Modern Mining August 2018

PRODUCT News

Hyundai excavators deployed to diamond mine

Basil Read’s mining division has extended its fleet of mobile mining equipment with the addition of four new Hyundai excavators, which have been deployed to a diamond mine in Lesotho. “This project, which commenced in February 2018, involves hav- ing to move between 600 000 and 700 000 tons of material per month in the first year and thereafter ramping up over time to quan- tities potentially exceeding 1 million tons of material per month,” says Anton Cilliers, Operational Director, Basil Read. “In order for us to meet the project deadline, we have to operate this site 24 hours a day. An around-the-clock operation like this is not a new concept for

Remote operator station from Epiroc Epiroc’s BenchREMOTE operator station is nowalso available for the SmartROC T45 LF, SmartROC C50 and SmartROC CL. “This means great opportunities for customers who are already owners of these rigs,” says Mattias Hjerpe, Product Manager at Epiroc. With the BenchREMOTE, up to three Epiroc Smart sur- face drill rigs can be simultaneously remote controlled from a distance of up to 100 m. This enables operators to be highly productive without even having to enter a dan- gerous/hazard zone. The result is both a safer and a more effective mining operation. Up to ten rigs can be pre-programmed into each sta- tion. The communication between the BenchREMOTE and remote rigs is ensured via a closed and secured wireless network. The solution also supports Geofence for addi- tional safety. BenchREMOTE is also available for SmartROC D50, SmartROC D55, and SmartROC D60 rigs. Epiroc South Africa, tel (+27 11) 821-9000 Also operating at this project are two 22-t Hyundai R220LC-9S tracked excavators that boast a bucket digging force (2 m arm) of 133,4 kN and are fitted with Hyundai HM 5,9 engines, offering a fuel consumption of only 16,6 litres per hour. HPE Africa, website: www.hpeafrica.com Basil Read and thus far the Hyundai equipment has exceeded performance expectations. “Challenges at the Lesotho site include steep, muddy and narrow roads, which are difficult for large machines to be trans- ported on, as well as extreme weather conditions – Lesotho often experiences four seasons in one day – including snow.” Clive Dabner, Plant Director, Basil Read, had this to say: “In the plant selection process, we need to consider the following critical factors: it is important to match the correct size machine to project requirements; we have to consider budget restraints and we need to find a reputable supplier with a proven track record that will provide dependable back-up support and an efficient spare parts service. “We selected Hyundai excavators because of their reputation for high performance in tough operating conditions, impressive fuel efficiency and minimal downtime. These machines have thus far delivered on all expectations.” The Hyundai R520LC-9S hydraulic crawler excavator, with horsepower ratings of 363 kW gross/255 kW net, is now in operation at this site and according to Basil Read, is achieving impressive productivity. A second machine, the Hyundai R850LC-9S tracked excava- tor, has a Cummins QSX15 engine, with dual overhead cams for optimum performance. Computerised work modes allow the operator to match performance to site conditions.

Basil Read’s mining division has deployed four new Hyundai excavators to a diamond mine in Lesotho. Seen here is the Hyundai R850LC-9S.

62  MODERN MINING  August 2018