Oyu Tolgoi’s underground operations are charging forward with an increasing battery-electric fleet, with Epiroc, Normet and Sandvik models now on web site and able to remodel the way in which they work.
To find higher methods to decarbonise its enterprise in keeping with its “Creating Prosperity Collectively” technique, Oyu Tolgoi LLC is leveraging new battery-electric expertise from a number of of its authentic tools producer (OEM) companions, with an underground battery-electric car (BEV) fleet dimension set to swell to greater than 14 models by the top of 2024.
Positioned within the coronary heart of the Southern Gobi (Umnugovi province) in Mongolia, Oyu Tolgoi represents a strategic partnership between Rio Tinto and the Authorities of Mongolia. Oyu Tolgoi goals to be a accomplice within the nation’s prosperity by making a world-leading, secure and sustainable copper enterprise.
The Oyu Tolgoi underground operation has been an early adopter of BEV expertise, alongside Rio Tinto’s Kennecott underground operations within the US. Collectively, these websites have been trialling BEV options from numerous OEMs since 2022.
Oyu Tolgoi’s trials included the Normet UTIMEC MF100 SD battery-electric materials dealing with truck and the Normet UTILIFT MF540 SD battery-electric scissor truck, each that includes on-board and off-board charging capabilities. At Kennecott, trials targeted on battery swap expertise that includes the Sandvik LH518B, a 18-tonne battery-electric loader and Sandvik TH550B, a 50-tonne battery-electric haul truck.
After working carefully with Rio Tinto’s OEM companions to make sure the machines and charging infrastructure meet the corporate’s stringent working and security requirements, the operations staff put the machines into motion. Since this occurred, key efficiency metrics have been met and inspiring operator suggestions has been acquired, the corporate studies.
Oyu Tolgoi is now leveraging the success and learnings from these trials and pushing ahead with an ongoing transition of Normet diesel ancillary tools. It has additionally dedicated to additional research and trials within the exploration of BEV transition for underground drills, loaders and vehicles.
These trials spotlight Rio Tinto’s dedication to lowering emissions by superior applied sciences, it says. Integration of a BEV fleet into underground operations will play an important function in the direction of attaining the corporate’s emission discount targets. This initiative will improve mine security and assist the way forward for sustainable mining.
Among the new cutting-edge battery-electric tools that may shortly be in full operation (if not already) consists of two Epiroc Boltec E10 battery-electric bolters (one pictured beneath on the appropriate), 5 further sensible drive BEVs from Normet together with Spraymecs (one pictured beneath on the left), Charmecs and a Transmixer, together with a Sandvik DS412iE battery-electric bolter, a Sandvik TH550B haul truck and the most recent Sandvik LH518iB 18-tonne loader. The load and haul machines – which have now arrived on web site – will complement the event operations, with the LH518iB being the most important of the Oyu Tolgoi underground loader fleet.
On the identical time, the operation is working to make sure the mine’s current power infrastructure can assist the electrification of its complete cellular tools fleet.
The Oyu Tolgoi underground expertise staff has already performed preliminary power research for the Hugo North Carry 1 caving operation and is now creating methods to additional combine further BEV expertise into the mine.
Oyu Tolgoi, which started delivery merchandise to prospects from its open-pit operations in July 2013, is managed by Rio Tinto. Dedicated to discovering higher methods to ship the supplies the world wants, Rio Tinto is combining its drive for steady enchancment, world experience and revolutionary applied sciences. Oyu Tolgoi isn’t just setting a benchmark as one of many world’s most superior mining operations, additionally it is delivering enduring worth to Mongolia’s mining business, the nation and the host communities. “Creating Prosperity. Collectively,” the corporate says.
