step into existing operational models.

Komatsu’s Joy BH-18 battery hauler with Li-ion battery

Leave the constraints of cables behind with Joy battery-powered haulage carts, like the 18-tonne capacity BH-18. Agile and versatile, particularly in low seam conditions, they deliver plenty of power and flexibility to get the job done.

The optional lithium-ion battery (the first in soft rock mining) is designed to boost productivity with a 75% faster charge time, much lower maintenance and no hydrogen off-gassing versus traditional lead acid technology. Less maintenance than lead acid batteries overall means a lower cost of battery hauler ownership. The battery and charger are also available as retrofits.

Epiroc

Battery conversions are an essential part of the mining industry’s transition towards fully electric underground mines and increased health and safety for employees on site. As mining operations adapt to this innovation, the ability to convert diesel machines to battery as their project progresses is highly beneficial.

Epiroc collaborates with mines to make the switch as smooth as possible without disrupting productivity. Conversions are cost efficient with a short turnaround time and are included as part of a midlife rebuild. Ultimately, this feature helps equipment return to maximum efficiency while offering thousands of new hours with zero emissions.

Miller

Miller Technology has continually added to their electric vehicle product offerings, this time launching a battery electric Landcruiser. This vehicle has been designed and manufactured to meet increased demand and harsh duty cycle required in an underground mining environment. Miller is able to offer a complete solution with this vehicle including charging stations, remote diagnostics as well as any other customer specified request.

Hitachi EX2600-7E

The Hitachi EX2600-7E electric excavator is packed with features to meet any challenge. Agile enough to maneuver the toughest terrains yet powerful enough to maximize productivity. It uses an 860 kW Hitachi AC electric motor.

Performance is maximized with an advanced hydraulic system. Each individually controlled hydraulic pump utilizes its own electric regulator for efficient performance. A flow regeneration valve reduces power requirements from the hydraulic system and electric motor.

The Hitachi-exclusive center track-frame delivers optimal stress dispersion using specially designed forged-steel parts. Advanced computer modelling and specially designed track shoes maximize longevity.

MacLean

The MacLean product development pipeline remains very active, powered by the acquisition of an underground test facility in Sudbury in 2018 and the embedding of an advanced vehicles and technology engineering team at the site. The company’s global BEV leadership also continues. Since the launch of its fleet electrification program back in 2016, MacLean has shipped over 50 battery electric mining vehicles across North America, Africa, and Australia, with the fleet amassing close to a quarter million operating hours to date.

MacLean also continues to push forward with the refinement of the on-vehicle technology systems at the foundation of its automation and digitalization product development. This includes the rollout of Quickscan (near-instant shotcrete depth measurement) and Chemsave (technology that delivers a step-change reduction in shotcrete sprayer accelerant consumption); a new MacLean vehicle telemetry offer that features a cloud-based customer dashboard; a completely redesigned cab and control system; and, the 2023 unveiling of another three additions to the company’s 5-Series product line – the ML5 multi-lift, the MC5 explosives charger, and the BT5 boom truck.

The new 985 Abi-Bolter will deliver the 975 scissor bolter’s value proposition but with ‘no boots on the deck’ for drilling and bolting. This is achieved by integrating ruggedized industrial robotics capabilities and vision system precision that allow the operator to guide the drilling, screen handling, and bolt insertion from the safety and comfort of a cab, which can subsequently evolve to full tele-remote surface-controlled operation.

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