Modern Mining April 2022

SUPPLY CHAIN News

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions drives uptake of BEV technology at mines

In the mine of the future, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are poised to play a leading role in improving health and safety, boost ing efficiencies and achieving sustainability goals. With BEV technology at their disposal, Southern African mines are now able to consider how to prepare themselves to best advantage, argues Deon Lambert, business line manager for load and haul at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “For mines that are working towards car bon neutrality, there are options to combine on-mine renewable energy generation with BEVs,” says Lambert. “In countries where grid power is unreliable, this strategy also holds the promise of more streamlined and uninterrupted operations.”

Equipped with Sandvik’s patented AutoConnect and AutoSwap functions, the loader can change batteries on its own in just six minutes.

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has made considerable progress in introducing BEV technology into mines. From 4 t LHDs in 2 to 3 m tunnels to 65 t trucks in 5 to 6 m tunnels, the BEV proposition is well-proven. “An advantage of our technology and design is that we mini mise the new infrastructure mines need to put in place to run our BEVs,” he says. “Our LH518B underground loader, which will soon be introduced to this region, needs no cranes or forklifts to change the battery, for example.” Equipped with Sandvik’s patented AutoConnect and AutoSwap functions, the loader can change batteries on its own in just six minutes. Similarly, the battery charging facilities can be readily moved and installed to suit the location of the fleet. The charger is also designed to have only a light impact on the mine’s electrical network. 

Sandvik’s mobile charging station and a connection to the mine electric grid is all you need.

New shareholding for BB Cranes Cape Town crane manufacturer BB Cranes has upgraded its manu facturing capacity as part of a transition to becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Condra group of companies. The acquisition is expected to substantially increase BB’s share of the Western Cape market over time, became effective on March 1 st. Johannesburg-headquartered Condra is a manufacturer of cus

tom-designed overhead cranes, portal cranes, jib cranes, hoists and general crane components for countries throughout central and southern Africa, as well as for specific countries in North America, South America, Asia and Eastern Europe. Commenting on the new shareholding, BB Cranes director Barry Brink said the additional resources of the Condra group would

expand his factory’s manufacturing and refurbish ing capabilities, increasing capacity and improving productivity. “We will be able to manufacture more cranes more quickly and efficiently than before, and we will be able to more energetically serve the Western Cape mar ket,” Brink said. Brink said that the first of the factory upgrades resulting from the changed shareholding, a girder jig, had already been installed and commissioned to enable quicker, more efficient manufacture of cam bered girder box sections, reducing production time by some 75%. 

BB Cranes is a subsidiary of the Condra group.

54  MODERN MINING  April 2022