Posted by Paul Moore on thirtieth September 2024
Sandvik Mining and Rock Options launched Lithium Iron-Phosphate (LFP) expertise for its battery-electric underground drills final week at MINExpo 2024. The OEM states that LFP batteries mix considerably improved Sandvik drill efficiency with mining’s most steady battery chemistry, including: “LFP batteries are sturdy and purpose-built for harsh mining environments whereas retaining the identical degree of security as Sandvik’s current battery expertise.”
“Sandvik has been the chief in battery-electric underground drilling since launching the trade’s first BEV – Sandvik DD422iE – in 2016,” mentioned Marko Roivas, Product Line Supervisor, Underground Drilling at Sandvik Mining and Rock Options. “Now, we’re introducing a big growth in underground drilling expertise with this new LFP battery.”
Throughout discipline testing at Agnico Eagle’s Kittilä mine in northern Finland, operators have been capable of tram 50% additional and obtain 20 % extra pace in uphill tramming. The 2 onboard battery packs supplied 36% extra usable power than the prevailing battery expertise, and charging time was lowered by 55% through the testing interval.
“We noticed exceptional enhancements in efficiency throughout discipline testing, together with important will increase in battery tramming distance and pace, which has been one of many greatest hurdles to implementing BEVs in operations with lengthy declines,” Roivas mentioned. “LFP batteries are identified for his or her excessive security margins, tolerance for thermal runaway, longevity, sturdiness and ample availability of cell metals. LFP batteries additionally don’t require pre-heating prior to make use of.”
When paired with Sandvik underground drills, miners will proceed to benefit from the established advantages of battery-electric drilling, together with zero-emission operations, Sandvik’s Charging Whereas Drilling expertise, off-grid drilling and bolting and lowered warmth and noise technology.
Along with the well being and environmental advantages of battery-electric drilling, miners may also cut back operational prices by utilizing their current air flow and electrical infrastructure.
LFP battery expertise can be accessible first on Sandvik DD422iE growth drills, with testing underway for Sandvik DL422iE manufacturing drills and Sandvik DS412iE bolters. Sandvik expects to supply LFP batteries as customary from 2025.
Sandvik can even introduce LFP battery retrofit kits for Sandvik BEV underground drill clients working gear with the present Sodium Nickel (SoNick) batteries.
