On the island of Evia, Greece, Grecian Magnesite owns the mining rights for one of the purest magnesite deposits worldwide; the renowned ‘Agia Triti’ mining concession, which above ground, is a place of exceptional natural beauty and of relatively untouched flora and fauna habitats. After years of geological mapping, geotechnical investigation, laser scanner surveying works, and core drilling exploration, Grecian Magnesite says recently started the Koutzi underground mine: a green, small scale, ‘surgical’ underground mine using narrow vein mining techniques for the extraction of high-quality raw magnesite.
The miner stated: “While Yerakini and Eskişehir will still yield top quality magnesite ore for many decades to come, the market grows and more uses of this versatile mineral appear by the day. In our need for new sites we turned to a familiar place: our mining rights in Evia date as far back as 1920, the year our precursor, Anglo-Greek Magnesite Co, first developed surface and underground mines.”
The company adds: “The Koutzi UG mine is operated by electric and battery powered equipment for an immaculate ‘green’ performance. In addition, remote control mechanical excavation of ore & waste eliminates the use of explosives’ resulting in favorable ventilation conditions and a safer, healthier work environment for our miners.” The mine’s annual production capacity is 50,000 t run of mine ore out of an estimated 11 Mt of reserves. “That means at least one hundred years of top-quality magnesite flow, guaranteed. It also points to a champion of sustainability and environmental responsibility – Grecian Magnesite at its best.” Battery and electric equipment used at Koutzi includes a cable operated electric remote control Brokk 500 breaker and Aramine L140B battery electric miniloader.
The L140B has a 1 to 2 t capacity depending on the bucket type used (0.6-0.8 m3) and the material density. It uses two robust battery packs, in waterproof stainless steel boxes, with charging cooler and integrated charger. Unlimited operation of the machine is possible by changing battery modules, thanks to an exclusive patented system. The rechargeable battery power offers a purer and safer working environment. The chassis and articulations are designed for the toughest application, in order to allow a high availability with a longer life time. The Brokk 500 has 40% more demolition power than its predecessor, the Brokk 400 with a reinforced design and extended reach. It uses a 41 kW Brokk SmartPower™ electrical system.
