In a landmark collaboration initiated in 2021, Cavotec is proud to have participated in the implementation of the world’s first 3 Megawatt Charging System (MCS) for mining trucks. This cutting-edge electric charging system, equipped with automated plug-in, has been designed to perform at the highest standards even in the most demanding conditions often presented in mining. The collaboration involved some 15 core team members across multiple divisions from several companies to ensure the project’s success, setting the stage for the customer to take a big step towards their net-zero target. Join us at the conference to delve into this pioneering partnership that is reshaping the future of sustainable mining practices.
The move towards a sustainable energy future comes with a unique set of opportunities and challenges – both global and local. Globally, environmental, economic and social issues are driving the transition and the global impetus towards a sustainable energy future is increasing in pace. For the mining industry to achieve a sustainable energy future, the industry is competing with other market segments such as utilities and transportation, and the major global economies. Locally, mining operations require a reliable and resilient energy supply. In a sustainable energy system which relies heavily on wind and solar for supply, distribution and consumption systems must be integrated to ensure a reliable and resilient energy system. Digitalisation and automation are key enablers. During this session, we will explore those global and local drivers through the prism of the mining industries priorities and look at five key considerations to achieve a sustainable energy future for mining operations.
Electrified fleet energy management: The current-day fleet management systems have been built to monitor and maximise the productivity of haulage fleets. An electrified fleet will require a new level of “energy management” to maximise the utilisation of the haulage fleet and supporting electrical infrastructure.
Challenges and opportunities for underground haul electrification: RUC Mining sees plenty of ‘low-hanging’ opportunities to decarbonise the underground mining market, and it has partnered with Rockwell Automation to make the most of this ‘green’ project potential across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. The pair recently worked on a project to introduce the first Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) integrated with regenerative winder drives at an underground mine in Australia. This world-first saw RUC Mining take the role of system integrator and provider of hoist engineering on the project, providing a RUCShaw 512 single-drum winder. Rockwell Automation deployed its Active-Front-End (AFE) Powerflex 755 TR regenerative variable speed drive. This joint solution leveraged a PGS 1260 BESS from Cat dealer Energy Power Systems Australia. With the system now fully operational at the mine, this presentation will cover some of the critical functions the BESS serves, including peak shaving, power loss ride-through, power factor correction, standby power and more.
Mining fleet decarbonisation – Preparing the teenagers for real life: Many of us attending The Electric Mine 2024 have cut our teeth in other technology or application spaces prior to our current roles in fleet decarbonisation. And while those past experiences are crucial to our ability to drive our decarbonisation projects forward, there is a fundamental difference between what we have learnt before and the attributes and attitude we need to succeed on our decarbonisation journeys. And that is maturity. The concept of fleet decarbonisation was but a twinkle in our collective eyes just a few short years ago – now it is a fully-fledged teenager. Eating all the resources we throw at it and developing in ways that we sometimes least expect. Join me as I retrace our journey to date at Teck – and some of the attributes and attitudes we have acquired (or are still developing) as we guide our fleet decarbonisation solutions – or teenagers – along the path to adulthood – otherwise known as commercial and operational maturity of fleet decarbonisation.
Challenges and opportunities for underground haul electrification: RUC Mining sees plenty of ‘low-hanging’ opportunities to decarbonise the underground mining market, and it has partnered with Rockwell Automation to make the most of this ‘green’ project potential across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. The pair recently worked on a project to introduce the first Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) integrated with regenerative winder drives at an underground mine in Australia. This world-first saw RUC Mining take the role of system integrator and provider of hoist engineering on the project, providing a RUCShaw 512 single-drum winder. Rockwell Automation deployed its Active-Front-End (AFE) Powerflex 755 TR regenerative variable speed drive. This joint solution leveraged a PGS 1260 BESS from Cat dealer Energy Power Systems Australia. With the system now fully operational at the mine, this presentation will cover some of the critical functions the BESS serves, including peak shaving, power loss ride-through, power factor correction, standby power and more.
Decarbonising the mining industry: “All journeys start with a plan.” Every decarbonisation path starts with the facts you have at hand today and then plots out the steps you need to take to reach your end destination. But what happens if the path you plan to take faces unexpected hurdles? What if everyone else is following a different path to you? The energy mix of a mine site is changing radically and there is no single solution that meets everyone’s needs. This conference is not just about presenting solutions; it’s about shaping the collective future of mining with concrete actions and timelines. TotalEnergies, a leader in multi-energy solutions, is active in over 130 countries and is committed to providing affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy. Join TotalEnergies to discuss some of the challenges in decarbonising the mining industry.
Maximise your electric mine planning efficiency: Rapid evolution of BEVs. Fleet optimisation. Simulation and planning tools coupled with emerging methodologies like Short Interval Control (SIC). These things have combined to create an opportunity: the possibility of building an electric mine that is cost effective to begin with and grows more efficient as input costs and regulatory constraints increase. We have reached the point where historical performance data can be used to inform future planning and keep productivity on target.
The right tools, data and knowhow will determine:
- The optimal BEV specs for your operation;
- The most efficient charging configuration for your site as it evolves;
- How to model solutions (data-based analysis, vehicle modeling, digital twins) before committing;
- How to optimise fleet management with SIC;
- and How to predict on-grid effects of EV power demand. MEDATech’s President, Robert Rennie, will explain how underground electric vehicle fleet optimisation, SIC and other tools deliver knowledge and certainty – for any mine site. He will also detail the case of a major mine site in Canada.
Cummins – Powering the balance in sustainable mining: We all hear it. With every day, week, month and year that passes, the greenhouse gas emissions clock keeps ticking down to 2030. And that’s why the path to Destination Zero by 2050 remains the primary focus at Cummins, Inc. In this session, we’ll condense our years of innovating power solutions and the practical needs from global mining customer conversations – as well as our 100-plus years of engine development experience – to share what we believe to be an optimal solution for your sustainable mining needs. Not a one-size-fits-all bridge to decarbonisation, but customisable power solutions that help miners meet their 2030 GHG targets on a progressive pathway towards zero, while balancing economic and environmental sustainability. Plus, our Cummins expert will share how we’re putting this solution to work in recent partnerships.
Battery safety and performance in underground mining: Dr. Eoin Murphy will present the trade-offs between safety and performance for batteries in underground mining. LFP, NCA, NMC, LTO cathode chemistries present different options for batteries in off-highway in terms of safety, performance, lifecycle and energy density. When making an informed decision on battery selection in underground mining, how do you decide which battery makes sense? Is energy density and safety always a direct trade-off? Are there strategies to improve lifecycle without losing performance?
Dynamic charging of battery trucks: Komatsu and Siemens have a long history in supplying trucks and infrastructure for trolley assist operation of open-pit mines. The trucks and systems at their oldest joint reference at Rössing mine, in Namibia, started to operate almost 40 years ago – and are still in operation today. While the market is focusing more and more on zero-emission operation, Komatsu and Siemens have developed their systems further to provide the best solutions. Recently, Siemens supplied and commissioned the trolley assist infrastructure at Komatsu’s proving grounds, in Arizona, for Komatsu’s next generation mining trucks. On this system, Komatsu successfully tested dynamic charging of the new Power Agnostic Battery Trolley Truck. Komatsu and Siemens will speak about highlights and challenges of this dynamic charging project and the further developments they are already planning
Managing the electrical demand of battery-electric vehicle charging: The implementation of BEVs at mining operations presents a great number of challenges. Many conflicting requirements must be managed, both in terms of vehicle operation and the design and layout of the charger network. In terms of electrical infrastructure, a key challenge is optimising the balance between minimising vehicle charging time and the cost of electrical network upgrades. If designed according to conventional electrical engineering, electrical infrastructure would be sized to deliver the peak load continuously, likely requiring electrical infrastructure upgrades (both in terms of generation and reticulation). However, techniques for minimising peak charging demand are available to minimise the extent of electrical infrastructure upgrades at brownfield sites. The same techniques can be applied to minimise infrastructure outlay at greenfield sites. This presentation will provide an overview of challenges associated with BEV charging loads with a focus on techniques for maximising the utilisation of existing electrical infrastructure.
Dynamic charging interoperability: Mining companies are increasingly decarbonising their operations to meet their respective net-zero emission targets. Dynamic (in-motion) charging is recognised as a key technology in this field. For battery-electric haul trucks, dynamic charging allows trucks to charge its on-board batteries and propel using its motors while in motion, thereby ensuring it maintains truck availability/utilisation. For diesel-electric haul trucks, dynamic charging typically reduces the fuel consumption and allows higher speed on grade. This presentation covers the key elements of the recently published Dynamic Charging Interface (DCI) white paper. This includes requirements around electrical safety, functional safety and hardware interoperability, along with the electrical interface parameters and the design considerations for the interface. The white paper has been made possible through the CharIN Mining Taskforce, a partnership between CharIN and the ICMM, to achieve interoperability of battery-electric charging systems for the mining industry. The white paper’s ultimate goal is to develop the requirements that will form the basis for a standard to allow ‘plug-and-play’ dynamic charging solutions, which will be key in driving innovation and overcoming the technical and commercial barriers for the industry.
Click Here to Download Session PDFNo tomfuelery! 3ME Technology will delve into the intricacies of direct 1,000 V AC to DC charging solutions. The presentation will explore industry standards, safety systems, and the unique challenges and lessons learned from BEV deployments in underground mining environments. Additionally, Justin will provide an update on cutting-edge lithium-ion testing and battery safety techniques, including thermal runaway protection. As an advanced systems integrator and battery technology company, 3ME Technology is committed to electrifying the highest, deepest and toughest endeavours. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from our experiences and contribute to the electrified future of mining.
Electrified mining: The plan for mining companies to ‘go electric’ is not a simple one, with those industry front runners having already confronted various challenges on their way to making this shift. BHP, as the world’s biggest mining company with an operating footprint in most major mining hubs, is aware of these hurdles and is working within the organisation and with external parties to confront these. In this presentation, we will highlight specific areas of development BHP is focused on to overcome these challenges. This includes a look at some of the typical substation and hardware philosophies being used to electrify mining operations – and how these can potentially be standardised – as well as the logistics associated with getting reliable power to the location. We will also look at stationary charging, and where robotic chargers and X-MCS Plug ruggedisation could further facilitate charging of surface mining equipment in harsh open-pit environments.
Click Here to Download Session PDFTackling battery charging challenges with immersion cooling: In this presentation, we will demonstrate that immersion cooling with fluids increases the safety of the battery, regardless of the battery cell type used. We will also outline several opportunities to reduce the cost and weight of the battery system – highlighting lighter and cheaper batteries with a simplified design – plus talk about the possibilities for ultra-fast charging
Helping electrify mining with advanced connection technologies: Stäubli Electrical Connectors stands for advanced contact technologies and elaborate solutions developed with a methodical and qualified approach. Close conceptual and geographical collaboration with customers, even for the most uniquely demanding tasks, has kept Stäubli Electrical Connectors’ finger on the pulse of events for more than 50 years, and this proximity is one of the keys to its innovative solutions. In recent years, more of the company’s connection technologies are featuring within a mine electrification context, supporting more and more powerful machines that are progressively decarbonising operating sites. Find out how we are helping mining achieve its electrification and decarbonisation goals with our advanced connection technologies in this talk.
Click Here to Download Session PDFDynamic Wireless Power Transfer: Mining3, a member-driven mining research organisation, recently announced a call to industry to participate in a collaboration to demonstrate a Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) system for mining vehicles using technology currently available in the transport sector. Leaders in wireless power, ENRX Group, will provide the dynamic WPT technology. Battery and battery-electric vehicle technology specialist, 3ME Technology, will provide the battery-electric vehicle platform and systems integration expertise. This represents a unique moment for mining companies and OEMs to be involved in this first-for-the-industry demonstrator project. In this talk, discover the benefits, limitations, and applications of WPT technology and how it could become an important piece in the jigsaw puzzle of solutions towards the electric mine.
Solutions for ensuring reliable motion in electrified material transportation: The electrification trend in mining is gaining momentum as companies seek to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs. At Innomotics, we’re redefining reliable motion for a better tomorrow. Combining innovation with 150 years of experience in drive technology, our cutting-edge solutions drive sustainability and impact. This presentation will explore the essence of ‘reliable motion’ and its significance in our mission to drive positive change for a sustainable world while delivering maximum reliability to our valued customers. Specific examples will be highlighted including Variable Frequency Drives for conventional and gearless conveyors and haul trucks, including the Zero Emission drivetrain. Whatever your electrification needs are, Innomotics has a solution for you.
The electrification of manipulators and tools: The adoption of battery-electric machinery in underground mining is well underway. The focus of many OEMs has been on replacing conventional diesel-powered powertrains with battery-electric alternatives. At the same time, the next phase of electrification – which goes beyond powertrain electrification – is now beginning: the electrification of manipulators and tools. By increasing the electrification level in various underground processes, new ways of working and increased performance become possible. In this presentation, the electrification of scaling and rock-breaking tools, as well as explosives charging, will be discussed.
Considerations for optimising uptime in IPCC planning: When delivering ore, optimising uptime and availability enables FLS to deliver the required effective annual production targets while decreasing the design capacity for the equipment. In turn, this decreases peak power and maintenance requirements, which has an impact on the overall CAPEX and OPEX. There are several ways that can be considered during the planning process for IPCC to increase uptime. The presentation will approach different cases for IPCC and use uptime figures for the equipment to compare different scenarios – all of which have their own benefits and downsides. It will look at different ways that positively influence uptime. These ways include a look at different crushing station setups, the reduction of transfer points and stockpile setups along the conveyor lines.
BEVolution: MacLean Equipment initiated its Full Fleet Electrification Program back in 2015; a program that has since led to the sale of over 100 MacLean BEVs and the logging of over 450,000 operating hours. This presentation will review progress to date, including some key milestones in Australia and around the world.
Assessing potential viability of IPCC for your operation: The adoption of energy-efficient IPCC technology has been surprisingly sporadic worldwide. This is surprising given the need for the mining industry to move towards “green” electrification and reduced diesel use. Existing literature offers various factors for assessing the viability of IPCC, especially when there may be more than one solution. Faced with this complexity, mining companies struggle in deciding whether to proceed with an IPCC assessment. In response, a practical screening tool based on modular crushing and conveying products has been developed to rapidly model the potential business case associated with different IPCC scenarios. The output of this presentation includes informative graphs to help readers assess the likely Net Present Value outcome of IPCC implementation based on their specific site parameters. This presentation aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable mining practices by providing industry professionals with a practical tool for informed decision making regarding the potential adoption of IPCC technology in the context of electrified mining operations.
Addressing BEV safety and fire risks in underground mining: This presentation will focus on the different challenges associated with the use of lithium-ion batteries at mines. It will look at why this new energy source for mining equipment and infrastructure is different and what new risks are involved. This includes why batteries burn and the need for effective alleviation methods. It will also examine what critical information is required when implementing lithium-ion batteries in the mining sector, including ventilation considerations, rescue chamber location, etc.
