Tag Archives: Marc Melkonian

Aramine intent on ‘rapidly expanding’ battery-electric machine offering

Automation, Environmental, Mining equipment, Power supply for mines, , , , ,

Aramine showcased its expertise in battery-powered mining machines, enabling mining operations with low CO2 emissions while ensuring maximum productivity this week at MINExpo 2024, in Las Vegas.

The French manufacturer released its first battery-powered machine back in 2016: the L140B miniLoader. At the time, with more than a decade of experience in manufacturing underground mining machines, “we started from scratch; we didn’t electrify a diesel machine, we designed battery-powered machines,” explains Marc Melkonian, Co-President – Equipment Division.

Now, with more than 50 L140B loaders in operation worldwide, and over 200.000 operating hours, the initial objectives have been achieved, with a machine offering numerous advantages:

  • Reduced CO2 and Nox emissions;
  • No need to transport fuel underground;
  • Reduced ambient temperature and noise in the mine, improving working conditions for operators;
  • Lower mine operating costs; and
  • Guaranteed maximum productivity

Recently, Aramine has released its latest battery-powered machine: the L440B Loader. It is the logical continuation of its precursor: the same technologies but for new challenge – a more efficient, more powerful and more intuitive machine. The machine has a 4.6 t tramming capacity, more than 3.5 times greater than the L140B (1.3 t), and soon a 5-t payload version will follow.

Both machines have a number of innovations in common to offer cutting-edge equipment, Aramine says:

  • Innovation #1: Unlimited autonomy: Aramine offers a unique “plug and charge” solution: its “quick replacement system”. The energy module at the rear of the machine, housing the batteries and the charger, can be “hot-swapped” in less than 10 minutes. Filling the battery is now quicker than filling the fuel tank. A machine equipped with two energy modules can be operated without interruption;
  • Innovation #2: Low maintenance and high reliability: The energy module is a dual technology. Each energy module includes two completely autonomous battery packs with their own battery cells, electronic system and chargers. The machine continues to
    operate even if one of the battery packs fails;
  • Innovation #3: A single pedal for total control Aramine’s unique operating mode uses a single pedal to control speed and braking. This has two major benefits: no friction or wear on parts to stop the machine, and high regeneration during braking phase;
  • Innovation #4: Industry 4.0 ready: The software on Aramine’s battery machines complies with the requirements of Industry 4.0 and
    provides all the information needed for optimised operation, the company says. “All data can be consulted in real time on the machine screen or on a remote tablet to optimize functions, improving productivity and reducing machine fatigue,” Marc Melkonian says; and
  • Innovation #5: The multi energy supply kit: True to its CSR commitments, Aramine offers to give a second life to the batteries in its machines. At any time, thanks to the “Multi Energy Supply kit”, the batteries can be used to supply an office or any other facility. At the end of their original useful life in the mine, these batteries are still powerful enough to power homes and offices in 220 v (50 Hz) or 110 v (60 Hz) for basic electricity needs: lighting, heating, etc. Coupled with solar panels, batteries can operate autonomously in isolated locations.

Marc Melkonian added: “Our engineers are CSR-minded, always looking ahead to the mining machines of tomorrow. Naturally, we intend to rapidly expand our range of battery-powered machines.”

Aramine bolsters market capitalisation with merger

Mining equipment, Mining finance, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, , , , ,

Aramine and Aramine Loaders have been absorbed into the company Groupe Melkonian as part of a merger that will strengthen the company’s capitalisation, it said.

Since January 1, Aramine is now a “simplified joint stock” company with a capital of €20.41 million ($22.7 million), compared with €900,000 previously, registered in the Aix-en-Provence Trade and Companies Registry, it said.

The merger’s objective is to strengthen the company’s relationship with its stakeholders and to offer a single point of contact to our partners, it said.

Groupe Melkonian is owned by Geneviève, Marc and Christophe Melkonian, the Presidents of Aramine (pictured).

Aramine and Epiroc sign mining and tunnelling distribution deal

Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , ,

Building on an already strong partnership, Epiroc and Aramine have signed a distribution contract that will see the France-based company become Epiroc’s official distributor of underground mining and tunnelling equipment in France and several Central and West African countries.

Aramine, which is already the official distributor of Epiroc drilling, loading and rock transport products, said: “The Epiroc product range for mines and tunnels perfectly completes the portfolio of machines dedicated to galleries of small and medium sections designed by Aramine.”

The African countries that Aramine will service include the Central African Republic, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea-Conakry, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo, according to the company.

Marc Melkonian, President of Aramine, said: “Epiroc’s trust is a mark of recognition of our long-standing partnership, and this obvious collaboration between our two companies allows us to offer a wide and complete solutions range for mines and tunnels to our customers.”

Aramine is strengthening its presence in certain countries in line with the Epiroc distribution deal.

For France, Pierre Donnadieu, a specialise in underground mining and tunnelling will join as the new Regional Sales Manager, while, on the African continent, the distribution of Epiroc products is ensured by Aramine Burkina, located in Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou.

Jean-Baptiste Corona, Director Epiroc France, said: “The long-term link between Aramine and Epiroc is historic regarding both our collaboration and the distribution of the products of our respective brands. It is therefore an important evolution of these relations since we work hand in hand in very active and demanding markets such as France and West Africa. We are developing a new local offer with this partnership, combining expertise, services and quality products.”