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Global mining tech and equipment suppliers gearing up for AIMEX 2023

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The organisers of Asia Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) are expecting thousands of attendees to gather at Sydney Showground in Australia in just 75 days’ time, where over 250 local and international companies will put their best foot forward as part of the free-to-attend trade exhibition.

From September 5-7, leading companies supplying the mining sector with technology and equipment that improves efficiency, productivity and sustainability will showcase their best at AIMEX, Australia’s longest-running mining event.

With exhibitors including Bosch Rexroth, Danfoss, CR Powered by Epiroc and XCMG Mining Equipment, the trade expo promises a one-stop destination to meet local and international suppliers and investigate new technologies, the organisers say.

Industrial hydraulics powerhouse Bosch Rexroth and ground engaging tools (GET) specialists CR Powered by Epiroc will be exhibiting in the Transformative Technology Pavilion, a new addition to this year’s event showcasing exponential technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, robotics and data utilisation. The space will gather exhibitors who are solving specific industry issues with technology, like Bosch Rexroth’s eLION electrification solutions for mobile machinery or CR’s GET Trakka, a GET loss detection system that uses embedded IoT connected sensors.

Peter Hopewell, NSW State Manager from Bosch Rexroth, says AIMEX 2023 represents an exciting opportunity to meet face-to-face with suppliers and showcase new product lines from their Hydraulics and Industrial Automation solutions.

He said: “This year at AIMEX we will be unveiling exciting new products and technologies that will shape the future of the mining industry. This exhibition will be the first time we are showcasing our eLION solutions in Australia. eLION is Bosch Rexroth’s electrification solution specifically designed for the electrification of off highway machinery.”

While the Transformative Technology Pavilion would be dwarfed by one of CR’s Hurricane dragline buckets, CR Powered by Epiroc says it is looking forward to engaging with customers around their digital solutions for maintenance and productivity.

Hannah Sabih, Global Marketing Manager for CR Powered by Epiroc, said: “We’re delighted to be exhibiting at AIMEX this year and sharing both our hardware and complementary technology with visitors. We’ll be showcasing Titan 3330, our digger-based payload management system which visitors will be able to experience for themselves at the show. Titan has been proven across commodities to increase operational productivity by up to 22%, tighten payload spread by up to 25% and reduce associated emissions by making load haul circuits more efficient.

“Of course, we’ll also have interactive models of our lips and GET for both surface and underground machines, designed to increase payload and decrease maintenance-related downtime.”

The second new addition to the trade exhibition this year is the Decarbonisation Zone, supported by International Copper Association Australia and populated by companies like Danfoss and XCMG Mining Equipment, aiming to offer real solutions to industry’s decarbonisation challenges and ESG obligations.

Chris Page, General Manager, Danfoss Pacific Region, says the mining industry has plenty of opportunity to support decarbonisation goals through smart solutions like enhanced energy efficiency and integrated energy systems.

He added: “At Danfoss we integrate our ESG ambitions into everything we do. Our unique products and solutions provide real value to our customers through sustainable innovation and leading application know-how, supporting them in their journey toward decarbonisation in an intelligent and cost-efficient way. We are particularly proud to be supporting the mining industry as it takes a leading role in the transition to net zero and beyond. This year’s AIMEX conference and exhibition in Sydney provides a fantastic opportunity to hear more about the current challenges facing the industry and for partners to find out more about Danfoss’ energy efficient solutions.”

XCMG Mining Equipment may be a relatively new face within the mining industry, but as the world’s third-largest construction machinery manufacturer, they have plenty to offer, particularly in the decarbonisation space.

Roy Rossini of XCMG says the company has been working on electrified and natural-gas powered products for almost a decade.

Rossini said: “As the world looks for a greener, cleaner construction industry, XCMG is delivering solutions that reduce carbon emissions across the whole industry chain and total life cycle. As early as 2013, XCMG were researching and developing new energy projects. They were the first in China to launch a natural gas-powered truck crane, motor grader, loader and hybrid excavators. The energy savings equate to over 25%, when compared to diesel powered products.”

International Mining is a media sponsor of AIMEX, taking place from September 5-7 in Sydney.

Epiroc spots further agnostic automation opportunities

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Having convinced iron ore miner Roy Hill to move ahead with plans to create the world’s largest autonomous mine, Epiroc and ASI – which the OEM owns 34% of – are ready to take on new equipment-agnostic automation opportunities, Helena Hedblom says.

Speaking after the company’s December quarter and 2022 results were released, Hedblom, President and CEO of Epiroc, said the company and ASI had progressed through three years of rigorous testing of the system, with the solution now entering the “scale” phase.

The Roy Hill project’s Production Verification phase was recently completed with 10 converted haul trucks fitted with vehicle automation kits and in cab clients using ASI Mining’s Mobius traffic management and on–board automation systems to navigate the mine’s virtual map, communicating with ancillary vehicles and the control room.

From March, the companies will start converting the mixed fleet of 96 conventional haul trucks to driverless operation, which is an increase from the 77 trucks originally set to be converted to running autonomously.

“There are certainly opportunities to deploy such solutions elsewhere,” Hedblom told IM. “If you look at how we started autonomous drilling with BHP, we took a step-by-step approach ahead of rolling that out to our customer base.

“We and ASI hope to be able to do that for this type of autonomous haulage solution too.”

Epiroc’s financial results highlighted another robust quarter where orders received increased 18% year-on-year to SEK13.7 billion ($1.3 billion), representing an organic decrease of 4% and organic growth of 3% when excluding Epiroc’s Russian business (which has now ceased). Revenues increased 25% to SEK13.9 billion, an organic increase of 8%, and operating profit increased 25% to SEK3.2 billion.

While this quarter saw fewer large orders than previous three-month periods, it did see the easing of supply challenges and good output levels, Epiroc said, adding that operating profit was at a record high.

The period also saw the company complete the acquisition of four companies – Remote Control Technologies (RCT), Wain-Roy, Radlink and Geoscan – continuing the acceleration of M&A activity Epiroc has become known for.

The purchase of RCT also offers another automation in-road, with the Australia-based company known as an OEM-agnostic automation specialist.

Listing off several of these acquisitions, Hedblom also highlighted the planned acquisition of CR, which has an offering covering surface and underground mining, and products including cast lips, teeth, and protective shrouds installed on mining buckets and loaders.

“CR and ground engaging tools represent a new niche for us,” she said.

When Epiroc announced the planned acquisition in December, it said the move was predicated on expanding its “first-rate offering” of essential consumables and digital solutions.

Hedblom, meanwhile, said the company would continue to evaluate further M&A opportunities as they appeared.

Outside of automation and digitalisation, Hedblom remained confident the company would hit its electrification goals in 2025 – goals that include offering a complete range of emission-free underground products.

“We actually had our first order for the underground tunnelling sector recently,” she said. “We are very well positioned to achieve these targets.”

Epiroc to acquire Australia-based GET player CR

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Epiroc is bolstering its exposure to the ground engaging tools (GET) market through the planned acquisition of Australia-based CR.

The company has agreed to acquire the GET and related digital solutions company as part of a plan to expand its “first-rate offering” of essential consumables and digital solutions, it says.

CR, which has an offering covering surface and underground mining, is headquartered in Brisbane and operates globally. The company’s products include cast lips, teeth, and protective shrouds installed on mining buckets and loaders. Its digital solutions include, among other offerings, the real-time GET loss detection system, GET Trakka, and the Titan 3330 payload management system. The solutions strengthen safety and productivity, and protect against expensive delays in the mining operations, according to CR.

CR has about 400 employees and had revenues of about A$240 million ($163 million) in the 12 months ending September 30, 2022.

“This acquisition will expand our offering of innovative and high-quality consumables and digital solutions that strengthen customers’ productivity and safety,” Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, says. “We look forward to welcome the strong team at CR to Epiroc.”

The acquisition is expected to be completed in the first half 2023.

CR and KBSS collaborate on conveyor system deployments in the Pilbara

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

CR has announced a new partnership with KBSS to bring CR’s custom-made conveyor systems to the Pilbara of Western Australia.

KBSS is now CR’s Pilbara-based partner for mining conveyor systems, a company fully ISO accredited to Quality Management Systems, with, CR says, a reputation for delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective outcomes.

As part of the partnership, CR will be providing engineering and technical support, including on-site support, while KBSS will be looking after installation and maintenance services.

CR Business Development Manager, Paul Shankley, said: “When CR was searching for partners to bring our mining conveyor systems to the Pilbara, KBSS was the obvious pick. We both continually strive for Zero Harm whilst taking pride in bringing high-quality solutions to the global mining industry. CR are excited to collaborate with KBSS.”

CR’s mining conveyor systems are designed to maximise performance, minimise maintenance requirements and reduce total cost of ownership. Its range of conveyor components and accessories includes belt cleaning systems; belt stabilising kits; conveyor pulley lagging; conveyor skirting systems; and conveyor belt trackers.

The company said: “Our conveyor systems are designed for mines. They decrease lost product, reduce carry back, and minimise dust and spillage.”

CR bolsters line of technology-enabled GET solutions with addition of GET Trakka

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CR has acquired GET Trakka, and all associated intellectual property, adding, it says, proven tooth loss and productivity monitoring capability alongside its growing digital portfolio of mining technology.

GET Trakka is an industry innovator with the only field-proven system providing reliable sensor-based GET (ground engaging tools) loss detection for mining equipment, along with data analysis and reporting systems for enhancing maintenance and productivity performance, according to CR, a company owned by American Industrial Partners.

“The GET Trakka product solutions are based on built-for-purpose industrial IoT platforms with rugged embedded wireless sensors to provide revolutionary productivity and safety outcomes for the mining industry,” the company says.

GET Trakka has a strong reputation in the market through its owner and founder, Ian Hamilton. The GET Trakka team has developed and applied sensor technology to create market-leading GET component loss detection and monitoring solutions for all large mining equipment, CR said.

The addition of GET Trakka solidifies CR’s position as the leading provider of technology-enabled GET solutions, according to CR.

“The combination and integration of GET Trakka into CR’s product portfolio is an important milestone as they continue to build upon their digital technology offering and provide their customers with new productivity-enhancing solutions,” it added. “The acquisition of GET Trakka is consistent with CR’s long-term business strategy of adding complementary products and services to their existing core business.”

CR gets a GRIP of GET change-outs with newest solution

Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, , , , ,

CR has launched the GRIPAssist Handling device, a safety, maintenance and productivity solution designed to efficiently and safely remove and reposition ground engaging tools (GET) with a minimal requirement for human interaction.

The GRIPAssist is the flagship product of CR’s new MINEAssist product category and has been developed to revolutionise GET change-out practices around the world, the company said.

Designed to significantly reduce human interaction when handling GET in the pit or the workshop, the GRIPAssist unit fits onto a tracked skid steer or similar small in-pit mobile loader and includes an hydraulic arm that grips GET products to enable safe, quick and easy maintenance change-outs.

CR Chief Executive Officer, John Barbagallo, says the range has been specifically developed to assist its mining customers to safely and more efficiently change GET on their excavating machines.

“The GRIPAssist is the latest of our industry-leading products developed through close collaboration with our customers and associated partners,” Barbagallo said. “Through listening to our customers, we have understood the need to develop a range of safety equipment for GET maintenance change-out and have worked collaboratively to bring this industry-changing product to market.”

He added: “At CR, we bring the core value of Zero Harm into everything we do. The GRIPAssist promotes safe GET change-out and is a great equipment solution to provide genuine safe fitment and removal of all GET items.”

Quintin Nienaber, General Manager of Product Management, says the GRIPAssist could optimise the way current maintenance practices are performed.

“We have seen GET change-out times halved in our initial field tests, which is an incredible outcome while at the same time improving safety,” he said. “While the aim of the GRIPAssist is to remove human interactions during GET change-outs, the fact that it can enhance productivity by reducing downtime is a significant associated benefit and is a game-changer in how GET maintenance will be managed and scheduled in the future.”

CR’s DecaEdge cast lip for large mining wheel loaders goes live

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CR has announced the public launch of its latest DecaEdge cast lip (DE2553) for large mining wheel loader buckets.

First talked about in an IM exclusive in June, the 9-station lip suits wheel loader buckets with capacities between 14-20 cu.m, the company says.

CR’s DecaEdge range has demonstrated its performance and provided maintenance savings over a number of years, with individual lips achieving more than 25,000 operating hours with no major rebuilds, resulting in an over 33% reduction in total cost of ownership of the lip and ground engaging tool system, CR says.

The DE2553 was developed in response to the popularity of CR’s DecaEdge 10 and 11 station cast lips, aiming to broaden the company’s cast lip range for large mining wheel loaders, it says.

CR Chief Executive Officer, John Barbagallo, says the range extension demonstrates the strong market appetite for this unique offering.

“CR is the only manufacturer to offer a range of cast lips for mining class wheel loaders in the world,” he said. “The company prides itself on developing innovative, market leading products to help develop and shape the future of mining.

“By building deep and trusted relationships with customers, CR is able to understand and help solve challenges in field to ensure productivity continually improves. The success and growth of the DecaEdge range is the result of world-class engineering and comprehensive collaboration with our partners.”

Mining3’s ‘Top of Coal’ tech heads for commercialisation with CR Digital pact

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Mining3’s “Top of Coal” technology is heading for commercialisation after the company signed an agreement with CR Digital for the next phase of the innovation’s development.

The announcement comes on the back of promising new results delivered from the most recent trial in the Bowen Basin of Queensland, where the technology was tested over 12 weeks and collected downhole data from over 250-plus boreholes, the companies said.

“Accurately detecting the approaching top of a coal seam prior to blasting is fundamental to efficient coal recovery,” Mining3 and CR Digital said. “During the extraction stage, a significant percentage (up to 12%) of overall coal loss is attributable to blast damage and coal dilution, which then makes it difficult to separate the coal cleanly from the waste during both overburden excavation and coal processing. By eliminating the damage done to the top of seam, substantial increases in recovery are enabled.”

With support from ACARP, Mining3 has been developing a measurement while drilling (MWD) system that detects the top of a coal seam while routinely drilling blast holes.

During the drilling process, the detection system uses resistance measurements ahead of the drill bit to detect approaching coal in real time. This method of detecting “Top of Coal” brings significant benefits to surface mining operations, Mining3 says, including:

  • Providing a reliable indication of the approach to “Top of Coal” that will enable drilling to be stopped before touching coal or at a minimum standoff distance;
  • Increase production by reducing damage to coal from blasting; and
  • Strata recognition and mapping during routine blasthole drilling.

The system can also be retro fitted to a standard rotary air blast drill rig.

CR Digital, part of the global CR Group, is now working with Mining3 on the commercialisation of the technology, and the integration of the Top of Coal technology into its technology portfolio.

Together, CR Digital and Mining3 see potential for the technology to be an extension to the Thunderbird 1110 and StrataSense products within the CR Digital portfolio.

“Collectively, this agnostic range can be retrofitted to any rotary air blast drill rig and is intended to build on the StrataSense capability of CR Digital, to compile a three-dimensional understanding of the bench and coal seam in real time,” the companies said.

CR beefs up Pilbara service offering with ‘Boots on the Ground’

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As part of CR’s strategy to further increase its on-site service model and ensure it maintains a high level of service through these times of regional and border restrictions, it has announced its local Pilbara ‘Boots on the Ground’ initiative.

“Equipped with the latest in vehicle safety, communication, navigation and journey management systems, we welcome Troy Honey back to the CR Australasia Team,” the company said. “Troy is residential to Karratha, has been a North West local for four years and, combined with over 20 years of experience servicing the Pilbara resources sector, he will be an asset to ensuring our customers productivity assets are maintained to the highest level possible.”

CR added: “Whether it is during restrictions or any time requiring service, CR’s ‘Boots on the Ground’ will provide the rapid response required by the Pilbara’s world leading mining industry, all the while supporting the local communities of the Pilbara in Western Australia.”

CR readying new cast lip system for large wheel loader buckets

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CR is preparing a new addition to its DecaEdge™ range of cast lip systems for large wheel loader buckets, with the new product due for public release by the end of the year.

The new DecaEdge DE2553 cast lip will complement the existing range and suit large mining wheel loader buckets with capacities between 14 cu.m and 20 cu.m, according to the company.

DecaEdge leverages the experience of CR’s RazerEdge™ cast lip range which revolutionised the market for 100 t to 400 t excavator lip and ground engaging tool (GET) systems, the company said. CR already has two lips in the market for the Komatsu L1850 and L2350, WA1200 and Cat 994 wheel loaders.

With over 160,000 combined operating hours and counting, a DecaEdge lip can last for up to 25,000 operating hours with no major rebuilds, according to the company. The system removes outdated plate lip features by employing integral cast noses and better material placement to achieve plane alignment and spade angle optimisation, delivering an over 33% reduction in total cost of ownership of the lip and GET system, according to CR’s General Manager of Product Management, Quintin Nienaber.

“It also eliminates the need for wear blocks and wear packages,” Nienaber says. “The specially designed teeth and shrouds are designed to also protect the lip, which means that every time a ground engaging tool is replaced, the underside wear package is refreshed, simplifying the maintenance process and reducing the demand on maintenance teams,” Nienaber says.

CR said the DecaEdge DE2553 is anticipated to uphold the durability and maintenance savings benefits experienced with the current DecaEdge range.

“CR is excited to broaden the range of this revolutionary technology,” it added.