Billions of litres of diesel are consumed annually by the global mining industry, which is under severe pressure from weak commodity prices. Up to 80% of this consumption comes from haulage trucks moving uphill on ramps. A Namibian uranium mine is overcoming this challenge with six 11 MW Siemens substations that provide electric power to overhead DC power lines, which in turn provide power to the adapted diesel-electric haulage trucks.
Siemens SA recently launched one of three completed units at its North Riding facilities to be used to power a fleet of Komatsu 960E trucks, which are among the industry’s biggest and highest capacity mine haulage vehicles, having a load capacity of 327 tonnes.
Each containerised substation boasts 1,8 kV of DC voltage and up to 10 000 A to ensure that it can run two trucks continuously, three trucks for ten minutes or four trucks for one minute, along the overhead power lines. This combination of substation and overhead line is known as trolley assist technology in the mining industry.
The ribbon cutting party with the substation in the background.
“A trolley assist solution is installed on any uphill stretch between the mineral ore loading pit and offloading points, as the speed on the gradient is limited by the diesel engine’s horsepower,” explains Siemens SA project manager, Phiwa Thindwa. “With the inclusion of the electric drives, the electric power supplied to the wheel motors of the haulage trucks enables the vehicles to move faster uphill, which results in quicker turnaround times and higher productivity for the mining operation.
“Engine operating and maintenance costs are directly linked to hours of operation of the haulage trucks and using trolley assist on gradients reduces the cycle time of the haulage trucks, thus increasing the intervals for maintenance. This leads to longer intervals between engine overhauls, which are proportional to the hours that the haulage truck is in operation. The end result is reduced downtime and improved productivity on an around-the-clock basis.”
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...Africa Automation Indaba 2026
News
A bold new chapter in Africa’s industrial evolution begins with the launch of the Africa Automation Indaba, set to take place from 13 to 14 May 2026 at the prestigious Radisson Collection Hotel in Cape Town.
Read more...EtherCAT Technology Group holds another Plug Fest
News
Recently, the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) once again invited its members to a Plug Fest, this time specifically targeting developers and manufacturers of devices with Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) functionality.
Read more...BMG powers up at Nampo 2025
News
The BMG team was highly prominent at this year’s Nampo agricultural show, held near Bothaville recently. This prestigious event, which is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in the southern hemisphere, is a highlight for manufacturers and suppliers of farming equipment, as well as for farmers, families and the entire community.
Read more...Epiroc rocks youth development programmes
News
Epiroc is not just building equipment - it’s building futures. Through its dynamic internship and learner programmes, the mining equipment and services specialist is shaping South Africa’s next generation of skilled professionals, equipping them with real-world experience, industry knowledge and the confidence to launch successful careers.
Read more...Schneider Electric drives innovation in Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub on the African continent, coinciding with the opening of its new regional headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.
Read more...100 years of safety leadership
News
DEKRA Industrial and its adult-based education and occupational skills training division, the Institute of Learning (IOL) will showcase a milestone at A-OSH 2025, as the company celebrates DEKRA Global’s 100 years of safety leadership.
Read more...Drakenstein Municipality aces Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Impact Award Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Drakenstein Municipality in the Western Cape has won a Sustainability Impact Award for Schneider Electric’s Anglophone Africa region, shining the spotlight on its unwavering commitment to sustainable leadership and its forward-thinking approach to ensuring a sustainable future for its coming generations.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version