Komatsu Ltd is showcasing its latest underground hard rock mining equipment at MINExpo 2024 this week in Las Vegas. In particular, Komatsu is strengthening its underground hard rock mining equipment business through an enhanced lineup, the development of new mining methods, and strategic acquisitions, and will showcase its latest initiatives.

First off, Komatsu says it is excited to introduce its first battery-electric powered LHD machine, the WX04B, along with a 150 kW battery charger engineered specifically for underground hard rock mining. Designed for narrow vein mines, this 4-t LHD features industry-leading battery technology with best-in-class energy density, offering up to four hours of run time on a single charge.

And one of the standout features of the WX04B is its innovative battery swap system. Unlike many traditional systems that require extensive underground infrastructure, the WX04B’s battery swap can be performed at ground level without additional equipment or risks of rigging overhead loads. This streamlined process reduces costs and complexity, making it a more efficient and user-friendly option for underground mining operations.

Additionally, key features of the 150 kW battery charger include power efficiency, broad compatibility with mining power sources (400 VAC to 1,000 VAC) and no need for an external transformer. This design minimises infrastructure requirements, offering mining operations greater flexibility without the need for a dedicated charging station.

Komatsu will also showcase for the first time two machines from GHH Group GmbH, the German manufacturer of underground mining, tunnelling and civil engineering equipment acquired on July 1 of this year, under the Komatsu brand. The WX15 is a 15 t class LHD with a maximum bucket capacity of 9 m³ and the HX45 is a mining truck with 45 t capacity—new additions to Komatsu’s lineup with these specific vehicle sizes. Both machines are designed to work in tandem, offering productive three-pass loading cycles for maximum efficiency in mining operations.

Komatsu is further excited to introduce its first medium-size class drill jumbo ZJ32 and bolter ZB31 to its lineup, further broadening Komatsu’s selection of offerings for the underground mining industry. The Z3 machines are built on a universal platform and designed with a focus on modularity and efficiency. This focus offers improved productivity that can help reduce service and maintenance costs across operations. The Z3 also boasts universal operator controls, simplifying user adoption and increasing training efficiency. In the near future, additional battery and intelligent machine control models of the Z3 series will be added to the lineup to provide customers with a comprehensive range of offerings to meet their demands.