All posts by Daniel Gleeson

British Gypsum set to expand Komatsu Joy lithium-ion battery fleet at Barrow mine

Mine operation news, Mining equipment, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , ,

British Gypsum’s Barrow-upon-Soar gypsum mine in the UK, part of Saint-Gobain, is looking to expand its use of Joy battery haulers following the initial deployment of two lithium-ion haulers from Komatsu, IM heard during a technical session at the SME MineXchange Conference and Expo, in Phoenix, Arizona, recently.

“The operation has been running two of these 18 short ton (16.4 t) payload battery haulers, BH18ACs, for just over nine months, with the units replacing 16 short ton diesel DBT ‘Ram Car’ vehicles,” Jerry Davis, Principal Engineer at Komatsu, said during his presentation ‘Case Study on the benefits of implementing the lithium-ion battery powered haulage in underground mining’.

“Komatsu has manufactured 820 battery haulers to date (the majority being with lead-acid batteries), with 15 of these lithium-ion battery versions,” Davis said. “This is set to expand to 29 lithium-ion battery units in the near term.”

Two of these lithium-ion haulers are now at the Barrow-upon-Soar mine. These are capable of mining seams of 1.45 m and represent some of the first lithium-ion battery models of their kind to have been delivered in the UK. British Gypsum said previously that it would replace a third diesel hauler with a battery-powered unit this year.

The BH18AC is the first lithium-ion battery hauler in soft-rock mining in Europe 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 front wheel independently and are designed to deliver maximum torque,” the company says. “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.”

The Joy lithium-ion battery charging option is capable of approximately two hours from discharged to full charge with no cool down period needed. At the Barrow-upon-Soar mine, it is currently using the haulers with a battery swapping mechanism.

At the Barrow-upon-Soar mine, British Gypsum is currently using the haulers with a battery swapping mechanism

The two new haulers have been tested on surface and underground in the room and pillar gypsum operation. They have been in commercial operation since mid-2023.

Davis said the operation was still awaiting feedback on operating cost and productivity comparisons, but the two vehicles had already achieved vehicle availability of approximately 100% (compared with the diesel-equivalent circa-70%). The Joy battery haulers had also averaged a 6-m advancement in 12 loads, compared with the diesel-equivalent’s 16 loads.

“In addition to the third unit, the mine operator is also considering replacing its existing cable-tethered loaders with battery haulers”, Davis added.

For Komatsu, meanwhile, the company is looking to continue product specific development within its Komatsu Mine Analysis Platform to aid asset management, productivity improvement solutions, operational support, application engineering, product development and warning systems.

Almalyk MMC

Metso and Almalyk MMC sign technology agreement for new copper smelter

Base metals, Mining equipment, Mining services, Sustainable mining, , , , , ,

Metso and JSC Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical company (Almalyk MMC) have signed a frame agreement on significant process technology deliveries for Almalyk MMC’s new copper smelter investment in Uzbekistan.

The companies have collaborated on the development of minerals processing and metallurgical operations since 2011, Metso says.

Equipment package contracts under the framework agreement will be booked once they have been signed and become effective. Metso says it estimates that the majority of those contracts will be signed this year. The frame agreement is a continuation of Metso’s and Almalyk MMC’s contract signed at the end of 2022 for the design and basic engineering work for the copper smelter.

The planned production capacity of the new copper smelter, which will be integrated with the company’s existing operations in Almalyk, is 300,000 t/y of copper cathodes and 1.8 Mt/y of sulphuric acid.

“We are very pleased to be selected as the strategic partner for Almalyk MMC’s smelter project,” Piia Karhu, President of Metso’s Metals business area, said. “Metso will provide Almalyk MMC with the most advanced sustainable Planet Positive technology for their copper refining processes.”

Almalyk MMC is the main copper producer in Uzbekistan. The company produces refined copper, gold, silver, zinc, molybdenum, lead concentrate and other products.

ABB and EcoHoist to work on low carbon, low cost vertical material transport solution

Mine shafts and equipment, Mining equipment, Sustainable mining, , , , , ,

ABB and EcoHoist have executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of a vertical material transport solution for underground mines.

The solution combines EcoHoist’s technology with ABB’s technical capability and experience in vertical ore haulage in mining, they say.

The EcoHoist aims to improve on traditional vertical hoisting systems, by substantially reducing the size of the required mine shafts. This reduction in mine shaft size leads to a reduction in capital cost and construction time compared with skip hoist systems, the company says. The EcoHoist operates on electricity and provides the opportunity for mines using conventional diesel powered load and haul fleets to simultaneously cut production costs and decarbonise.

“As mines go deeper underground, and as external pressures to decarbonise mining operations increase, the EcoHoist is a compelling solution,” EcoHoist says.

The collaboration will see experts from both companies contributing to solutions for the future of underground ore haulage systems and provides opportunities for further commercial arrangements. This collaboration aims to expedite EcoHoist’s delivery of a subscale demonstration of the technology, by leveraging ABB’s expertise in engineering and hoist safety systems.

ABB has a strong reputation for delivering solutions for the mining industry, with more than 600 active production and service mine hoists within its global installed base, and EcoHoist hopes this collaboration will accelerate the adoption and deployment of the EcoHoist pilot.

Björn Jonsson – Global Business Line Manager for Hoisting at ABB, said: “The mining industry globally is poised for a sustainability step change and ABB is excited to work with EcoHoist in support of new technologies in this journey.”

Aaron Trueman – Australian Business Line Manager for Hoisting at ABB, added: “No matter the mine in Australia, the challenge is how to get ore out of the ground safely and efficiently with high availability in very remote locations. Hoists are a critical mine asset to achieve this, and novel approaches to ore haulage such as EcoHoist are what the industry needs to deliver minerals essential to modern technology.”

Matthew Forrest – Managing Director of EcoHoist, said: “I look forward to continuing to work with Björn, Aaron and other talented people at ABB. ABB’s proven track record delivering electrical drive, automation and safety systems to the resources industry provides strong synergies with EcoHoist.”

Michael Short – Business Development Engineer at EcoHoist, says the EcoHoist offers an opportunity for mining leaders interested in integrating a low-cost solution into their operation.

“We are now in early conversations with interested mining companies for collaboration projects to trial this innovative technology, aiming to increase production rates while reducing both operating costs and carbon footprint.”

Barminco extends stay at Regis Resources’ Duketon operations

Mine operation news, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , , , ,

Perenti Limited’s underground mining business, Barminco, has been awarded a new contract for the provision of mining services at Regis Resources Limited’s Duketon Operations (including Rosemont and Garden Well underground mines) in the Goldfields region of Western Australia.

The alliance style agreement comes with a contract value of A$393 million ($255 million) and is based on initial three-year term, commencing April 1, 2024.

As part of the pact, Barminco is due to carry out underground development, production and support services at the operations.

Regis recently opened the Balkau Decline at its Garden Well South underground mine, which is an underground extension of the Garden Well open-pit mine: a key production source at Regis’ Duketon gold project.

Rosemont, meanwhile, includes the Rosemont open pit and underground mine, as well as Baneygo open pit. The Rosemont and associated surface deposits are mined using conventional open-pit mining truck and shovel methods. The Rosemont underground produces approximately 600,000 t/y and is mined using mechanised open stoping.

Mark Norwell, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Perenti, said: “We’re very pleased to continue our partnership with Regis Resources at the Duketon Operations where Barminco has been providing value to our
client through both development and production works since February 2019. This award adds Australian based underground earnings to our portfolio, which is aligned with the ongoing delivery of our strategy.”

Gabrielle Iwanow, President of Contract Mining, said, “Our people are at the heart of our success and their dedication, innovative thinking and highly skilled efforts have again resulted in the award of a significant contract with the third largest Australian gold producer on the ASX, at a great mine that is located right here in Western Australia. We are proud to continue partnering with Regis Resources as we embark on this alliance style contract to further deliver on our purpose of creating enduring value and certainty.”

IAMGOLD announces first gold pour at Côté Gold mine in Ontario

Automation, Mineral processing, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining project news, Precious metals

IAMGOLD says it has completed its first gold pour at the Côté Gold Mine, in Ontario, Canada, less than 90 days since the start of pre-commissioning activities. Côté Gold is operated as a joint venture between IAMGOLD, as the operator, and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Ltd.

Renaud Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer of IAMGOLD, said: “With Côté Gold online, IAMGOLD now has three operating mines, joining Essakane in Burkina Faso and Westwood in Quebec, Canada. This achievement represents the culmination of over 15 million hours of work over four years of construction – an incredible effort for the team on the ground as the project cost to first gold remains in line with the updated budget estimate while maintaining a near impeccable safety record. Further, I want to thank our partner Sumitomo for their continued support and dedication. This achievement is monumental for the Côté team, IAMGOLD, Sumitomo and for the gold mining industry itself.”

Commissioning activities at Côté have been progressing well, with performance achieved in the crushing, Weir high pressure grinding roll and processing circuits within expectations, including power consumption. With first gold now achieved, the next step and focus for IAMGOLD is on the ramp up of the operation to commercial production in the September quarter towards the goal of exiting the year at a 90% throughput rate.

Production guidance from Côté this year, on a 100% basis, is unchanged at 220,000-290,000 oz of gold, assuming the remaining milestones are achieved.

At steady run-rate, Côté Gold is expected to be within the largest operating gold mines in Canada with an expected mine life exceeding 18 years and significant opportunities for growth. On a project level, combining the Côté and Gosselin deposits, Côté has a total estimated measured and indicated resources of 16.5 Moz with an additional 4.2 Moz of inferred resources, putting the project in exclusive company of large-scale Canadian assets.

Adams continued: “Côté is positioned as an innovation leader in our industry as the first gold mining project in North America designed and built for a fully automated haulage fleet. Automation not only brings significant benefits in health and safety and operating efficiencies but is a considerable step forward in the evolution of modern mining and the skilled workforce of tomorrow. Further, this is just the beginning for Côté, as we believe the project is the start of what will ultimately turn into a new mining district that will be a mining hub for decades to come.”

RocketDNA Ltd seals first autonomous xBot contract with Calidus Resources subsidiary

Automation, Mine surveying, Mining services, Mining software, Precious metals, , , , , , ,

RocketDNA Ltd (RKT), a global drones-as-a-service provider, says it has signed its first long-term contract for an autonomous xBot® solution with Keras (Pilbara) Gold Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Calidus Resources Limited.

The contract will see the provision by RKT of an autonomous xBot solution, which includes:

  • Supply and maintenance of one xBot drone-in-a-box surveying system (SurveyBot®). The SurveyBot is a site-ready, integrated hardware system that supports a surveying drone which is monitored by a pilot located at an off-site remote operating centre (ROC). It is built to meet the stringent requirements of the national aviation safety regulator (Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)) and includes DJI drone hardware, communications systems (ethernet, Wi-Fi, cellular & Starlink connectivity), power management system, weather station and CCTV;
  • Remote operation of the SurveyBot from RocketDNA’s ROCs in Perth and Adelaide. RKT will provide a pilot operating under its CASA-approved deployment and operational risk methodology and policies, allowing the customer to focus on data outputs and insights rather than drone flying. RKT leverages significant cost savings from the ability to manage multiple xBots from a single office site with low travel and site safety overhead;
  • Strayos AI software licence to enable automated processing, analysis and reporting for the open-pit operations using the SurveyBot data. RKT operates a commercial partnership with Strayos which provides mining operators with an array of AI-driven data applications that generate operational efficiencies and insights; and
  • RocketDNA SiteTube® data visualisation platform. SiteTube is RKT’s proprietary data visualisation platform, allowing enterprise customers to host & access their data securely on locally-based cloud servers.

The SurveyBot system will initially be deployed at Calidus’ Blue Bar pit, a satellite open-pit operation that is 70 km by unsealed road from Calidus’ Warrawoona gold project in Western Australia and 25 km south of the township of Marble Bar, in Western Australia. The surveys provided will include:

  • Daily surveys of the open pit for drill and blast design, pit conformance reporting, volumetric reporting;
  • Stockpile surveys for volumetric reporting;
  • Daily imagery and video to provide up-to-date situational awareness of the operation to the clients’ off-site personnel; and
  • Ability for live-streaming of video

The overall solution is expected to generate significant operational efficiencies for the customer including:

  • Reducing the frequency of physical surveying activity, which requires significant road travel and on-site time;
  • Leveraging rapid data processing time and AI insights for mine optimisation; and
  • Providing oversight of mining operations to remote senior management

Calidus Resources Managing Director, David Reeves, said: “Calidus is currently commencing operations at various satellite pits that are up to 70 km distance from our main processing facility. The pits are generally smaller in size and do not justify their own survey team on site. The xBot not only allows daily pickups for survey to be completed efficiently, the associated video also allows our planning team in Perth to understand exactly how the operations are progressing and allow for rapid reaction if required.

“We look forward to partnering with RocketDNA and see great potential for this technology on our other sites as they come on line”

RocketDNA CEO, Christopher Clark, said: “We are delighted to announce this first long-term xBot contract. Although we already have other xBots deployed, the long-term format of this contract will allow us to partner with the customer and potentially provide for further specific needs of the site. The components within this specific contract also demonstrate the breadth of our product suite – and how the different components of XBot, ROC, Strayos and SiteTube can be harnessed to provide an overall solution which is cost effective and value adding for the customer.”

The three-year contact (monthly billing) is conditional on RocketDNA gaining area approval by the CASA. RKT has in place broad CASA approval for autonomous and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations, however, under Australian legislation, further authorisation is also required at the project level to attach additional areas of operations to our current approval. RKT anticipates no impediments in achieving this step.

RKT is currently completing the assembly of its first batch of five xBots from in-stock components, one of which has been allocated to Calidus. After safety reviews and on-site preparation, it will be commissioned within the next 3 months, considering the CASA approvals mentioned above.

MMS to carry out load and haul services at Silverlake Mount Monger

Mine operation news, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , ,

In what it says is a significant win, MMS has secured a A$200 million ($130 million) load and haul contract with gold producer Silver Lake Resources, in Western Australia.

The contract marks a significant milestone for both parties, signalling the next stage of expansion in the Silverlake Mount Monger operation, southeast of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, MMS says.

The 49-month contract is scheduled to commence on April 1, 2024, with MMS operating alongside Silver Lake Resources and Dynamic Drill and Blast in the Santa open pit and Flora Dora deposit.

MMS has already commenced mobilising its fleet onto the site, with early works and site establishment in progress, it says. The fleet consists of new and low-hour heavy machinery, including 120-200-t excavators and 100-t dump trucks. As the operation progresses, it will peak at a workforce of 106 employees and 48 heavy machines operating on site.

Avesco expands Sandvik equipment sales and support remit in Europe

Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining services, , ,

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions distributor Avesco has expanded its European sales territory to offer Sandvik construction equipment and solutions in Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

Sandvik and Avesco have a long-standing partnership dating back to 1999 in Switzerland. The Swiss family-owned trading and services company has also served as a Sandvik distributor in Austria and Slovenia since 2015.

Avesco will now manage several Sandvik product groups in six new countries under the expansion, including surface and underground drill rigs, loaders and trucks, rock tools and mechanical cutting equipment. Avesco will sell equipment, but will also be responsible for supporting customers with after-sales service and solutions for construction applications.

Christian Bjorne, Sales Area Manager Northern Europe at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, said: “We welcome Avesco’s expanded presence into more countries in Sales Area Northern Europe and are confident that this expansion will provide our customers in the region with premium products and services, as well as enhance service quality and customer satisfaction through local presence. Avesco has demonstrated competence in serving both the construction and mining sectors in Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland, and this expansion of distribution underscores the trust in our collaboration and the quality of Sandvik products.”

Epiroc upgrades SmartROC C50 drill rig with long feed option

Automation, Explosives and blasting, Mining equipment, , , , ,

Epiroc says its SmartROC C50 will now be available with a choice of two feeds, the standard feed or a long feed, allowing the drill rig to deliver even more metres per shift.

This rig combines high penetration rates with superior hole quality – even in the most challenging conditions, the company claims.

The long feed enables this COPROD rig to deliver even more meters per shift by increasing drilling time and reducing the time changing rods, according to Epiroc. Additionally, less rod changing reduces wear on consumables and helps lower fuel costs. This makes this machine even more cost effective.

Epiroc said: “The SmartROC C50 is one of fastest, safest and most efficient drill rigs available on the market. The well-known surface drill rig is a favoured choice for contractors and mining customers who require both raw power and precision. This is due to the COPROD technology, which offers the unique combination of precision and speed. Together with the new long feed, this rig will be beneficial to mining and quarrying operations all around the globe.”

The SmartROC C50 with a long feed can carry a 7.3 m starter rod and 6 m rods in the carousel, which increases the maximum hole depth to 37 m. There is also a significant increase in its single-pass capacity, according to Epiroc.

“We have taken this top class surface drill rig and made it even more appealing with this new long feed option,” Ulf Gyllander, Global Product Manager at Epiroc, said. “With its smart Rig Control System (RCS) and easy-to-use touch screen, we are proud to call the SmartROC C50 a class-leading rig.”