Breathing easier underground
July 4, 2019
A new electric vehicle is a breath of fresh air for workers at the Atacocha mine in central Peru.
In an underground mine, the heavy machinery required to break, load and haul rock generates noise, heat and fumes that can make uncomfortable working conditions even more difficult.
At its Atacocha Mine in Peru, Nexa Resources is testing the next generation of mining equipment that could represent the future of the industry. Since January 2018, the mining company has been testing out Epiroc’s Scooptram ST7 Battery, an electric version of its narrow vein loader. Rather than a roar, the vehicle only gives out a quiet growl as it advances through the mine’s muddy tunnels. More importantly, there are absolutely no emissions and very little heat.
"I have never seen a machine like this…there is no pollution, no gases. It is more comfortable for the operator and everyone else there."
“A clean machine also improves productivity,” adds mine manager Rudy Espinoza. “With the diesel Scooptram, we have to wait thirty minutes for the gases to disperse before we can send in personnel to perform the next task,” the engineer explains. “With this machine, they
can go straight in.” And the electric motor seems just as powerful as the diesel version, notes
Rojas.
This is the first time one of Epiroc’s electric vehicles has been deployed outside of Canada and it is the first to be operated at high altitude (the Atacocha mine sits more than 4 000
meters above sea level). Unlike diesel engines, electric motors do not lose capacity in the rarified air of the Andes.
Given the advantages, Nexa wants to electrify its whole mine fleet within five years. The problem is that electric versions are not yet widely available for most of the vehicles used in open pit and underground mining.
July 4, 2019
A new electric vehicle is a breath of fresh air for workers at the Atacocha mine in central Peru.
May 9, 2019
Global climate change is a momentous issue that calls for a major transition. To create a society that is sustainable in the long term, we need to increase the share of renewable energy – and batteries are playing a key role.
