Modern Mining March 2025

OPENCAST MINING

The EC950E has seen a massive uptake in the mining market in southern Africa.

High uptake for large Volvo excavators in southern Africa As mines and their contract mining counterparts place value on more efficient and productive operations, Babcock has over the years seen increased demand for its large Volvo excavators – the EC550E, EC750D and EC950E – which are widely used across southern Africa. A s the mining industry in southern Africa shifts its focus onto efficiency and productivity, large Volvo excavators are playing a crucial role in helping the industry operate successful operations. David Vaughan, MD of Babcock’s Equipment business, says that Volvo models at the heavy coal, diamond and hard rock applications. At a time when productivity and efficiency have become non-negotiables for mining and quarrying projects, customers have been impressed by up to 40% more productivity and up to 25% increase in fuel efficiency. In addition, the machine also punches above its weight with production capabilities

end of the excavator scale, from 55-90 tonnes (t), have enjoyed a huge uptake in southern Africa. “The three large models – the EC550E, EC750D and EC950E – have amassed more than 300-unit sales since the arrival of the EC750 in 2016, the first of the three models to be launched in the local market. The units have been deployed

well in line with machines in the 60-65 t range, especially in bulk material handling operations such as overburden and other high-volume materials.

The three large models – the EC550E, EC750D and EC950E – have amassed more than 300-unit sales since the arrival of the EC750 in 2016.

Ideal for mining, quarrying and large infrastructure projects, the new 55-t excavator breaks the industry norm of production having a direct link to

across commodity areas, from coal to hard rock mining, and everything in between,” says Vaughan. EC550E

operating weight. This is achieved through Volvo CE’s ground-breaking Independent Metering Valve Technology (IMVT) hydraulic setup, in conjunction with a totally new engine trim on the D13 block and electrohydraulic

Having made its local debut in October 2022, the EC550E is the newest of the three models. In just over two years, the unit has already proven its mettle in southern Africa, with a sizeable number of units deployed in

command for the joysticks. “As a result, the machine ‘fights’ well outside its weight category, offering production in line with bigger class machines

32  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | MARCH 2025