Engineering and Mining Journal - Whether the market is copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, lead/zinc, PGM, diamonds or other commodities, E&MJ takes the lead in projecting trends, following development and reporting on the most efficient operating pr
Issue link: https://emj.epubxp.com/i/142836
O P E R AT I N G S T R AT E G I E S Global CO2 Emissions Energy Requirement: Trucks A global reduction in CO2 emisisons depends on how the electricity is produced and the "mix" of energy sources used. The diagram shows an average reduction of 50% in CO2 emissions when producing electricity from coal and natural gas, compared to diesel. Using only coal, emissions are reduced by 36%. This diagram shows the volume of energy required transporting 1 metric ton of ore from different depths with electric and diesel powered trucks. Diesel consumption is expressed as kWh (1 liter = 10 kWh of energy). power for as long as necessary. Once a loader has reached its destination, the generator can be unhooked, parked or towed away. A single generator is normally enough to support a fleet of loaders and can also do double duty as an emergency power source for the mine. Global Perspective In introducing the Green Line, Atlas Copco claimed that the advantages offered by this range go far beyond individual mining operations and urges its customers to see it from a global environmental perspective. "To reduce energy consumption and energy costs is naturally a very important issue for all of our customers, but it is also important for the planet. We have to consider how energy is produced in the first place and an electric vehicle, even when powered with electricity made by coal, will reduce CO2 emissions by about 25% compared with the equivalent vehicle powered by diesel," Svedlund said. Cable Management The most innovative part of the LHD package, according to the company, is the Scooptram's unique cable reel management system. Cable is expensive and is exposed to high wear and tear on conventional electric loaders in underground mines. The Green Line loaders solve this problem with a patented Low Tension System, which makes it possible to keep a 300- to 400-m cable constantly under control—not too tight, which would increase the risk of damage on walls and corners or restrict the mobility of the vehicle, and not too slack, so that it will avoid the risk of being run over or becoming snagged beneath the vehicle. As the loader moves away from the electric power point, the cable extends at a controlled speed, and as the loader backs up, it is automatically reeled back in again on to the drum. This technology means the tension is minimized at all times, which extends the life of the cable, and the driver does not have to worry about it while maneuvering the vehicle. Ventilation Requirement Energy Requirement: Loaders The diagram shows the energy consumption of an electric loader vs. a diesel loader for an identical running cycle. Diesel consumption is expressed as kWh (1 liter = 10 kWh of energy). 74 E&MJ; • JULY 2013 The diagram shows the amount of ventilation required for diesel vs. electric vehicles in accordance with the British Standard. The ventilation requirement for the use of a diesel vehicle is directly related to the power of the engine. www.e-mj.com