UG LOAD AND HAUL
with standard components around the globe without special training in electronics . “ However , even greater advancements in terms of efficiency can be reached by means of diesel-electric drives . For large and high efficiency mine operations this technology will be the future and we are following this trend .”
GHH has always been strong in the Super Low Profile ( SLP ) market both in soft and hard rock . Consequently it has the largest product portfolio of low profile machines . “ The market is a niche but highly selective mining is growing in importance in the current market environment . Our approach as a supplier for custom-made solutions is to adapt the machines to the deposit not vice versa . A very good example is the new high-tech LF-21H in its low profile version of 2,300 mm with a payload of 21 t that will be delivered soon . This development was done in close cooperation with our customer K + S based on long experience with 14 t SLPs in highly demanding environments in German potash mines . This way our client can maximise the productivity in narrow seams without dilution . Besides soft rock we have always been very strong in southern Africa ’ s platinum and chrome mines where we have recently supplied a large fleet of 21 plain-tech SLP-5 machines to ECM against an existing fleet . Again we could demonstrate substantial cost per tonne savings with our well-proven and continuously refined vehicles .”
The largest numbers of GHH standard profile LHDs are still in the mid-size classes ( 6-14 t ). “ Therefore we are completing our portfolio now with our new LF-14 . As we target small to medium sized mine operations often in new markets and with adaptions to the machines , most of our projects are with only a few units . Besides soft rock this is our core business because our highly reliable plain-tech machine design often suits especially smaller and / or very remote operations . However , we see a trend towards larger machines and have therefore developed our new LF-21H to target larger mine operations where in addition to reliability , highest performance is key .”
The new LF-21H will be delivered to potash miner K + S within the next few months and will undergo extensive testing both on surface and underground . Riedel states : “ It will be tested against its benchmark where we are certain that with highest power per weight ratio , tractive effort and breakout force and superb ergonomics and visibility we can reach substantial productivity gains . Further variants of the machine are in development including the hard rock version with a high reach z-link for truck loading .” GHH also sees big potential in the electric version of the 21 t machine , the LF-21HE , for both potash room and pillar production as well as block caving and stoping .
GHH has already has about sixty Tier 4 interim and Final ( about 50 / 50 ) engines in operation . The design challenge is especially the large aftertreatment system ( SCR including urea tanks ). “ Although we have fitted these systems to both SLP and standard LHDs we have always managed to keep the original profile . The Tier 4 Final engines that we have in operation are extremely reliable and we are getting very good results . On all of our new developments we design directly for Tier 4 and downgrade the engines if required ( such as for less regulated markets ). Regarding maintenance there is some extra training required but no complications have been found so far . For our clients , the new engine generation makes a substantial difference for ventilation and thus cost . Therefore , increased complexity is not a real issue .”
On technology , Riedel concludes : “ Besides factors such as safety , ergonomics and cost per tonne our main focus is differentiation through high quality customised solutions . However , in a direct benchmark we seek differentiation through robustness ( plain-tech ) and additionally performance by means of our hydrostatic drivetrains . Although new electric drives are coming up in our industry the benefit of hydrostatics are proven in maintainability even in remote areas . The hydrostatic drive drastically reduces the operating cost by reducing fuel consumption , tyre wear , brake wear , etc .”
Besides its home market in Germany the largest GHH fleets are running in South Africa and Zimbabwe . Besides Africa , GHH Fahrzeuge says it is developing markets in North and South America as well as Asia .
The most important GHH range in terms of sales is between 7 and 14 t LHD and it will remain that way . However , besides Australia ( where large LHDs are common ) demand for larger machines is growing in other markets as well in order to increase productivity .
GE Mining
The GE underground hard rock program accelerated when the GE-Fairchild LHD-5-LB model was tested at the IAMGOLD Westwood gold mine . The model was a part of a GE FastWorks program , designed to quickly secure customer feedback on performance and tbased on the overall need for a battery propelled LHD in the market . As such , it was essentially an upgraded coal scoop without all the necessary features required for a hard rock LHD .
Sid Gaitonde , Senior Product Manager , underground propulsion at GE Mining states : “ The trial was so successful with positive reviews from IAMGOLD and other customers that GE developed a true battery propelled LHD for UG hard rock – the 7T BLHD .”
The features of the 7T LHD that are different from the 5T model include the increased capacity to 7T ( 3.1 m 3 bucket ); and a new state-of-the-art GE Invertex Drive System allowing for ergonomic and intuitive operator controls , optimised battery endurance for longer shifts and automation readiness . A new operator display provides a full visual indication of critical vehicle system status , as well as more intuitive and faster trouble shooting . It is also multi-language compatible .
It has a Quick Battery Change System for maximum availability , and improved overall vehicle speed increasing productivity with better control for downhill grades ; and blended braking
The features of the GE 7T LHD that are different from the previous 5T model include the increased capacity to 7T ( 3.1 m 3 bucket ); and a new state-of-the-art GE Invertex Drive System allowing for ergonomic and intuitive operator controls , optimised battery endurance for longer shifts and automation readiness
International Mining | JUNE 2016