International Mining’s October issue, currently in final production, includes a focus on the mining industry of Kazakhstan. Paus reports that since 2007 it has delivered a total of 34 personnel transporters to one major metallic ore mining company. In these underground mines, the Minca 18 carries miners quickly, safely and comfortably through the mine to their workplaces. For more than 40 years, German company Paus has been successful with solutions for underground mining. For example Universa vehicles, trucks, dump trucks and LHDs are all part of the substantial product range of this family-owned company in northern Germany. One of the most successful products in the mining range is the Paus Minca (Mining Car) – a 4WD transportation vehicle, available in two models: Minca 5 with a total length of 4.6 m and Minca 18 (5.7 m). The basic vehicle is designed to carry different attachments: personnel cabin, loading platform with crane, fire fighting cassette as well as an ambulance are only some superstructures which make the Minca very suitable for underground operation.
Paus says that “in many mines around the world customers are impressed by the high qualitiy of the Minca.” The Minca 18 embraces very sturdy design and high reliability. High quality components, made in Germany, help the machines to offer “outstanding economy and availability,” Paus reports.
Powered by a water-cooled 2012 series 93 KW DEUTZ engine, the Minca features a monitoring device that shuts down the engine automatically in case of any failures such as engine or converter oil temperature or pressure. The first units have now already undergone more than 6,000 operating hours within two years without any major failures.
The conditions in the mines are pretty tough: The environment is very wet, besides humidity the water is very acidic and therefore corrosive. Additionally, the roads are subject to frequent changes of horizontal transversal gradients, potholes and slippery surfaces. In some areas the water is knee-high, but has to be driven through. “The Minca was built for these conditions: with its four-wheel drive, integrated differential and powerful engine slopes up to 40 % can be managed,” Paus says.
Another feature that was particularly used for this application is the hydrostatic drive, that gives constant traction without any gear shifting on the numerous inclines. Engine power is used optimally, which reduces fuel consumption. Also braking is much easier since the drive is a closed circuit. This reduces wear and maintenance and increases safety. The maximum speed is 35 km/h. Powershift transmission is also available.
Both front and rear axle are suspended by spiral springs and shock absorbers, the front axle is oscillating. Special attention was paid to a high ground clearance to deal with tough conditions.
When the Minca was designed, Paus also paid great attention to the passengers. The drivers’ and the passengers cabins are comfortable; roof and sidewalls are covered with insulation material. “In addition, the dashboard and instruments as well as the adjustable steering wheel make it a preferred unit to use,” Paus says. A closed cabin with heating and air conditioning is available as option. For use in extremely cold environments, the installation of a winter-start-package is possible.
The German-Kazakh service company OOO “Eurotechservice” (ETS) is responsible for service and maintenance on the mine sites. ETS has a central workshop on the client’s premises, which is quickly accessible from the mines. Well trained service engineers and technicians maintain the units. With up-to-date tools and equipment, failures can be addressed directly without delays; oil samples are regularly taken and analysed in the laboratory.
All maintenance and service jobs can easily be performed since at the Minca design stage a large number of flaps and openings were included to enable quick access especially for frequent maintenance spots like filters and filling points.
Paus concludes: “The successful operation of the Minca 18 units in the Kazakh mines shows that these machines can run successfully even under tough underground conditions: this is what they were designed for.”