MinerAndina reports that the first Epiroc Scooptram ST7 under battery operation is now working in Peru. The publication says the LHD “is emerging as the solution to the high price of ventilation, the high consumption of fuel and the equipment not adapting to the narrow tunnels in underground operations.”

Narrow drift operations represent 38% of mining operations in the country, and “have a big margin of growth,” according to the Ministry of Energy and Mines.

This robust 6.8 t LHD is already performing efficiently in a mine at over 4,600 m above sea level, which presents difficult geographical and environmental conditions, especially as a challenge to underground mining due to the hardness of its rocks and the instability of the ground.

The ST7 is eco-friendly (does not emit CO2) and also provides a healthier and more comfortable work environment for operators because it reduces noise and, overall, heat. It also produces more tonnes in rock loading  thanks to its flexible and high elevation design.

The machines consumes up to 90% less fuel compared to diesel machines and it also reduces ventilation costs by up to 85% due to the little heat it generates in contrast to conventional equipment.