Modern Mining September 2021

DECARBONISATION

have enough energy storage capacity and controlling the energy. The chosen battery type is lithium- nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide batteries. They will be installed (on present produc- tion models) in the engine, alternator, fuel tank and cooling pack bay. In total there are 15 batteries with a combined energy capacity of 675 kWh. The rated power of the power plant is 640 kW. The power reserve on a single charge will be at least two hours with a full load of 90 t and on uphill hauling on slope of no more than 10%. After several cycles of “loading – transporting – unloading”, it will be necessary to recharge. The oper-

opinion is the most trusted and reputable supplier of heavy-mining equipment worldwide, we can bring the zero-emission machines vision into reality,” says Arne H Frandsen, chairman of Nouveau Monde. Eric Desaulniers, founder, president and CEO of Nouveau Monde, adds: “We are proud to be a driving force for our peers as we strive to elec- trify our operations to meet our carbon neutrality commitments while maintaining the productivity and efficiency standards of our mining operations. Even more gratifying and important to our cor- porate mission is that our project can serve as a springboard for the future of the mining industry by collaborating with Caterpillar on these cutting-edge technologies.” All-electric dump truck As the move towards zero-emissions mining trucks gathers pace, BELAZ is one of the first OEMs in the world to present a prototype of an all-electric mining dump truck, the BELAZ-7558E. This is a completely new type of mining haul truck, featuring batteries instead of a diesel engine. The operation of such type of a truck is eco- nomically profitable – the cost per ton is much lower compared to the traditional diesel-powered trucks of the same capacity. But, most importantly, this tech- nology allows to completely avoid harmful emissions into the atmosphere and improve the carbon foot- print on sites where these trucks will be utilised. BELAZ has been working on this battery-powered dump truck concept for several years already, and an experimental prototype of this innovative machine was released at the end of last year. It was branded the 7558E BELAZ truck. The electric mining dump truck is based on the BELAZ-7558 family, with a payload capacity of 90 t and a net weight of 76 t. It can reach a maxi- mum speed of 64 km/h. This is said to be the most compact model of all mining dump trucks from the world’s leading brands that is equipped with an AC/ AC electromechanical transmission. With the drive- train already electric, the challenge was basically to

ating time of the dump truck between recharges will depend on the operating conditions. With downhill hauling, a charge will last for 8 hours, if hauling uphill, a charge will last for two hours. Charging is quick, about 20 – 30 minutes is required for a full charge from a special recharging station. The manufacturer of the batteries installed on the prototype BELAZ- 7558E is a South Korean company. Prototype testing is expected to be completed during the last quarter of 2022. Production of the electric truck will start in 2023. According to market- ing experts, BELAZ will at first be able to sell at least 20 such electric dump trucks annually. Fast-tracking transition to all-electric mines In yet another development that is set to fast-track transition to all-electric mines, ABB has unveiled its game-changing ABB Ability eMine, a portfolio of solutions that will help accelerate the move towards a zero-carbon mine. ABB has also unveiled the piloting of the groundbreaking ABB Ability eMine FastCharge, said to be the world’s fastest and most powerful charging system, designed to interface with all makes of electric mining haul trucks. eMine comprises a portfolio of electrification technologies which make the all-electric mine pos- sible from mine to port and is integrated with digital applications and services to monitor and optimise energy usage. It can electrify any mining equip- ment across hoisting, grinding, hauling and material handling. From 2022, it will include new ABB Ability eMine FastCharge, which provides high-power elec- tric charging for haul trucks and is currently in pilot phase. It also incorporates the ABB Ability eMine Trolley System, which can reduce diesel consump- tion by up to 90%, significantly lowering energy costs and environmental impact. “The global mining industry is undergoing one of the most significant and important transformations of our generation – and that is to become zero- carbon,” says Max Luedtke, global head of Mining at ABB. “ABB Ability eMine is an exciting milestone

Eric Desaulniers, CEO of Nouveau Monde (left), and Denise Johnson, Caterpillar group president, signed a collaboration agreement for the development of a zero-emission fleet for the Matawinie Mine.

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32  MODERN MINING  September 2021