UNDERGROUND LOAD AND HAUL
speeds . The customer can also upgrade the system to Sandvik OptiMine Monitoring and Reporting as an option in order to get access to automatic reports that present this data that is collected in a form that assists the mine to gain visibility over what the machine is doing . This allows the mine to use this data to improve productivity and make key decisions on a shift by shift basis regarding maintenance of the unit .
A fully integrated weighing system will soon be available as an option that measures the weight of ore in the bucket and the number of buckets completed by the operator . This measurement is also logged as part of the OptiMine Data Collection Unit and used in the productivity reports .
Customers can also choose to have an interface installed on the machine that allows them to connect a third party Proximity Detection System ( PDS Interface ). This allows an active PDS where the machine speed is reduced when a person is detected within the warning zone and then to bring the machine to a safe state when a person is detected in the stop zone . This helps to prevent collision accidents between the equipment and pedestrians in the mine . Added functionality also allows for Speed Brake Interlock where the machines ’ speed is monitored and when the machine travels over a predefined setting the operator is given a warning to slow down ; if no action is taken then the machine speed will be automatically reduced . A safety report showing the events raised by the PDS is also available when OptiMine Monitoring and Reporting is selected .
There is a larger 3.5 m 3 bucket option , rather than the standard bucket which is 3.3 m 3 . Another thing to remember in low profile ( or narrow reef ) mining is that due to the height restrictions and the gradient in the tunnel following the reef it is not possible to complete a heaped load in the bucket . For this reason Sandvik has designed a bucket that specifically assists in gaining more tonnes from non-heaped bucket filling for low height seams .
There is improved lighting with heavy duty LED lights as standard and for improved visibility there is an on-board camera system fitted to all machines .
There is a side-mounted swing out cooling package for easier cleaning and harsh conditions where there is a lot of water : n Easy to clean trial unit n Tough design in severe conditions , not as easily exposed to mud and dirty water n No down time on cooling unit components , motor , fan blades and hydraulic hoses n No transmission overheating n No additional parts used in trial period .
There is a Tier 3 engine option as Sandvik is pushing to make available on its equipment range lower emission engines .
In addition to the compact DUX Machinery model DT-5N , 5 t payload , 1.42 m wide diesel powered dump truck sold to a narrow vein copper mine in the USA last year , DUX is planning to introduce a very compact model DSL-300 LHD with 3 t tramming capacity and 1.22 m ³ SAE heaped bucket capacity , which measures only 1.44 m wide . Both the DT-5N and DSL-300 models are well suited for small deep narrow-vein mines and construction projects . Both share a similar platform and will be available later in electric versions . DUX is also in the process of designing a DT-40E electric haulage truck with 40 t payload capacity .
ADTs
Volvo Construction Equipment ’ s ( Volvo CE ) articulated hauler offering , which recently saw the introduction of a the new 45 t class A45G , now includes the latest , 55 t capacity A60H , offering a 34 % higher payload than the previous largest A45G . It could prove a highly productive solution underground . In situations where loading height and turning space would not restrict a vehicle of this size in underground operations , the A60H could provide for a significantly lower cost per tonne . Despite its size , its turning circle , at 10,014 mm , is not significantly greater than the 8,957 mm of the A40G / A45G .
Where there may be access issues , Volvo ’ s A25G Twin Steer option can provide a good solution . Modified to simplify long distance reversing in tunnels , the Twin Steer features dual controls . Rotation of the operator ’ s seat through 180 ° determines which controls are activated and allows the operator to be always facing the direction of operation . When the rear controls are activated – steering , throttle and brake – long distance reversing is easier , with speed reduced to 13 km / h as an additional safety factor .
A rear window wiper and slats in the rear of the dump body improve visibility when unloaded and a side dashboard improves operator comfort . Safety is further enhanced with a rear vision system , comprising a camera and in-cab monitor , four halogen lights facing the rear , extra mirrors and an amber flashing beacon mounted in the rear part of the machine , providing high visibility when operating in tunnels .
No stranger to underground operation either and increasingly an option where dimensional limitations allow their use , is Volvo ’ s extensive range of wheel loaders . Highly manoeuvrable and adaptable they provide for fast and efficient loading where space is restricted ; a factor than can benefit an operation ’ s bottom line as well as the production rate .
Volvo wheel loaders are adept at working with multiple attachments ; one machine fitted with the Volvo quick coupler can perform multiple
International Mining | JUNE 2017