Modern Mining June 2020

SUPPLY CHAIN News

Epiroc unveils improved Minetruck MT65

of VARs in this strategy. “Going beyond the role of just a distributor, a VAR is a local busi- ness chosen to promote and support the wide range of Zest WEG’s offering. It carries the whole Zest WEG brand into local mar- kets,” he says. “Panaco has the ability to assist us in growing the comprehensive WEG product portfolio well beyond our traditional low- voltage motor and drive business,” he says. “It has business facilities in Lubumbashi, Kolwezi and Kinshasa – bringing our ser- vices and support closer to customers in this fast-growing region.” The VAR partnership will provide locally accessible support and skills, substantial stockholding and quality products at com- petitive pricing; it will also build strong and service-oriented customer relationships, says Milan. Zest WEG has also appointed DRC firm AEMI as a WEG-accredited repair facility, after AEMI successfully met the demand- ing OEM standards. The company has a full repair facility in Likasi, and another in Kinshasa.  An additional load-weighing display can be placed in the cabin window so the loader operator is able to ensure that the truck is fully loaded every time. This will not only help maximise the payload but also minimise the risk of overfilling/overload- ing. This information can also be monitored through Epiroc’s proven telematics system, Certiq. Certiq monitors and records vital machine information, which helps to both improve productivity and reduce unneces- sary wear.  have been lowered by 80% compared to a Tier 2 engine. Lower emissions improve the working environment and reduce the need for ventilation, leading in turn to lower operation costs and a smaller environmen- tal footprint. Another key advantage of the Minetruck MT65 is its new Ejector dump box option for compact envelop applications. Epiroc developed this solution to cover more applications with the same load frame. The modular design is a pin-on solution that attaches to the load frame, which makes it possible to swap between standard and Ejector dump boxes as needed. “We keep a constant dialogue with our customers around the world to receive feedback from the field. These updates are the direct result of this feedback,” says Daniel Sandström, global product manager in the Underground division at Epiroc.

Since the successful launch of Minetruck MT65 in 2016, Epiroc has maintained Minetruck MT65’s position as the highest payload capacity underground truck in the world. The company has presented a sum- mary of recent improvements that have made the truck even better and further improves the value for the customer.

The new engine further lowers emissions, enabling more sustainable operations. The company’s latest engine technology meets Tier 4 Final/Stage 5 requirements and is certified to comply with the North American standards CANMET (Canada) and MSHA (USA). NOx has been reduced by 45%, and diesel particle matters

Epiroc Minetruck MT65 is said to be the highest payload capacity underground truck in the world.

Zest WEG partners with Panaco in Katanga As part of strengthening its African foot- print, Zest WEG has appointed established local firm Panaco as its value-added reseller (VAR) in the Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

that has successfully serviced the region for over 40 years. “Panaco is a well-established and respected company with strong business relationships with nearly all of our current clients,” Milan says. “Its business method- ology and culture are closely aligned with ours, and this synergy will aid us in support-

According to Zest WEG’s Africa busi- ness development executive, Taylor Milan, Panaco is a 100% locally-owned business

ing our current installed base, client network and growth expectations.” He highlights the increasing importance of local content in the supply of equipment and services across the continent. Zest WEG has prioritised closer partnerships with local firms as a key element of its sustainable growth strategy in Africa. Milan also empha- sises the importance

The Panaco management team at the company’s new business premises in Lubumbashi.

36  MODERN MINING  June 2020