All posts by Paul Moore

Epiroc initiates ReNAM project to boost further autonomous mining tech development

Automation, Bulk handling, Communications in mining, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software

Together with the robotics and AI team at Luleå University of Technology and the technology company Algoryx, Epiroc is initiating the ReNAM project to push the development of autonomous mining even further. The project will utilise simulations and apply state-of-the-art research on Epiroc’s underground mining machines “to enable the next level of autonomy and safety.”

The ReNAM project will develop and validate advanced sensor technology and autonomous control technology for mining vehicles. The project has received funding from the Swedish innovation agency Vinnova and will run from 2023 to the end of 2025.

“Through this partnership, we are contributing to a new generation of machines with improved autonomy capabilities. This is an exciting addition to the on-going development of our automation offering, which helps to further improve safety and productivity for our customers” says Åsa Gabrielsson, VP Research & Development at Epiroc’s Underground division.

As a first step, realistic digital twins of mining machines and surroundings will be modelled in a physics-based simulation environment. Once the sensor- and AI-equipped virtual mining machines have been developed to the point where they can solve tasks safely and reliably in the digitally simulated environment, the next step is to transfer the developed control systems to Epiroc’s mining machine and have it perform the same tasks in a real, physical test mine.

“Through realistic simulations and with safety in mind, where the AI can be trained on the whole system, the machine that is, with its environment and real forces, contacts and behaviours, the outcome will be superior to most projects we see in the world. In order to be successful, collaboration between universities, high-tech, and industrial companies is extremely important,” says Urban Wikman, Business Director at Algoryx.

“We are doing so much more than autonomy, essentially, we are accelerating machines to a new level of technology. The overall quality of Swedish mines, efficiency and safety will be unparalleled,” says George Nikolakopoulos, Chair Professor of Robotics and AI, at Luleå University of Technology.

The goal of the project is to develop and validate two use cases that can lay a foundation for future robotics research and contribute to Epiroc’s future development of commercial products with fully developed machine autonomy.

STRACON gets another contract award at Quellaveco

Automation, Base metals, Bulk handling, Equipment maintenance, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services

STRACON has received a major contract award from Anglo American for the Quellaveco copper mining project’s ‘production of fill material and construction of the basal drain – first phase.’

It says: “This award reflects our commitment to excellence and the trust our clients place in us. At STRACON, we take pride in being part of projects that drive sustainable and responsible development in the mining industry. We are ready to take on this new challenge, and to continue contributing to the success of the Quellaveco mining project.”

STRACON is already the leading constructor and contractor at Quellaveco in Moquegua, Peru, where it has been delivering management and administration; pre-stripping; implementation and operation of the autonomous Cat 794 AC and Epiroc Pit Viper 351 fleet; operating the Cat 7495 electric rope shovels; tailings dam construction; as well as building all the access roads and a number of other earthworks at the site.

In particular its operation of the autonomous trucks has made it one of only a handful of contractors to get this experience and expertise. STRACON has previously stated: “To operate them, it was necessary to implement not only modern technology but also generate a cultural change in our team, not only in the parameterisation but also in the development and operation of an autonomous fleet system that is different from a conventional fleet in many aspects. At the same time, a social plan was designed to guarantee a positive impact of technology on the communities of the area of influence; people were trained not only to be part of the project but to develop a career in the mining sector.”

This included many women from the surrounding communities, who have been trained by STRACON to operate various types of large mining equipment, and today, have become a key part of this important project.

 

 

Zijin Mining investing $226 million in Zhunuo ultra-large copper mine project in Tibet, China

Base metals, Mineral commodities, Mineral project development, Mining services

On August 21, Zijin Mining announced it is acquiring a 48.591% interest in Tibet Zhonghui Industrial for RMB1.646 billion, or almost US$226 million, which will give the company a relative controlling interest in the Zhunuo Copper Mine, an undeveloped, ultra-large copper mine in Tibet, China. According to the agreement signed for the acquisition, Zijin Mining will take leadership of the construction and operational phase for the mine.

The Zhunuo Copper Mine is situated in Ngamring County, Xigazê, Tibet. According to a detailed exploration report submitted in June 2023 by the Geological Exploration Team 2 of the Tibet Geological Exploration Bureau, the mine has 2.2 Mt of contained copper, at an average grade of 0.62%, and an additional 1.34 Mt of copper contained in low-grade ores, grading 0.29%. Zhunuo is a rare undeveloped, ultra-large copper mine in China, with a shallow orebody that is thick in the centre and thin around the perimeter.

The project’s mining and processing operations will be located at 4,460 to 5,850 m above sea level. Zijin Mining points out that it has accumulated successful experience in building and operating projects at high altitudes in Qinghai, Xinjiang and Tibet. According to a preliminary plan, Zijin Mining will employ its high-altitude open-pit mining technology that is intelligent, low-carbon, and eco-friendly, and its intelligent processing technology, to develop the project. This will turn Zhunuo into a green and intelligent mine site.

The design capacity of its open-pit mining and processing facilities is 24 Mt/y. Excluding the mine construction period, the project is expected to have a mine life of 20 years, with an average copper output of 99,000 t/y after reaching nameplate capacity.

To date, Zijin Mining has invested more than RMB30 billion in Tibet. It holds controlling interests in Julong Copper and lithium producer Lakkor Resources, and is the second-largest shareholder of Tibet-based companies such as Yulong Copper and Tianyuan Mining.

By the end of 2022, Zijin Mining owned 73.72 Mt of untapped copper resources (excluding those of the Zhunuo Project), ranking 8th in the global mining sector and equivalent to more than half of China’s total. In 2022, the company contributed 40% of the global net increment in mined copper output, it says establishing itself as the world’s fastest-growing copper producer. With the addition of the Zhunuo copper project and the ongoing development of the Julong copper mine, Zijin says its Tibet business is poised to become one of the most important drivers for its copper production, further strengthening the company’s copper resource base and increasing its copper output in China.

Steer deploys remote control enabled dozer for Sibelco at its underground mine in Stjernøy

Automation, Bulk handling, Industrial minerals, Mine shafts and equipment, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services

A remote-controlled Caterpillar D8 dozer is now ready for operation at Sibelco’s underground nepheline syenite mine in Stjernøy, northern Norway. The technology from Norwegian company Steer AS, is enabling Sibelco to increase production at the plant with environmental benefits. It is an important development as it shows an example of one of the world’s largest industrial minerals companies embracing automation beyond the traditional large metallic miners.

Not only that but it is another major project for Steer AS, a Norwegian company that specialises in remote controlled construction equipment and autonomous haulage. Its AHS has already been proven at Romarheim AS, a 2 Mt/y quarry owned by DC Eikefet Aggregates AS for whom it has automated a fleet of Cat 772G mining trucks including an Object Detection System developed by Steer, comprising LiDAR sensors with Steer’s own software allowing system decision making.

For this example with Sibelco, the remote control system allows the operator to manage the bulldozer from an operator chair in the control room with video feed from cameras mounted on the machine.

Håvard Dyrkolbotn, the Mining Manager at Sibelco in Stjernøy, expressed his satisfaction with the delivery: “It will improve our productivity and safety in the mine. It enables us to dispose of byproducts efficiently, and thereby reduce our environmental impact. The bulldozer will push excess material out into a several hundred metre deep shaft inside a tunnel system. Due to risk of falling rock from the tunnel roof the operation would be unsafe to perform manually. We are happy with the system performance and look forward to continuing our collaboration with Steer in the future.”

The CTO of Steer, Lars Tronsmoen on the delivery: “It has been a pleasure to cooperate with Sibelco in Stjernøy. They have shown great interest and trust in us and our solution, and we are happy to see that it has met their expectations and needs. We have worked hard to deliver a functionally safe and high-quality product. We are grateful to Sibelco Stjernøy for trusting us as their partner, and we hope to pursue future opportunities with them, such as other remote control applications or our autonomous haulage solution.” Sibelco also operates an open pit mine in the same location.

Steer AS is a pioneer in the field of autonomous and remote controlled construction equipment. The company’s history dates back to the clean-up of the Hjerkinn military firing range, where remote-controlled machines were needed to ensure the safety of the workers. Steer builds on experience from the development and delivery of remote control systems for construction machinery and says it is constantly developing its advanced solutions. 

Steer offers remote control systems for heavy machinery and autonomous haulage solutions for the mining and quarry industry. The company says its mission is to provide solutions to improve safety, sustainability and productivity in the construction, quarry and mining industry. 

Establishment of new CharIN Wireless Power Transfer Taskforce highlights potential in mining

Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining

CharIN has launched a Wireless Power Transfer Taskforce initiated by Siemens AG, WiTricity Corporation, and MAHLE. The Taskforce aims to drive the adoption and standardisation of wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles worldwide to enable seamless wireless charging experiences. Industry experts are invited to participate. The Task Force starts working in September.

The founding of the Wireless Power Transfer Taskforce stems from the need to enable seamless wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles. Currently, there are remaining gaps in standardisation that pose challenges to vehicle OEMs and the imminent deployment of wireless charging. The CharIN Taskforce, initiated by Siemens AG, WiTricity Corporation, and MAHLE, seeks to close these gaps in a timely manner, ensuring the successful integration and utilisation of wireless power transfer technology in the evolving electric mobility landscape.

The Taskforce will actively work towards harmonising standards in wireless power transfer (WPT) technology for charging vehicles while focusing on a static 11 kW charging system. By resolving open points in existing WPT standards, the Taskforce aims to create a foundation for seamless, efficient, and universal wireless charging solutions.

The statement adds: “Defining the respective applicability of wireless charging will play a crucial role in its integration into diverse EV platforms. By defining rigorous test procedures and certification guidelines for interoperability, the Taskforce aims to ensure that wireless charging solutions are reliable, efficient, and compatible across different platforms. Additionally, the Taskforce will focus on clearing the co-existence of relevant technologies for wireless power transfer, fostering a cohesive ecosystem for the future of EV charging.”

“Through the establishment of our new CharIN Taskforce, we pave the way for a new era of smart charging. By sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration, we propel the seamless integration of wireless charging solutions, energising the future of EVs worldwide,” said Claas Bracklo, Chairman of CharIN e.V.

“We initiated this Taskforce to make convenient wireless charging available to end customers very soon,” said Thomas Wuerz, Taskforce lead and Head of Wireless Power Transfer at Siemens AG. The Taskforce invites both CharIN members and non-members to participate actively in shaping the future of wireless charging technology.

While the taskforce is very much focused for now on automotive, the idea has a lot of potential in mining and has been put forward already – as an example, Mining3 has developed an innovative modular energy transfer system that wirelessly charges the batteries of electrically enabled underground mining vehicles whilst in both static and dynamic operation. The approach eliminates the range limitations and maintenance issues associated with trailing cables and productivity losses due to the battery interchange. A wireless system has the potential to work continuously.

Mining3 has also proposed a system based on smaller class autonomous electric haulers that are recharged via a wireless power system buried along the haul road. The system would provide the flexibility of haul trucks, the efficiency of conveyors, and overcomes the limitations of battery-only solutions.

Elsewhere, Arendals Fossekompani-backed ENRX has also proposed the wireless inductive charging of mining trucks, both static and dynamic, to pave the way for more efficient and flexible mining transportation. The ENRX system uses inductive charging. Electricity passes through wire coils in the road plates, generating a magnetic field. This field induces a voltage across coils in the vehicle plates, and the batteries are charged. This can be stationary or dynamic using the unique patterned ENRX Electric Roadway technology. This involves the same principle, but where energy flows from pre-assembled ground winding coils to a receiver pad under the vehicle via electromagnetic induction.

Induction charging in mining could be dynamic or static. Photo courtesy ENRX

In July, Mining3 announced a collaboration with ENRX and heavy-vehicle battery manufacturer and zero emissions electric systems company 3ME Technology on Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer which partners say could bring significant advantages to future battery-electric mine haulage operations; on the basis that Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technology is already being used in all types of commercial and public transport operations worldwide, some over 2 MW.

Mining3 states: “The wireless system will be designed to relocate easily, providing flexibility to mining operations. Dynamic WPT will allow mining companies to adapt their operations, optimising productivity and efficiency. This mobility ensures a seamless integration with evolving mine layouts and dynamic operational needs, driving continuous improvement in mining performance.”

It adds that with the elimination of overhead cables and other contact systems, Dynamic WPT technology is not affected by rain, mud, snow or dust. WPT can drastically reduce the risk of accidents from exposed cables that can pose as a serious hazard on mine sites. This enhanced safety advantage can foster a secure and productive work environment.

Dynamic WPT segments are also relatively short, spanning tens of metres each. “This design can enhance the mining ramp’s capacity to accomodate for an increase in the number of trucks receiving power, contributing to smoother operations and optimised fleet utilisation.” Unlike traditional solutions, Mining3 argues that Dynamic WPT also offers charging opportunities even on curved pit ramps. This ensures charging stations can be strategically placed wherever needed, maximising the convenience and accessibility of charging for electric mine vehicles.

Finally, Dynamic WPT can transform charging logistics by enabling trucks to charge while stationary, such as during loading or dumping processes. This eliminates the need for massive overhead infrastructure, streamlining mining operations and contributing to decarbonisation efforts.

SightPower mineshaft digital twin technology gets MICA funding boost

Mine shafts and equipment, Mine surveying, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software

SightPower Inc has announced the awarding of C$612,000 funding from Canada’s Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) for the development of an automated mine shaft inspection AI-based system for the global mining industry.

A National Network of Innovation for Mining, MICA is designed to bridge the innovation-commercialisation gaps that delay commercial success, domestically and globally. MICA leverages public and private sector investments to benefit the mining sector, both domestic and global, and the Canadian economy by investing in and advancing made-in-Canada solutions and integrating cross-sector innovators nationally; plus fostering networking opportunities and intersectoral collaboration to generate synergies and help increase the number, scale, and market reach of Canadian SMEs.

SightPower says it offers stakeholders holistic technology for the digital transformation of a mining enterprise with seamless integration of mining data. Sight Power’s Digital Mine™ platform is data agnostic and works across formats of any data type. This flexibility supports the connection with legacy products, compliance with workflows, data exchange with monitoring and fleet management systems, and the incorporation into ERP systems.

The technology allows for the creation of a digital twin of a mine site, generating a dynamic tool for mine operators to manage their operations. The result is more effective mine design, planning, resource management, mineshaft operations for underground mines, and optimal mine-to-mill solutions.

The statement said: “Mine shafts are the lifeline of underground mines, and miners depend on safe uninterrupted and efficient flow of material. All shaft constructive elements must always be kept in good working conditions for safe and uninterrupted functionality of an underground mine. To prevent any potential accident and to maintain the continuous hoisting operations, every mine shaft must be stopped for 4-12 hours per week undergoing a visual inspection which is ineffective, unreliable, and puts the inspection team in an unsafe environment. The project supported by MICA and undertaken by SightPower will bring to industry a unique technological solution for mineshaft inspection.”

Instead of unreliable and potentially unsafe visual inspections, SightPower is developing an innovative hardware-software technology that will enable the automation of mine shaft inspection. Data collected by the hardware device, consisting of a laser-scanner and high-resolution camera, will be fed into SightPower’s digital mine platform. The result will be a digital twin of the mine shaft.

The AI driven, automated shaft monitoring system offers significantly better accuracy and reliability than what can be achieved by an inspection done by a person. This lowers the probability of accidents thus improving safety and efficiency of mining operations, and provides almost continuous shaft availability, bringing a significant financial gain by increased operational time and production.

“We are very encouraged to support SightPower’s Automated Mine Shaft Inspection technology which may significantly improve operational capabilities and increase safety of underground mining operations,” said Chamirai Nyabeze, Network Director at MICA.

“MICA support creates the unique opportunity to combine nowadays data collection capabilities with a concept and the technology of digital twinning and AI-based data analysis. This combination for mineshaft operational support is a revolutionary step for the whole industry,” said Borys Vorobyov, CEO at SightPower. “We are delighted to team with MICA and MICA members to make this technology available for any underground mine in and outside Canada.”

FUCHS takes full control of lubricant activities in Chile as JV becomes wholly owned

Equipment maintenance, Mineral processing, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services

The FUCHS Group, which operates globally in the lubricants industry, has expanded its presence in South America with the full acquisition of FUCHS LUBRICANTS SpA in Chile. On September 1, 2023, the joint venture seamlessly transitioned into a wholly owned subsidiary of the FUCHS Group.

FUCHS LUBRICANTS SpA was founded in 2018 when FUCHS acquired the lubricants business of Comercial Pacific Ltda in Chile and integrated it into the newly founded company – with FUCHS holding 65% of the shares at that time and Comercial Pacific Ltda the remaining 35%.

“We thank our joint venture partner Andre Boeck and the team of Comercial Pacific for our successful time together. With Chile being an important lubricant market in South America, this transaction is another milestone on our journey to further strengthen our business activities in the Southern part of the Americas,” states Dr Timo Reister, Member of the Executive Board at FUCHS and responsible for the North and South America region.

Yasser Majluf, Managing Director of FUCHS Lubricants SpA in Chile, adds: “The Chilean lubricant market offers significant potential for FUCHS. We see a strong trend towards high performance lubricants. With our growing local FUCHS team in Chile, we are happy to support our expanding customer base in segments like mining, food, wind power and automotive.”

RUC Mining perfects integration of battery energy storage with regenerative winder drives

Automation, Bulk handling, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mine shafts and equipment, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining

RUC Mining says it has introduced the first Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) integrated with regenerative winder drives. “The future is here, and we are proud to be the pioneers of the first shaft winding system to operate solely on a battery system. By removing the reliance on traditional generator backup, we’re contributing to a greener future while ensuring uninterrupted operations.”

The company has not named the client or location but says the project was achieved through working closely with strategic partners Rockwell Automation and Cat® engines, generators and power solutions focused dealer Energy Power Systems Australia (EPSA).

In more detail, RUC Mining is the system integrator and provider of hoist engineering on the project, providing a RUCShaw 512 single-drum winder. Rockwell Automation deployed its Active-Front-End (AFE) Powerflex 755 TR regenerative variable speed drive and EPSA a PGS 1260 Battery Energy Storage System.

Greg Bell, RUC Mining Electrical Manager told IM: “During the conceptual electrical planning for our shaft and hoisting systems, we create a load profile to ascertain the necessary power supply. This load profile illustrates the variations in load resulting from hoisting operations, both during ascent and descent. Historically, dealing with these load fluctuations necessitated the establishment of a substantial localised power station and supply feeder infrastructure. Additionally, expensive dynamic braking components were required to dissipate the regenerated energy, typically wasted as heat, during the downward travel.”

Recognising an opportunity to reduce our power demands for sinking operations, RUC’s engineering team turned its attention to harnessing the power generated by the hoists during their operation. It was this opportunity that led it to explore battery energy storage technology.

Bell adds: “In our exploration of current technology capabilities with EPSA, we uncovered further advantages that could be integrated into RUC’s power systems. Working closely with Rockwell Automation on our hoist systems, we collaborated to select a suitable winder drive system package that could be seamlessly integrated with the BESS inverters. This represented the final technical decision needed to progress the project from the conceptual stage to its execution.”

With the system now fully operational, the BESS serves several critical functions, including:

  • Peak Shaving: The hoist system presents a consistent load to the grid or power plant, with the BESS handling the peaks and troughs of regular operation locally.
  • Power Loss Ride-Through: In the event of a brownout or complete mains power failure, the BESS switches modes to supply the hoist, ensuring uninterrupted operations, similar to a large UPS (uninterruptible power supply).
  • Power Factor Correction: The BESS continuously monitors the power quality of the hoist system bus and provides power factor correction as needed, reducing parasitic reactive power losses, especially when dealing with large loads distant from the power source.
  • Standby Power: To guarantee emergency egress power for shaft operations, the BESS replaces traditional diesel generating plants. The selected technology (Cat® PGS 1260) offers added redundancy through its parallel inverter and battery stack architecture.

RUC Mining concludes: “This project has been technically demanding, requiring extensive collaboration across various disciplines. It serves as a testament to the team’s unwavering dedication to innovation and sustainability.”

 

Sandvik supplying DSI Underground solutions in Western Africa

Mine shafts and equipment, Mining consumables, Mining safety, Mining services

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has expanded its ground support offering in Western Africa to include the full DSI Underground portfolio, with stocks now available locally in major mining markets Burkina Faso, Ghana and Mali.

Sandvik acquired DSI Underground in 2021, forming the new Ground Support Division within Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. As integration of the leader in ground support and reinforcement products, systems and solutions for the underground mining and tunnelling industries has continued, so has Sandvik’s rollout of the DSI Underground offering.

Sandvik is now supplying its Western African customers with DSI Underground’s full range of paddle bolts, cable bolts, friction bolts, mesh and FASLOC® resin capsules as well as MD/MDX bolt system.

“We’re committed to helping our customers improve their productivity and safety, which now includes the most extensive offering of premium ground support products, systems and solutions for all ground conditions, supported by specialist expertise and a dedicated technical service team,” said Foster Bosu-Tekpor, Business Line Manager for Rock Tools, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.

NACG adds to MacKellar buy in Australia with acquisition of Western Plant Hire

Bulk handling, Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services

In addition to its big global move in July when it acquired Australia’s MacKellar Group for C$395 million, North American Construction Group has bolstered its Australian expansion by also acquiring Western Plant Hire, located in the Naval Base suburb just outside of Perth. NACG said the fully maintained fleet provider “prides itself on delivering late model, low hour, reliable and high quality equipment, backed up by responsive and experienced maintenance and support.”

Western Plant Hire for its part says it offers a complete equipment hire service “including quality mining equipment, and customised support ensuring that your project develops as smoothly and efficiently as possible. It is our extensive experience that enables us to provide exceptional customer service.” This includes backhoes, compactors, dozers, drill support trucks, dump trucks, graders, rock breakers, service trucks, stemming loaders, tyre handlers, water carts and wheel loaders.

Western Plant Hire provides a fully maintained fleet solution. “This is a package that allows you to focus on mining, whilst we keep the equipment working reliably and productively. This model allows you to preserve your capital and eliminates any exposure to residual value risk. Thus giving you the flexibility to use your capital to grow your business. Under a fleet solution, our maintenance team integrates seamlessly with your operation, whether on a fully established site in existing facilities or on a new project where we provide all facilities and equipment required for the duration of the contract.”