Electrification of Loaders and Trucks – A Step Towards More Sustainable Underground Mining

Abstract

Metal mining at great depths is associated with a high demand for fresh air required to cool down mine openings, evacuate noxious gases and contaminants, as well as to provide sufficient amounts of oxygen for miners. Diesel powered load haul-dump (LHD) machines, trucks and other mobile equipment used extensively by modern mines not only emit exhaust gases and diesel particulate matters (DPM), but constitute also an additional source of heat. As mine regulations get steadily more stringent with regard to air quality, the use of diesel engines has an increasingly adverse impact on ventilation costs. In this context, this paper examines electric drives (mainly those commercially available) as possible alternatives for diesel power trains. They are reviewed with regards to their principles, required infrastructure, as well as technical and operational issues. Their practicality and economic viability are also addressed. Moreover, their benefits and potential for implementation in the conditions of deep metal mines are discussed. The paper concludes with a resume of current and short-term potential of electric loading and haulage equipment as alternative to diesel-powered vehicles in deep metal mines. It underlines the growing interest in their application as means to improve sustainability of underground mining.