More wins for KGHM ZANAM in German potash mining with major LHD order

Posted by Paul Moore on 14th May 2020

In mid-November 2020, more machines produced by Poland’s underground load and haul equipment and solutions major KGHM ZANAM SA will enter the German market. Thanks to winning a recent tender, seven LKP-0703 LHDs will be supplied to the K+S Zielitz potash mining operation.

KGHM ZANAM said the contract has been concluded “as an effect of the strategy which the company’s management board implements consistently to strengthen the position, and build the awareness of the brand in target foreign markets.”

The Zielitz potash mine in Saxony-Anhalt near Magdeburg is the largest individual K+S mine and, in terms of annual output, is one of the largest and most modern potash mines in the world with production of about 12 Mt/y. The potash mine often has difficult conditions. Temperatures at Zielitz can be as high as 52⁰C, and gradients stretch for many kilometres often reaching 15 degrees.
“With its knowledge and experience acquired in Polish rock salt mines, KGHM ZANAM has been supplying machinery to German salt mines for over 12 years. Today, K+S is one of the largest European suppliers of potassium and magnesium products and the world’s leading salt producer, so our long-term cooperation and presence in such a demanding and prosperous market attest to the quality of our products best,” says Bernard Cichocki, CEO of KGHM ZANAM.

The LKP-0703 Loader is a new product in the KGHM ZANAM machine range, featuring many innovative solutions designed according to detailed guidelines, provided by the customer and adapted to the on-site operating conditions.

The product uses an energy-saving hydraulic system which is fitted with variable displacement pumps with Load Sensing control, which adjusts the pump capacity to the load. Such a solution enables the machine’s capacity increase and thermal emission reduction, which is a great advantage when working at the extremely high temperatures in the Zielitz mine.

The safety and comfort of the operator is ensured thanks to the new, enclosed and ergonomic cab protection structure, compliant with FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structures) and ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) standards, and is equipped with a specially designed air conditioning system using chilled water as a refrigerant. In addition, by deciding to use a Stage V engine, KGHM ZANAM has guaranteed the cleanest possible machine emissions.

The company added: “Our team of constructors’ experience and hard work results in the high technological level of the KGHM ZANAM machinery, which allows for our competition with products of renowned brands and gives hopes for further orders.”

Apart from Germany, machines made by KGHM ZANAM are exported to other international markets as well. As an example, for many years, LKP-1601M LHDs have been a popular product used by the Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company in Russia (UMMC).