British Gypsum’s Barrow-upon-Soar gypsum mine in the UK, part of Saint-Gobain, and supplying a nearby plaster plant which is the largest and most advanced in Europe, recently invested in two low profile underground lithium battery-powered gypsum haulers to cut CO2 emissions by a quarter. By replacing existing diesel-powered units, it is estimated these improvements will reduce CO2 emissions by 100 t a year – the equivalent to over 250,000 miles in a diesel car.
Overall at Barrow mine, the company is investing in this new machinery, which has already included a new Joy UFB-14 feeder breaker and 12HM46 A continuous miner, to access thinner seams (<2.25 m) where existing equipment is too high. These seams represent about 60% of reserves and are expected to produce over 12 Mt over the next 15 years.
The two Komatsu Joy BH18AC (18 short ton, 16.4 t) class haulers are capable of mining seams of 1.45 m and some of the first lithium battery models of their kind to have been delivered in the world. British Gypsum also plans to replace a third diesel hauler with a battery-powered unit in 2024. The two new haulers are being tested on surface before heading underground into the room and pillar gypsum operation.
The new technology at the Leicestershire site marks another important step in the mine’s net zero journey. Jeremy Elvins, Minerals & Estates Manager, British Gypsum, said after the investment was first announced: “We are pleased to announce this investment into CO2-reducing equipment at our Barrow-upon-Soar site. Our purpose is Making the World a Better Home and the switch to battery technology is a small step on the road to reducing the embodied carbon in plaster manufactured by British Gypsum in the UK. The 25% reduction in CO2 emissions at Barrow is a significant milestone on our net zero roadmap for the mine. These will be the first lithium battery powered rock haulers of their kind in an underground mine in the UK and Europe, so we are truly leading the way.”
These moves are part of a commitment shared by all brands within the Saint-Gobain group as they focus on their individual net zero carbon 2050 roadmaps. Plans include tackling transport and production emissions, reducing embodied carbon in supply chains, and switching to renewable only electricity.
The BH18AC is the first lithium-ion battery hauler in soft rock mining and Komatsu Mining says is designed to boost productivity with 75% faster charge time, and much lower maintenance versus traditional lead acid technology. “Brushless AC-traction motors drive each wheel independently and are designed to deliver maximum torque. Your operators enjoy excellent steering, smooth operation and strong performance on steep inclines. Regenerative braking enhances control on descents.When conditions require extra traction, operators can hold down a button on the joystick to engage the trailer wheels for all-wheel-drive. No need to worry about problems with complex drive shafts, chains or sprockets. Electronically activated steering assist for smooth-and-easy steering while relieving stress on motors, drivetrain and suspension assemblies.”
The Joy lithium battery charging option is capable of two hours from discharged to full charge with no cool down period needed. A partial charge still provides significant haulage ability and no ventilation is required. A gauge in the cab helps operators monitor battery capacity. In the event of low remaining capacity, the system reduces features to conserve energy, so the operator can return to the charging area.
