Wabtec Corporation is to highlight its portfolio of integrated mining systems at bauma 2022 in Munich from October 24-30. The company says it will “showcase how its solutions are advancing electrification and sustainability for the mining industry.”

Wabtec introduced the first commercially viable electric drive system for large mining haul trucks in the early 1960’s. Since then, the company says it has led the industry in the introduction of new technology to improve the mining industry’s key operational metric – material hauled in cost per tonne.

“With service-proven transmission and electric components, the company is the recognised leader in electric drive systems ranging from 100-400 ton capacity and has delivered more than 10,000 electric drive systems to customers worldwide, which have performed over 1 billion hours of proven operation.”

Wabtec says its electric drive system technology also delivers roughly 5% of fuel savings over mechanical drive-powered mining trucks. “Wabtec’s electric propulsion and electric auxiliaries are important enablers for the transition of mining trucks to alternative fuel sources, including natural gas, trolley, battery, and hydrogen fuel cell.”

Wabtec also will showcase its mining truck pantograph and trolley pole system. “Wabtec’s mining pantographs provide power for open pit mining trucks and are specially designed to help promote high-traction efficiency, low maintenance and maximum life of parts and overhead wire. Under trolley operation, it is estimated that a Wabtec-powered mining truck could reduce diesel consumption at a mine by over 50% and increase productivity – thereby reducing both cost and greenhouse gas emissions, while improving speed uphill.”

Wabtec’s Digital Mine portfolio will also be on display. The combined advanced software, models, analytics, and solutions “enable safer mining practices, creating a more efficient and reliable mining ecosystem.” The portfolio includes Collision Awareness Systems (CAS), Drill Guidance Solutions (DGS) and Asset Performance Management (APM) and Process Optimization. These solutions meet customers’ business objectives in a safe, productive, and efficient manner.

In addition to drive systems, digital mine applications, pantographs and trolley poles, Wabtec will showcase how its presence in the mining industry is continuing to grow. Wabtec offers cable reels, slip rings, railcar movers, cooling systems and more. “When combined, these solutions can offer a more complete product offering to customers and unlock additional safety and electrification benefits. Wabtec also will discuss its rail and marine offerings, many of which can potentially be used in mining applications in the near future.”