Mining & Construction 02-2023 by Epiroc

In Focus: Electrification No. 02–2023

FACE TO FACE

INNER WORKINGS

MY WORK

Integrated planning in South Africa

Go-to rig for remote locations

Daring to think out of the box

Support for SibanyeStillwater’s standardized operational model

Christensen 160 Smart flown in for exploration projects

General Manager Kamshat Galiyeva embraces Epiroc’s vision

PAGES 16 – 19

PAGES 22 – 25

PAGES 44 – 45

MINING CONSTRUCTION

MINING CONSTRUCTION A magazine from Epiroc

miningandconstruction.com

In Focus: Electrification | No. 02 | 2023

[ Our Customers ]

Magic numbers Smart drilling has transformed quarry operations for Luck Stone

EDITORIAL

The times, they are e-lectric

EAR CUSTOMERS, one of the major trends changing our industry is electrification. More and more mining and construction companies want machines in battery-electric version. This is for good reason. Switching from diesel to battery electric comes with many benefits. The most obvious is the significantly reduced emissions in operation. This is crucial as we together work to reduce our climate footprint. Lower emissions also mean a healthier work environment for the employees in the mine. Less heat, noise and vibration from the machines improve the work conditions for the individual operator. We all want healthy and happy employees, and electrification clearly supports that goal. Electrification also means lower total cost of operation, particularly for underground mines, which can significantly reduce their ventilation needs. Epiroc is here to support you throughout your electrification journey. Beyond of-

fering a growing range of battery-electric machines, we also provide the infrastructure needed to make electric operations run as smoothly as possible. In addition, we offer conversion of diesel machines to battery electric, which can be a great first step for customers on their electrification journey. WE HAVE A STRONG electrification offering for underground mining as well as construction, and last year we went further and presented our first battery-electric surface drill rig, the powerful SmartROC T35 BE, perfect for quarry and construction work. Also, some of our surface blasthole drill rigs already run on electric cable, with many of our rigs in the Pit Viper and Drill Master series available in cable-electric versions. Stay tuned for more. By 2025, we will offer all our underground equipment in emission-free versions, and the same will hold for surface equipment by 2030. The times are indeed electric. Read more about electrification in this issue.

Epiroc At a glance

Epiroc is a vital part of a sustainable society and is a global productivity partner for mining and construction customers. We develop and supply innovative and safe equipment and offer world-class service and other aftermarket support, as well as solutions for automation, digitalization and electrification.

On my radar Partnership is the new leadership The best solutions come through collaborations between suppliers and customers. Let’s partner up! Strengthening efficiency Remember: there is always a better way.

Enjoy the magazine, and stay safe! Helena Hedblom Epiroc President and CEO

With Epiroc as a dedicated partner, you get a passionate team that supports you in a sustainable, efficient and safe way. No challenge is too big for our curiosity and persistence when it comes to increasing your productivity, safety or sustainability. We lift your competitive advantage through our continuous drive to make good things better – from highperformance equipment and service excellence to building the mining and construction industries of tomorrow. More

epiroc.com

Epiroc Group – get to know us better What we strive for We accelerate the transformation

Mineral demand to soar Demand for critical minerals to increase by nearly 500%

The world needs metals and minerals for the energy transition. And we need cities that can cope with a growing population in a sustainable way. To succeed, we need to speed up the shift towards a more sustainable mining and construction industry. We at Epiroc accelerate this transformation.

Total mineral demand for clean energy technologies (metric tons) 2020 2040

Epiroc Group In numbers

SOURCE: INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY (IEA)

21.5

13.9

20 15

5.0 OTHER LOW CARBON POWER GENERATION

EVS AND BATTERY STORAGE

0.0 0.2

WIND

0.4

SOLAR PV

0.3 1.3

2.9 0.6

0.7

3.3

ELECTRIC NETWORK

HYDROGEN

Global presence Average employees

17%

North America

18 000+

30%

Europe

17%

Africa/Middle East

More than 18 000 employees. Customers in around 150 countries. 150 years of experience. Revenue in 2022: SEK 49.7 billion.

miningandconstruction.com

10%

South America

26%

Asia/Australia

CONTENTS No. 02 2023

[ In Focus ]

E L E C T R I F I C AT I O N Electrification will be an important tool for coming to grips with carbon emissions. Where do we stand and what hurdles are we facing?

14 High performance down below

SHUTTERSTOCK

28–43 FOLLOW-UP

CONSTRUCTION

FACE TO FACE

INNER WORKINGS

MY WORK

Integrated planning in South Africa

Go-to rig for remote locations

Daring to think out of the box

Support for SibanyeStillwater’s standardized operational model

Christensen 160 Smart flown in for exploration projects

General Manager Kamshat Galiyeva embraces Epiroc’s vision

PAGES 16 – 19

PAGES 22 – 25

PAGES 44 – 45

MINING CONSTRUCTION A magazine from Epiroc

miningandconstruction.com

In Focus: Electrification | No. 02 | 2023

16 Planned work = safe work

No. 02–2023

MINING

In northeastern China, the Sanshandao gold mine wanted to take operations to a new level. Today they are transformed thanks to the Boomer S2 rig.

In Focus: Electrification

Sibanye-Stillwater has implemented the Integrated Mining Enterprise (IME) solution in two South African mines to better create a stable and productive environment.

52 Zero-harm enabler FROM THE LAB

It makes a huge difference for safety underground that people and machines can be detected. The Collision Avoidance System (CAS) is purpose-built to decrease the risk of fatalities and serious injuries.

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

NICK DAVIS

FACE TO FACE

[ Our Customers ]

Magic numbers Smart drilling has transformed quarry operations for Luck Stone

Mining & Construction No.2-2023 ENG.indd 1

ON THE COVER

2023-11-27 11:32

Luck Stone, the biggest producer of aggregate in the U.S., has always been an early adopter when it comes to new technology. Now, Epiroc’s SmartROC D60 drill rig, with the GPS-enabled Hole Navigation System (HNS), has helped increase production as well as safety at the Spotsylvania quarry in Virginia.

March 3-6, 2024, the annual PDAC Convention will be held in Toronto, Canada. The event, being the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention, brings together up to 30 000 attendees from over 130 countries for its educational programming, networking events, and business opportunities. www.pdac.ca/convention

A step ahead OUR CUSTOMERS

HECTOR VASQUEZ

With the SmartROC D60 drill rig, overall tons per hour has risen by 14% for Luck Stone at the Spotsylvania quarry.

NICK DAVIS

Selected highlights 06 EPIROC IN BRIEF

Keep tabs on what’s happening in the world of Epiroc.

20 AROUND THE WORLD IN BRIEF

Assorted news from the mining industry. 22 INNER WORKINGS

SHUTTERSTOCK

New exploration drill rig trial in Canada. 34 ON SITE

Epiroc’s zero-emission facility in Sudbury, Canada, helps customers on an electrification journey. 44 HELENA WOLFENSON

Mining & Construction is published by Epiroc. The magazine focuses on the company’s know-how, products and methods used for mining and construction worldwide.

Publisher Anna Dahlman Herrgård Email: anna.dahlman. herrgard@epiroc.com Editor Gustaf Höök Email: gustaf@rubrik.se

Address: Editorial Board Epiroc Rock Drills AB, Anna Dahlman Herrgård, SE-701 91 Örebro, Sweden Ann-Sofie Andersson, Web: epiroc.com Hanna Håll, Fredrik Phone: +46 (0)10 755 00 00 Ternström, Mia Olsson miningandconstruction.com

MY WORK

Meet Kamshat Galiyeva, General Manager at Epiroc Brazil. 48 BLAST FROM THE PAST

Rocket Boomer rig helped build the world’s longest road tunnel.

Editorial Production & All Epiroc product names Art Direction/Layout (including but not limited Rubrik AB, Masthamnsto Pit Viper, Boomer, gatan 5, SE-413 27 SmartROC, COP and Gothenburg, Sweden Secoroc) are registered Phone: +46 (0)31 719 06 00 trademarks of one or Web: rubrik.se more Epiroc companies. For questions regarding Printed by free reproduction of arBrandFactory, Sweden ticles, photos or artwork in this magazine, please Trademarks and recontact the editor or the production of articles publisher.

Safety first

Epiroc is committed to complying with or exceeding all global and local rules and regulations on personal safety. However, some photographs in this magazine may show circumstances that are beyond our control. All users of Epiroc equipment are urged to think safety first and always use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required to minimize the risk of personal injury. 5

EPIROC IN BRIEF

Outstanding results for autonomous SmartROC D65 MKII

piroc has partnered with mining company Fortescue in Western Australia to test and evaluate the autonomous SmartROC D65 MKII. The surface drill rig has shown outstanding results during the testing phase, including increased productive utilization, which provides consistent efficiency in every hole cycle and reduces the total time spent to complete a drill pattern. “The market has been eager to see what benefits this new technology can bring to mining operations, so this is an important milestone – both for autonomous drilling in general and for Epiroc as a company,” says Christopher Blignaut, Automation Manager at Epiroc’s Surface division. for Epiroc goes back to 2014 when the first autonomous Pit Viper drill was released. Further advancement occurred in 2018 THE AUTONOMOUS JOURNEY

Epiroc has partnered with Fortescue in Western Australia to test and evaluate the autonomous SmartROC D65 MKII. The surface drill rig has shown outstanding results during the testing phase.

when Epiroc commenced a pilot project with an autonomous SmartROC D65 MKI surface crawler in Timmins, Canada. During this period, the team acquired extensive understanding and expertise in autonomous technology development for crawler drill rigs. “We have gained extensive knowledge and experience from our previous projects, which we have used throughout in the development of the autonomous technology,” says Blignaut. According to Mayya Popova, Product Manager for Automation at Epiroc, mining houses around the globe have shown an increased interest in autonomous operations, thanks to the numerous benefits it provides.

Batteries with Service added to electrification offering ELECTRIFICATION SOLUTIONS

from Epiroc support mining customers as they transition towards using Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV). The latest addition is Batteries with Service, a service concept created for Epiroc batteries that can be ap6

plied on Epiroc battery-powered equipment and OEMs, using batteries from Epiroc. It makes it possible to own the complete equipment (machine and battery) and still benefit from a carefree solution for battery service and software updates.

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

“We are dedicated to supporting these companies by introducing the Autonomous SmartROC D65 MKII into their drilling operations. Autonomous technology implementation capitalizes even further on adjustments to existing processes and a transition to new ways of working,” says Popova. THE FOCUS FOR the testing thus far has

been targeting production drilling applications. “Together with Fortescue we will progress to testing autonomous presplit drilling and eventually focus on even more complex drilling scenarios, like contour,” says Christopher Blignaut.

Exchange program for circular business FOR EPIROC, circularity is a key criterion when creating and packaging aftermarket products. One interesting and upcoming concept is our cost-efficient exchange program that provides customers with a new Epiroc component

at a reduced price in exchange for a used component. With every component handled, Epiroc will donate to a local community climate and environmental initiative, such as reforestation, water management, clean seas or green energy.

Product news and innovation stories (choose country and click Newsroom): epiroc.com Epiroc corporate press releases (click Media): epirocgroup.com

Gustaf Höök

FIGURE

100+

SCOTT WORTHINGTON

SOLUTIONS

Automatic Bit Changer available for Pit Viper 351 EPIROC’S GROUND-BREAKING Auto-

matic Bit Changer (ABC) is now available for the Pit Viper 351 blasthole drill rig. The solution enables handsfree bit changes, leveraging cuttingedge automation and advanced control systems. Operators can effortlessly switch rotary efficiency. ABC enhances safety by eliminating human interaction with the drill string and thereby eliminating exposure to live work environments.

Technologyagnostic automation progress IN 2023 EPIROC has deployed over 100 technology-agnostic automation solutions through its acquisitions. The installations involve, for example, upgrading a mine’s existing loaders and establishing on-site surface automation centers. At another site with severe weather conditions like –50°C, dozers received teleremote technology, ensuring operator safety by enabling remote control from a sheltered workspace.

PROJECT NEWS

Explorac RC30 Smart hits the market Epiroc has just released its latest exploration rig, the Explorac RC30 Smart. It was developed in collaboration with Ausdrill, Australia’s leading drilling services provider, with the aim of solving the automation challenge, specifically for RC (Reverse Circulation) technology. The rig is the first of its kind and features fully automated rod-handling, high-speed operation, process monitoring, remote control and a range of other improvements that make the job faster, safer and more efficient. More

www.epiroc.com/exploracRC30smart

miningandconstruction.com

Electrification solutions from Epiroc support mining customers as they transition towards using Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV).

What’s key to enabling electrification?

Garry French Managing Director JTMEC, Australia “Electrification can only be enabled by the people driving the concept forward, from the concepts of bright minds through to the skills of our technicians, we firmly believe our people are the key to accelerating the electrification transformation.”

Sofia Bratt HIGHLIGHT With automated rod handling, a single operator can effortlessly add and remove rods, freeing up drill crews to perform other tasks when tripping drill strings.

R&D Manager Surface division, Sweden

“Electrification is one of our most important strategies when it comes to reaching our 2030 CO2 targets. To succeed we must ‘dare to think new’ in piloting new ideas and technologies and with partnerships and other collaborations.”

Franck Boudreault Underground Application Expert Electrification, Sweden “There is a need for BEVs in mining to address greenhouse gas emissions and working environments underground. To happen at full scale, it will require commitment from miners and OEMs, openness to change, and proper electrical infrastructure based on renewable energies.” 7

OUR CUSTOMERS

Leading with innovation turns out to be a rock-solid approach for Luck Stone

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

Sydney Bass Nick Davis

[ On Location ] USA

The future is now with technology-enabled rigs, and the proof is in the granite. At the Luck Stone Spotsylvania quarry, the Epiroc SmartROC D60, equipped with the GPS-enabled Hole Navigation System (HNS), shows that it can stand up to the toughest rock, while improving safety, efficiency, and profits.

miningandconstruction.com

OUR CUSTOMERS

Blasting Manager George Feild checks under the exterior panel of the Epiroc SmartROC D60 drill rig, equipped with the GPS-enabled Hole Navigation System (HNS), before starting the day.

T’S 7:30 A.M. on the United States’s ing back to the late 1970s. five years, also saw the value East Coast and the sky is still a “We love technology,” says in the technology and emdark, inky gray with a dense haze Bryan Smith, Mine Developbraced Epiroc drills for their of fog permeating the air. Head- ment and Blasting Manager, own work both in- and outlights appear in the distance, who has been with the familyside of Luck Stone quarries. moving slowly but steadily in owned and operated com- Bryan Smith According to Smith, the and out of the plant. The sound pany for 43 years. “We try Mine Development gravitation to Epiroc was of an automated drill hums, greeting to be smart about it – how and Blasting Manager, natural; having owned and the quarry’s occupants. But this auto- we’re going to deploy it, Luck Stone operated a number of drills mated drill is no ordinary drill. It’s an what we’re going to use it on from other suppliers, Epiroc Epiroc SmartROC D60 equipped with – and think it through; but we love what drills stood out from the competition. the GPS-enabled Hole Navigation Sys- technology can do.” “When we compare Epiroc drills to tem (HNS), which has been proving its Long-standing supportive partner- other drills, is it as good or better than worth, almost magically, when pitted ships with industry leaders is another other drills? We feel, yes.” against the challenging geology at Luck of Luck Stone’s fortes. While Luck RIOR TO USING Epiroc’s Stone’s Spotsylvania, Virginia quarry. Stone was familiar with Epiroc, it was smart drill rigs, of Luck Stone has always been an early their dealer, James River Equipment which Luck Stone now adopter of technology. Founded in Vir- (with their own nearly 100-year histohas ten, operations deginia in 1923, they were one of the first ry) that made the introduction and propended on human operaggregate companies to convert their vided top-notch servicing of the drills. ators and driller percepcrushers from steam to electric power Northern Virginia Drilling, a Luck tion. Countless hours and had the first automated plants dat- Stone contractor for more than twenty-

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

could be lost hand-drawing complicated tight shots on paper, laying out tape and painting rocks, only to have weather erase the paint or an ill-placed tire shuffle rocks out of alignment. To test what these tech-enabled rigs were capable of, Luck Stone performed a trial of Epiroc’s HNS-Enabled Measure While Drilling (MWD) system, combined with 3GSM Shot Planning (a platform for 3D shot design) at their Rockville, Virginia plant between August 2022 and January 2023. MWD technology allows for both visual and numerical analysis on rock mass prior to blasting, resulting in safer and more accurate operations. The conditions at the Rockville plant are good – the metavolcanic shoots well compared to most. Over the five-month trial, drilling and blasting information was tracked, showing improvements that excited Luck Stone.

HOSE RESULTS made them eager to experiment in their Spotsylvania quarry, an established quarry with multiple production lifts, and where the rock condition is much more challenging. Fragmentation is less than desired. Significant jointing with almost no voids or cavities presents blasting challenges and causes irregular faces, heavy burdens, uneven floor and oversize rock. There was no better way to test the technology than in this challenging geology. Chris Branham, Pit Foreman with 11 years of service, cites an impressive array of improvements: improved drilling and blasting accuracy, reduced oversized material, better floor conditions, increased safety, reduced wear and tear on equipment and increased production. But it’s the numbers that are pure magic. The SmartROC D60 with HNS decreased load time by 21 seconds, totaling 2.5 hours per week; the black belt time went from 18% to 13% in the pit, and the overall tons per hour run increased by 14%. miningandconstruction.com

Luck Stone Founded: 1923; celebrating its 100th year as a family-owned/ operated business Operates 30 plants/yards/ corporate offices across four states: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia 900 associates 20 million short tons of aggregate produced annually

The GPS guided Hole Navigation System (HNS) provides drill accuracy to within +/– 50 millimeters, ensuring higher precision and increased safety.

Joe Palmer Senior Blasting Technician, Luck Stone

Chris Branham Pit Foreman, Luck Stone

Compared to manual methods, Joe Palmer, Senior Blasting Technician, with 17 years of service at Luck Stone, says the rig provides more accurate measurements on the face, in designing shots, and while drilling to hit the precise azimuth needed. Between the use of drones, digital photos, computer-planning and GPS guided drilling, the whole process has been transformed to fit on a thumb drive. George Feild, Blasting Manager, with 24 years of service, says the system “makes the job easier by giving the blaster quite a bit of confidence” thanks to the precision in lining up the shot. David Harper, Pit Lead, also with 24 years of service, adds that the HNS helps execute accurate burdens on the face. Roger Stewart, Drill Operator with Northern Virginia Drilling, puts it simply: “Other rigs just 11

OUR CUSTOMERS

“The system makes the job easier by giving the blaster quite a bit of confidence” George Feild Blasting Manager, Luck Stone

don’t compare.” The Epiroc SmartRoc D60 has a trickle-down effect for the entire operation. Griffin Lober, Pit Loader Operator, reports that he has seen significantly more consistent diggability, less oversize material, reduced cycle times, better truck flow, higher production, smoother treatment on equipment, and an easier and more productive day overall.

S THE MARKET marches toward more automated, autonomous and smart equipment, Scott and Shawn Miller, brothers and co-owners of Northern Virginia Drilling, double down on the need for technology, not just in quarries and mines, but across public and private construction. Thanks to the Spotsylvania results,

the Epiroc SmartROC drills with HNS are now capturing valuable measure-while-drilling (MWD) data that will enable Luck Stone to do further analysis and continuously improve their drilling and blasting processes. In fact, Luck Stone is already making plans for taking Epiroc-powered machines into more hazardous high-wall conditions and difficult blast zones thanks to the MWD data, which includes multiple readings in every drilled hole, capturing the penetration rate of the drill bit, feed pressure, rotation pressure, flushing air pressure, and calculated rock hardness. When 4 p.m. arrives, the hum of the drill slows and then stops. Stewart powers off the Rig Control System, performs his safety checks and climbs out of the climate-controlled cab (one of his favorite features, he added laughingly). The magic winds down, ready to rest and start again the next day.

Spotsylvania Plant Luck Stone and Epiroc JAMES RIVER EQUIPMENT, a premier Epiroc dealer

and top performer across the U.S. year after year, instigated the partnership between Luck Stone and Epiroc. Northern Virginia Drilling had developed a relationship with Epiroc which, combined with Luck Stone’s influence, sealed their investment. Now, all four work in tandem as supplier, servicer, contractor and operator.

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

Serves City of Fredericksburg and counties of Spotsylvania and Louisa 29 employees 1.7 million short tons of aggregate produced annually Rock: Igneous and metamorphic. Locally referred to as granite, gneiss and schist

At the Spotsylvania Quarry, the Epiroc SmartROC D60 drills high-quality blast holes via an advanced Rig Control System on a touch screen in the cabin.

Five keys to success u Technology

v Innovation

w Partnerships

 Equipment

 People

It’s where the market already is. If you want to grow your operations and keep up with the future and not get left behind, it’s time to embrace technology that will create a safer and more productive operation.

Daring to think new in operations can feel challenging, but with topdown leadership and support from Epiroc, supporting your associates and upgrading equipment and technology will be easier than you think.

The synergy between Epiroc, James River Equipment, Luck Stone, and Northern Virginia Drilling is ideal because everyone works as one team to increase safety, accuracy, and production. This alignment is where magic happens.

Know your challenges, what you need to overcome, and invest in the equipment that is proven. Luck Stone and Northern Virginia Drilling have said “yes” to Epiroc equipment and have seen results even in challenging geology.

Invest in your people. It may be an additional cost up front, but it will produce cost savings in the long run. They will benefit from training and job opportunities as technology that increases retention is introduced.

miningandconstruction.com

FOLLOW-UP

Tech Specs Boomer S2 Covers areas of up to 56 m2. Deutz TCD3.6 diesel engine with a rated power of 90kW. 15% increase in drilling speed. 30% reduction in drill bit consumption. New-generation Rig Control System (RCS) can improve productivity by up to 15%.

In 2021, by using the automation-ready Boomer S2 with two booms, the Sanshandao gold mine set a new record of a single blast footage of 4.5 meters. 14

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

David Shi Zexian Luo

DIGITAL TRANSFORMER The Sanshandao gold mine aims to achieve fully digital operations. Thanks to the Epiroc Boomer S2, the mine has transformed its operations, setting a new drilling record in China.

HE SANSHANDAO gold mine, affiliated with the Shandong Gold Group and located near the Bohai Bay, is a pioneer in the Group’s efforts to build a smart mine with the highest level of digitalization and automation. The mine has been using Epiroc equipment since the mid-1980s, and Epiroc is now the main supplier. In October 2020, in order to take operations to the next level, the mine purchased the automation-ready Boomer S2 face drilling rig. Director Weihua Xu elaborates on why and how the addition has transformed the mine’s operations.

tor’s job becomes easier compared to previous rigs. With the Boomer S2, we quickly broke through the barrier of a single footage, 4 meters, and even set a new record of 4.5 meters, which is unprecedented in the field of gold mining in China.”

How do you evaluate the automation and the value it brings? “The Sanshandao gold mine is the first mine in China to use a drill rig with such a high level of automation, which brings revolutionary changes. Thanks to the Rig Control System, the movement and positioning of the drilling arms and the boom can be done completely by the program set by the computer. This not only improves drilling efficiency, but also allows for better drift profile and repair work, reduces cracks and the need of rock support and scaling, and lays a solid foundaWhy was the Epiroc Boomer S2 rig chosen in the tion for subsequent processes. Also, the fault selffirst place? diagnosis function and intelligent operation assis“The underground tunnels of the Sanshandao tance function of the rig have been well-received mine face adverse conditions such as strong corro- by operators and maintenance personnel.” sion, high humidity, and high temperature. Thus, the equipment needs to be highly reliable, safe, in- What lies ahead for the Sanshandao gold mine telligent, and efficient. As an automation-ready and Epiroc? drill rig, the Boomer S2 and its two booms were “The mine aims to achieve complete digital just what we needed.” management. Since day one, our Epiroc equipment has delivered results beyond our expectaHow is the rig performing at a depth of 960 meters? tions. Moving forward, we will explore the ap“I have to say, it’s been outstanding. The Boomer plication of new technologies such as 5G, the S2 has a high level of automation, precise position- Internet of Things, cloud computing, and artifiing and fast drilling speed. Also, the drill rod length cial intelligence. The relationship with Epiroc is gives us additional advantages, and the opera- pivotal for us to reach our goals.” More

Weihua Xu Director, Sanshandao gold mine

[ On Location ] China

www.epiroc.com/boomers2

miningandconstruction.com

FACE TO FACE

Trust th TOM VAN DEN BERG Senior VP of Corporate Mining Strategy and Technology at Sibanye-Stillwater, based in Johannesburg

Integrated planning delivers predictable outcomes By integrating data and plans from different divisions and across planning horizons in a constantly updated operational plan, SibanyeStillwater creates a stable and productive environment.

[ On Location ] South Africa

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

Stephan Hofstatter Madelene Cronje

Shutterstock

he data

IKE MOST MINING COMPANIES, SibanyeStillwater often experiences operational disruptions from unexpected working conditions or unplanned delays. An optimal, coordinated response requires fast and smart planning that spans operational silos and timelines. Sibanye-Stillwater has partnered with specialist mining software company MineRP, a subsidiary of Epiroc, to implement an Integrated Mining Enterprise (IME) solution. The project’s objective is to support a standardized operational model through actionable insight and rapid integrated planning capabilities. Mining & Construction brought Sibanye-Stillwater’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Mining Strategy and Technology Tom van den Berg and MineRP’s Mining Executive Francois Naude together to discuss pitfalls, learnings and successes achieved so far.

FRANCOIS NAUDE Mining Executive at MineRP, based in Centurion

How did Sibanye-Stillwater come to partner with MineRP to implement an IME solution? TOM VAN DEN BERG: “If we go back in time, MineRP was once one of the company’s suppliers. Sibanye-Stillwater was looking for a solution for its gold mines, where disruptions are often caused by unexpected rock conditions, seismic events,

miningandconstruction.com

SIBANYE-STILLWATER

FACE TO FACE

and so on. These disruptions cause lots of variability in production, and combatting this variability requires constant replanning. The idea was to work out how to replan quickly and know what to say to our stakeholders.” FRANCOIS NAUDE: “Yes, Tom. As you said, the relationship with Sibanye-Stillwater was not new. As we developed our product, our clients had the opportunity to move from legacy systems to the new MineRP platform. In Sibanye-Stillwater’s case, the upgrade came with new capabilities that were identified as quick wins. Life of mine and business plans could be rerun much quicker, and planning and scheduling could be integrated. This helped us to create greater confidence and start responding more proactively to identified challenges ahead.” What challenges were identified and how were they tackled jointly? FN: “Implementing an IME is bigger than replacing software. It becomes a discussion about changing organizational structures and business processes.” TVDB: “The company had to understand that it was engaged in a cultural shift across a number of business units. Sibanye-Stillwater is effectively six legacy companies pulled into one. The first challenge was resistance to change. We had to implement the system and demonstrate how the IME process works.” FN: “Yes, that’s why we bring in a team of mining and technology experts and configure the platform for you while you run your mine. Then we operate it so you can see how it works 18

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

before we hand it over. Tom, the benefit you and I have is that we don’t see each other as client and service provider. We’re working for the same outcome. You invite me to internal sessions. We talk about how we can navigate these challenges through this big organization. Then we put a plan together.” You have implemented the system at Saffy Mine and Thembelani Mine. What improvements were realized? TVDB: “Our purpose is to safeguard global sustainability through metals. Our values are innovation, commitment, accountability, respect, enabling and safety. By creating a safe and enabling environment through these values, we create value for all our stakeholders. One of the improvements you

In Focus: Sibanye-Stillwater Sibanye-Stillwater is a major international precious metals mining company with operations in the Americas, Southern Africa, Europe and Australia. Its portfolio initially consisted of gold, before then adding platinum group metals and later lithium, copper, nickel and zinc. In 2021, the company acquired interests in lithium and nickel projects in line More

www.sibanyestillwater.com

with its battery metals strategy. The company’s global mineral reserves of 70.6 million ounces and mineral resources of 389.5 million ounces support a long life for its mines. • 84 481 employees • Founded in 2013 in South Africa • Adjusted EBITDA US$2.5bn in 2022

A drill rig operator aligning the drill rig booms, operating a development drill rig at the K4 shaft of Sibanye-Stillwater’s SA PGM operations.

see is that planned work is safe work. Through this process, we can save lives, save mines and generate value.” FN: “At Saffy, staff turnover was higher than usual recently. At that level of churn, you normally see lower pro- Tom van den Berg duction rates and higher safety inci- Senior VP, Corporate dent rates. But Saffy Mine has main- Mining Strategy and tained its performance. The risk has Technology, Sibanye-Stillwater been reduced because better information is available, which means new staff are brought up to speed much faster as long as they stick to the plan. The data doesn’t lie.” TVDB: “As you say, Francois, even if people are replaced, the new arrivals Naude can take the steering wheel with great- Francois Mining Executive, er insight and have the confidence to MineRP start driving.” FN: “Another thing we realized is that the system will identify problems that exist in the organization, but it is not going to fix them. You need to do that.” What issues did the system identify at Thembelani Mine and Saffy Mine? FN: “At Saffy Mine, we came to realize after numerous runs of the MineRP Planner that it would take more time to change from an up-dip mining method to a breast mining method. Previously, the technology only updated the life of mine once a year. This is now done monthly. We realized that there were not enough available reserves to maintain the current production rates, and we were able to adjust the plan to access older areas while opening up further reserves. That was a massive benefit. At Thembelani Mine, the productivity rate of the stoping crews was a challenge. The IME process highlighted that we needed to increase the production support services by increasing pipe sizes for compressed air and also improve rail conditions to enable the crews to work at their full potential.” Tell us about future rollout plans? TVDB: “The Proof of Concept was accepted. We were given the opportunity to do two mines, and we’re going to do proof of concept on a third mine. As we move on to new areas, it goes a lot faster. The tipping point probably will come at around six or seven mines. We can now turn around and say: let’s go and look at what happened at Thembelani Mine, at Saffy Mine. People are asking: when’s this process coming to us?” FN: “The official rollout schedule is to complete all the conventional platinum shafts by the beginning of 2025. And as you say, Tom, once you’ve done that, you’ve reached a tipping point and there’s no turning back.” miningandconstruction.com

KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP The introduction of a new planning and operating model entails a major shift in corporate culture. Sibanye-Stillwater’s Tom van den Berg and MineRP’s Francois Spirit collaboration Naudeof share their advice on how andpitfalls Epiroc are entering this toCodelco navigate together.

partnership with the intention to share information and ideas openly in the hopes of reaching better solutions togethShared vision that Codelco is facer for the challenges Both parties need to be on the same ing. Conseque audamusam reperit emolor about how the aribuspage eribusa corporent adproduct quatur?can unlock benefits. This requires a clear unTrust derstanding of the client company’s misThe two companies feel that they sion, values, and desired outcomes fromare able to embark on this shared jourimplementing a new planning system. ney because of the high levels of trust that Expertise on ground have been built up the between individuals The supplier needs toworking deploy an and teams over decades of toimplementation team gether.experienced atio. At ea debis nisquid mo berae on site. These volores sinvelemembers ndipsum must quambe exable et quato speak with authority supervisors tion nonsendam rerum to harum num coat the platinum face, sharing past learnings Shared values and providing guidance on what to expect. This trust exists thanks in large part This inspires confidence. to the values that both companies Understanding the challenges share, including a strong emphasis on Adopting a new planning system keeping employees safe and healthy and requires organizational alignment. the imperative of making mining a sustainTherebusiness. will be resistance, and thisdolorup must able nsed erroris que be dealt with demonstrating how thereiendandit iumby volectatur.Ga. Cit ra cum change yieldaturern results.aturia The implemenpudit ut will impedit dolupta tation will also require tweaks, and both quodica. parties need to be agile and manage these challenges jointly. More

www.epiroc.com/digital 19

PETRUS SAAYMAN

EPIROC IN BRIEF

The new order is the third large order that Epiroc has received from Kamoa Copper for Kamoa-Kakula. Epiroc will also service the machines and provide on-site technical support and operator training.

Record-breaking order The Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mining Complex is set to become one of the world’s largest copper mines and will have one of the most favorable environmental footprints of all major copper mines – projected to be among the world’s lowest greenhouse gas-emitting copper mines per unit of metal produced, according to one of the major owners, Ivanhoe Mines.

Epiroc World Expo brought the mining world together ON MAY 30, Epiroc welcomed customers from all over the globe to Örebro, Sweden, for the Epiroc World Expo. Over two days, more than 200 guests got to experience Epiroc’s latest innovations and acquisitions within automation, digitalization and electrification and learned all about these integrated solutions. The event program

included presentations and up-close demonstrations. An event village had been built, where a wide array of machines and equipment was on display. The purpose of the event was to highlight ways of working together on how to move towards greener and sustainable mines while boosting productivity and safe operations.

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

Helena Hedblom President and CEO, Epiroc

“The customer’s focus on sustainability and productivity, coupled with the large size of the mine, makes it especially exciting to contribute to its success,” says Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO. Epiroc has had a local presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 2001 and currently has about 150 employees in the country, mostly Congolese nationals. JOHAN BERNSTRÖM

EPIROC HAS WON its largest-ever order, for the expansion of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mining Complex in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kamoa Copper has ordered Minetruck MT65 S haulers, the world’s highest payload underground truck in the field, as well as Scooptram ST18 S loaders, Boomer 282 face drilling rigs, and Simba E70 S production drilling rigs.

Want to keep track of what’s happening in the mining and construction industry? Visit miningandconstruction.com for links to industry news and other interesting reading.

ALGORYX

Gustaf Höök, Olivia Eriksson

[ On Location ] Johannesburg, South Africa

The goal of the project is to develop and validate two user cases that can lay a foundation for future robotics research and contribute to Epiroc's future development of commercial products with fully developed machine autonomy.

Collaboration strengthens autonomous mining TOGETHER WITH THE robotics and AI team at Luleå University of Technology and the technology company Algoryx, Epiroc has initiated the ReNAM project to push the development of autonomous mining even further. The project will develop and validate advanced sensor technology and autonomous control technology for mining vehicles utilizing simulations, and it will apply state-of-theart research on Epiroc’s underground mining machines.

As a first step, realistic digital twins of mining machines and surroundings will be modelled in a physicsbased simulation environment. Once the sensor and AI-equipped virtual mining machines have been developed to the point where they can solve tasks safely and reliably in the digitally simulated environment, the next step is to transfer the developed control systems to Epiroc’s mining machine and have it perform the same tasks in a real physical test mine.

EPIROC NEWS IN SHORT

RCT integration Powerbit X and New SmartROC gains pace SR35 revolution C50 released Australian company

Remote Control Technologies (RCT), acquired by Epiroc, has added Powered by Epiroc to its logo. The Epiroc strategy is to strengthen the OEM agnostic offering and remain a market leader in machine automation and control, as well as data, information, and protection solutions.

miningandconstruction.com

The Powerbit X and

the SR35 drill string have had a profound impact on productivity for contractor Sargın Insaat AS at the Eti Bakır Murgul copper mine in Turkey. Fewer bit changes mean more continuous drilling time, leading to a noticeable increase in the number of meters drilled per shift.

Epiroc is releasing

a new generation of the well-known surface drill rig SmartROC C50, fitted with an updated Rig Control System (RCS), which further improves fuel efficiency up to 5%. The rig is also equipped with a new easy-to-use touch-screen, which includes an updated graphical interface.

Hello there! What’s happening in South Africa? IN APRIL 2023, Epiroc comple-

ted the acquisition of AARD Mining Equipment, based near Johannesburg, South Africa. The company develops, designs, and manufacJeremy Tibbles tures a wide range of mining Engineering Manager, AARD Powered equipment and specializes by Epiroc in low profile underground machines. Engineering Manager Jeremy Tibbles elaborates. What distinguishes AARD’s product portfolio? “We offer both low profile machines that can operate in very small environments and standard profile machines for key operations in larger underground mining environments. The portfolio includes drill rigs, utility vehicles, loaders, and more.” Please elaborate on the low-profile segment. “Our low-profile machines are developed with regard to the size and shape of the ore bodies our customers want to mine. Narrow ore bodies mean that underground tunnels have low ceiling heights. Therefore, we design machines that are compact. At the same time, they are very safe, powerful and reliable. These, often conflicting, criteria make us specialists in the low-profile market.” What is new in the world of AARD? “We have integrated functions on our machines that detect pedestrians and safely bring machines to a standstill before a collision takes place. Right now, we are involved in the implementation of these systems in mines across the country. We are also working hard to develop our diesel machines into electrified versions.”

INNER WORKINGS

THE CALL OF THE WILD Light, easily transportable and with the advanced Rig Control System on board, Epiroc’s new Christensen 160 Smart is the latest in mineral exploration drill rigs. Having been trialed in Canada, the rig was recently released there.

[ On Location ] Canada

a tough business. It is the first step in developing a mine and requires geologists and drillers to be on the ground for months at a time, years before anyone starts to think about air conditioning, hot showers or Wi-Fi connections. And the nearest town can be a day’s drive away or more, if there even is a road. That remoteness can turn a minor breakdown or small accident into a major challenge that can halt operations for several days, costing the customer – a multinational mining company or a small exploration contractor – thousands of dollars. The drill locations also can be challenging due to uneven ground conditions, unpredictable weather and, XPLORATION DRILLING IS

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

occasionally, the wildlife. In the lakes and forests of northern Canada, that can mean bears, wolves and mosquitos. “There’ve been plenty of times when we’ve been choking on bugs. So that’s no fun either,” recalls Jason Minarik, an operator-runner with Major Drilling, one of the world’s largest drilling services companies. AS MINING COMPANIES expand their search to find

new mineral resources, the projects are often located further and further away from basic infrastructure, including roads. This means that all personnel, machines and materials must be flown in by helicopter. “The terrain can be extremely swampy, or in some cases you can be hundreds of kilometers from established roads, so things have to be flown in,” explains John Stringer, Major Drilling’s regional manager for eastern Canada. These challenges mean the equipment they work with must be sturdy, reliable, and easily transportable. Step up the Christensen 160 Smart, Epiroc’s

Tom Azzopardi

Patrick Gilbert Fredrik Saarkoppel, Epiroc & Shutterstock

LEARN MORE // Flexibility

Heli-portable rig for remote locations Christensen 160 Smart will bring home core samples in the toughest, remotest areas where transport is a real challenge.

The screens and functions can be controlled quite easily to change drill parameters, rod handling functions, and machine settings for the Christensen 160 Smart rig.

newest answer to the challenges of surface exploration drilling. Combining the latest developments in drilling technology, this new drill rig, available in the Canadian market, aims to mark the future of mineral exploration drilling by incorporating the latest computerized controls, safety standards and a lightweight design feature. For a little over three months, from June to September, Major Drilling personnel tested the Christensen 160 Smart in Ontario, Canada. And so far, they’re impressed. “It’s pretty cool, to tell you the truth. I would say it’s up there with the best when it comes to drills,” says Minarik. For starters, it is a lightweight surface exploration drill rig that incorporates computerized controls. “They’ve managed to computerize and put sensors basically on everything, even water release levers – things that normal diamond drillers are used to doing manually,” he explains. That means greater comfort and less wear and tear for what can be a physically demanding job. The rig is also designed to be as lightweight as miningandconstruction.com

Separate modules – easy to assemble The Christensen 160 Smart is split into separate modules. Each module has been designed to be as light as possible without compromising on durability and strength. Once on site, the rig can be assembled rapidly to ensure that you can start drilling as soon as possible.

Lifting point Each module is fitted with sturdy lifting points to make heli-transport as easy as possible.

www.epiroc.com/christensen160smart 23

INNER WORKINGS

Six success factors

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The panel can also provide details on drilling performance, indicate faults and even be utilized to assist in troubleshooting.

Jason Minarik Operator-Runner, Major Drilling

John Stringer Regional Manager, Major Drilling

possible and can be broken up into modules for helicopter transport between remote sites. With the current models, transport can entail twenty or more roundtrips to assemble the rig on site. Depending on the distance and capacity of the helicopter, the Christensen 160 Smart will slash those travel times. The rig can also drill deeper than most helitransportable rigs, so far reaching almost 1 500 meters into the ground. “We need to go deeper and to more remote locations, so being able to fly in machines is of big interest to us,” says Stringer. ANOTHER ADVANTAGE IS that Major Drilling’s oper-

ators are already familiar with much of the technology on the Christensen 160 Smart because it is similar to Epiroc’s Diamec underground core drills, which Major Drilling has been using for many years. “It’s based on the fleet of Diamec core drilling rigs that we’ve operated underground for years, but they’ve reengineered and packaged that technology into a surface drill,” says Stringer. “The advantage for us and the industry is that it’s proven technology.”

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

The rig breaks into separate modules, each fitted with lifting points brackets and designed for heli-transport between remote drill sites. Guards and interlocks keep the operator safe without reducing productivity. The power unit is fitted with a Tier 4 Final/Stage V Cummins diesel generating 149 kW (202 hp) at 2 200 rpm. It has a class-leading power-to-weight ratio. Smart Control System offers the operator automated drilling. This increases productivity and can dramatically increase the life of consumables. Data from each hole is logged by the system and can be exported into Exploration Manager. This software presents users with the ability to analyze data, find improvements and optimize drilling performance. The rods are extracted by the head (pull-by-head), which offers increased automation and safety as well as boosting reliability.

Major Drilling Major Drilling Group International is one of the world’s largest drilling and mine service companies. Founded in 1980 in New Brunswick, it expanded in the 1990s into Mexico, South America, and Australia. Since listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange, it has continued to grow through a series of acquisitions. More than 3 500 employees worldwide. Operates over 600 drill rigs across five continents. Clients include many of the world’s largest mining companies

Christensen 160 Smart

Pushing boundaries The pioneering Christensen 160 Smart consists of individual modules that can be assembled rapidly and easily on arrival to the drill site.



 

  This rig is equipped with Smart Control System, plus many safety features that enhance operator safety without hindering productivity.

For drillers on the move A new generation of surface exploration drill rig designed to be transportable while incorporating the latest computerized controls and safety standards. The Christensen 160 Smart has been developed to meet the high demands required by the Canadian exploration market. The rig has been especially designed to minimize the number of round trips required for assembly in new locations. miningandconstruction.com

Key technologies

Heli-portable

Power Unit

Safety features

Breaks into separate modules for transport to remote drill sites.

Tier IV Stage V @ 195 HP diesel generating 144kw at 2 200 rpm with class-leading power-to-weight ratio.

Guards and interlocks protect operators without reducing productivity. 25

OUR CHALLENGE

[ On Location ] Sweden

NEW LIFE Invest in new equipment or extend the service life of what you already have? Skanska chose an alternative that benefited both the environment and the company’s wallet.

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

Maritha Arcos

Emil Nordin

THE CHALLENGE

N 2014, Skanska, one of machine still has a lot to ofthe largest construcfer. However, some parts tion companies in the have become a bit worn and Nordic region and a the rig may feel a little outlong-standing customer of dated compared to newer Epiroc, received a new and models that feature the latshiny SmartROC T35 sur- Kim Sörman est technology,” says Kim Product Manager face drill rig. The rig has Midlife, Epiroc Sörman, Product Manager served Skanska faithfully Midlife, Epiroc Sweden. ever since. But the passage of time has, of course, resulted in nat- AFTER USING THE SmartROC T35 rig for ural wear and tear, and seen technolo- 11 300 hours on various construction gy develop. Functions that were previ- jobs around Sweden, Skanska reached ously considered superfluous are now, a point where they needed to make a more or less, necessary in order to be decision about upgrading parts of their able to take on all types of assignment. fleet. Buy a new rig or extend the ser“Even after seven to eight years, the vice life of the existing rig?

THE SOLUTION

PIROC HAS OFFERED its custom- equipment they already own for at ers what is known as Mid- least another 6–7 years, at about 60 life services for many years percent of the cost of a new machine.” now. This involves replacing After a number of meetings, Epiroc old components with new ones in or- and Skanska came up with a thorough der to ensure maximum production ef- and detailed service plan, and a list of ficiency. This is done at a much lower options to upgrade the machine. This cost than the price of a new machine. included a new computer (RCS OS), But this had never been done for a con- Hole Navigation System (HNS), short struction rig before. levers, and a new dust binding system “We really believed in the concept (Watermist). and Skanska, which has always been at the forefront of sustainable develop- “ONCE WE WERE DONE, the 2014 rig was ment, was of the same opinion,” says comparable to a new one. It now boastSörman. ed the latest technology, a completely He continues: overhauled engine, a replaced boom “This is an investment, not just a re- system, new track frames, and a new furbishment. By thinking circularly body. Where necessary, we installed and servicing the equipment in this completely new parts, but also used way, we were able to reduce the total our exchange system with remanufaccost of ownership, or TCO, for the cus- tured spare parts, and also refurbished tomer, as it extended the service life of a lot locally. In the cab, we replaced the the machine. When we provide this trim elements and leather upholstery kind of service, the goal is for the cus- and finished with completely reconditomer to be able to continue to run tions equivalents.”

miningandconstruction.com

THE RESULT

NCE MIDLIFE SERVICES had worked its magic, the SmartROC T35 rig was ready to return to Skanska’s sites and the result was fantastic. “In fact, many people thought it was a completely new rig,” says Sörman. Two days of test drilling followed to see if any adjustments needed to be made. However, the machine exceeded all expectations and ran at full production speed from day one. “The operator even thought it worked and felt better than a brand new machine. And, of course, this one is adjusted in a different way than one that has just rolled off the production line.” Machines given a Midlife service receive exactly the same warranty as a new machine, i.e., one year or 2 000 operating hours, as well as the option of taking out a standard ROC CARE agreement. “As a productivity partner, Epiroc strives to support our customers’ growth. We want to help customers feel assured in their dealings by extending the life of their existing machine fleet, and, thanks to Midlife services, the customer’s TCO is also reduced,” concludes Sörman.

www.epiroc.com/midlife-services 27

In Focus

ORIENTATION / ON SITE / PERSPECTIVE / SURVEY / SEVEN THINGS

ELECT RIFIC ATION The subject of electrification is charged and sometimes met with resistance. We know it is imperative to electrify most, if not all, fossil-driven processes to reach the necessary reductions in emissions. But will we be able to do it in time, in every key industry, and in all parts of the world?

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

Shutterstock

CONTENTS ORIENTATION

Going electric

How do we set the stage for electrifying crucial industries? There are several complications to keep in mind.

PERSPECTIVE Storage – a hot topic

SURVEY The road ahead

SEVEN THINGS Electric eels and stars

Any serious grid solution incorporating sustainable energy production will need energy storage to provide backup power and peak shaving. Batteries, gravity and compressed air are all being considered.

The transition toward electrification will take intense collaboration between all stakeholders, including the industry, the power sector and authorities. Three voices speculate on the necessary steps.

Electricity is prevalent in nature, from the tiniest cells to the most massive stars. That is no coincidence – electricity is incredibly useful. Here are seven examples of electricity occurring naturally around us.

ON SITE

Aiding the transition

32 miningandconstruction.com

The Sudbury plant in Canada is paving the way for customers to switch to battery electric vehicles.

In Focus ELECTRIFICATION / ORIENTATION

The Big Switch 30

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

Henrik Ekblom Ystén

Björn Öberg

Shutterstock

Away from fossil fuels towards electrification. This is the recipe for greener industry. What does it take to make it possible?

F THE STEEL INDUSTRY was a nation, it would be one of the largest emissions culprits of the world’s countries. Same with the cement industry. The positive news in this context? That electrification in these industries can make a huge difference for the climate. “Steel, cement and chemicals account for almost 70 percent of industry’s emissions, so by focusing on these three, we can go a long way” says Peter Levi, Energy Analyst and expert at the International Energy Agency (IEA). But converting industries that have traditionally been dependent on fossil fuels is no easy task. Peter Levi believes that this development has to be stimulated, and one of the tasks of the international organization IEA is to serve as an advisor to its member countries. “In industry, where profit margins are often slim and products are traded internationally, it’s difficult for an individual entity to take the lead, as there’s a risk of being outcompeted by others who don’t make the same transition,” says Peter Levi. The IEA is therefore trying to encourage global consensus, including through cooperation with the G7 countries. This may involve getting individual countries taking the first step, by initiating state-funded demo projects, or encouraging industries to

miningandconstruction.com

produce in a more environmentally friendly manner in return for financial support. One such mechanism is Germany’s Carbon Contracts for Difference program, which aims to substantially reduce the cost uncertainty of investing in cleaner industrial technologies that initially have higher risks. Lots of the energy services required in the industry sector are already provided cost-competitively using technologically mature, electric equipment: electric motor-driven systems, electric pumps, compressors, freezers... “The next step is to electrify that which hasn’t already been electrified, notably the provision of most industrial heat” says Peter Levi.

UT THERE ARE several complications. Michigan-based researcher and consultant Ed Rightor – former Director Industrial Energy Efficiency Program at ACEEE (The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy), where he developed, among other things, a vision for phasing out fossil fuels in industry – believes that the discussion on electrification is sometimes too narrow. “It’s easy to say ‘electrify everything’. But that simple statement pastes over a lot of tailoring of approach needed by industry, technology, and geography.

The opportunities for electrification vary in different parts of the world”, he says. A crucial issue Peter Levi is the availability Energy Analyst of cheap electricand expert, IEA ity. In Scandinavia, for example, where there is a large proportion of hydropower, the barriers to conversion are lower, Ed Rightor Former Director, while those in otIndustrial Energy her parts of the Efficiency Program world may seem at ACEEE a long way from replacing reliable fossil fuel-powered machines with more expensive electric ones. One key factor in making progress is good opportunities for storage. “Electricity is very time-sensitive, as it depends on the circumstances. For example: is it sunny or windy? So being able to store electricity is crucial,” says Ed Rightor. One solution is batteries, but they are not always the optimum solution, as they work best when less energy is needed and if electricity will be consumed within a maximum of four hours. Fortunately, there are other technologies. 31

In Focus ELECTRIFICATION / ORIENTATION

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

“It takes an average of five to ten years for a new technology to take effect in industry, and we don’t have that time” Jarrod Leak Chief Executive, A2EP

“Transforming electricity via electrolysis into hydrogen gas, which can be stored, is one way. And hydrogen can in turn be converted into chemicals such as methanol, which is good because it is liquid and easy to transport,” says Ed Rightor. Of all the innovations, he wants to beat the drum for industrial heat pumps that make use of waste heat. In an ACEEE report, published in March 2022, that Ed Rightor himself was behind, it was found that a relatively modest increase in heat pump use in the American industry can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by “up to 32 per cent” per year for those applications where heat pumps are applicable. “Several countries are already successful there. Australia is one of those countries.”

NE OF THE people pushing this development is Jarrod Leak, Chief Executive at A2EP (Australian Alliance For Energy Productivity). The organization helps its member companies become greener by pushing the potential for increased energy productivity. “Attracting with increased energy efficiency alone doesn’t measure up to business acumen, but if you connect energy efficiency with increased productivity, increased yield and lower costs, you have the opportunity to convince industries to transform,” says Jarrod Leak. He believes today’s technology is of such a high standard that it is fully possible. A2EP focuses mainly on solutions that exist ‘here and now’.

“It takes an average of five to ten years for a new technology to take effect in industry, and we don’t have Jarrod Leak that time,” explains Chief Executive, A2EP Jarrod Leak. He is hopeful about the future, as he believes that most industries have come a long way in electrification. They know why they need to change and are very close to getting a plan for what to do. “The next step is to figure out how to do it and what to do first. Everyone is talking about timing, so moving towards sustainability at the same time means a step towards becoming more competitive and profitable,” says Jarrod Leak.

PILOT PROJECT

Mines become pumped storage power plants A SOLUTION TO the storage problem is

pumped storage power plants. Traditionally, these have consisted of a lake on a mountain, where water can be pumped up via a turbine and stored, and then released when there is a need for electricity. The disadvantage of this method is that it requires the “right” geography, i.e., nearby mountains. But research aims to

miningandconstruction.com

broaden the possibilities by also looking in the opposite direction – with water stored deep in the ground in old, end-oflife mines. Pilot projects are under way, including those initiated by the American Rocky Mountain Institute. “Old mining areas have unique opportunities to regenerate through renewable energy development,” says the Institute.

In Focus ELECTRIFICATION / ON SITE

CHARGED FOR CHANGE The transition to BEVs from diesel-fueled machines is accelerating as mining companies discover advantages beyond a reduction in their environmental footprint. Epiroc’s zero-emissions facility in Sudbury epitomizes the change.

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

Virginia Heffernan

Hector Vasquez

“I didn’t think it would be enough of a challenge. But as the business line grew, it became evident that electrification was going to consume all of my time” Shawn Samuels Business Line Manager of Electrification, Epiroc Canada

HAWN SAMUELS ENTERS the decided to try BEVs to solve challengmeeting room of Epiroc’s es associated with working at depths of facility dedicated to elecup to two kilometers at the Macassa gold trification in Lively, On- [ On Location ] mine in northeastern Ontario. The mintario, after a 4-hour drive ing company partnered with Epiroc and Canada north from his home. other OEMs a decade ago to become one He’s ready to sit for an interview, of the first mines in the world to employ batterybut there’s one thing he needs to do first: chris- operated machines, reducing greenhouse gas emisten his Ford F-150 Lightning battery electric ve- sions by 2 400 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent per hicle (BEV) at one of the facility’s two charging year, according to Mining Technology (comparable stations. to taking 1 200 gasoline-powered cars off the road.) His new pick-up is representative of Epiroc’s “The biggest driver for KLG was the heat gentransition to BEVs, both internally and beyond erated by the diesel equipment,” says Jason to its global mining fleet. The battery charger it- Smith, North American Integration Manager for self is agnostic, capable of revitalizing any vehicle, Meglab, a company Epiroc acquired to strengthen from a compact car to an underground loader, in their position within the field of electrification. a matter of hours. “The company was eager to test and develop BEVs Samuels is Business Line Manager of Electri- because of the ventilation requirements at Macassa.” fication for Epiroc Canada. After working as a Sales Manager for several years “the company ap- AS KLG GREW its electric mining fleet to incorproached me in 2019 about taking on electrifica- porate 15 Epiroc BEVs, other mining companies tion. I initially declined because I didn’t think it summoned the courage to try transitioning from would be enough of a challenge. But as the busi- diesel to electric. They discovered that batteryness line grew, it became evident that electrifica- operated machines could not only shrink their environmental footprint, but also drastically retion was going to consume all of my time.” On the corporate scale, Epiroc’s electrifica- duce the fumes, noise, heat, and vibrations genertion transition started much earlier, when Kirk- ated by diesel machinery, cut down on ventilation land Lake Gold (acquired by Agnico Eagle in 2022) needs and machine maintenance and tackle other 35

In Focus ELECTRIFICATION / ON SITE

Shawn Samuels Business Line Manager, Electrification, Epiroc Canada

Andre Barriault Product & Application Specialist Electrification, Epiroc Canada

challenges, such as the inefficiencies of operating internal combustion engines in the thin air at high altitudes. “The environmental advantages are a no-brainer,” says Smith. “It’s the added value that comes from BEVs that is going to drive the transition even more in the future.” Currently, BEVs represent about 15% of the global mining equipment market. At the surface, BEV adoption has been slower because the downsides associated with operating diesel equipment are less acute. Besides, some surface drills already run on electricity using cables connected to a power source. All Epiroc’s Pit Viper rigs, for instance, are available in electric versions. The market for these rigs is growing as companies are drawn to the advantages of lower operating costs, less maintenance and lower emissions compared to diesel machines. ON A TOUR of the Lively facility, Mining & Con-

Marquis Martel Project Manager Electrification, Epiroc Canada

struction magazine joins Andre Barriault and Marquis Martel, who are responsible for selling machines and supporting customers post purchase. We don our Epiroc yellow reflective vests and eye and ear protection and head for the workshop, where the BEV transition is taking place in real time. On our way, we pass the acquisitions room, where employees from businesses Epiroc has ac-

quired to support the electrification initiative are working in harmony. Next is the training room, packed with new recruits eager to learn how to execute the electrification strategy. Finally, in a room that looks like a Star Trek set, we meet the automation and application team for technologies such as Epiroc’s fleet management and monitoring solutions and Mobilaris Mining Intelligence. Project Engineer Lenin Dubon refers to Mobilaris Situational Awareness as the “Google Maps of the underground,” as he points to an overhead screen broadcasting Wi-Fi access points in an unidentified mine. FURTHER ON, we climb a flight of metal stairs to a platform overlooking nearly a dozen mine trucks, drill rigs and loaders. Some are in the midst of being converted from diesel to electric before being delivered to the customer. A recently converted Scooptram loader is idling directly beneath us, but you’d hardly know it from the whisper-quiet hum and fumeless exhaust the machine emits compared to the familiar roar and stench of a diesel engine. “The operators tell us they are less tired at the end of the shift when they run BEV equipment,” says Barriault. “They don’t have to scream at each other, breath in diesel fumes or have their bodies wracked by vibrations.” Some of the technicians on the shop floor are

Q& A Mike Gervais, Technical Trainer, Lively, Epiroc Canada

Because BEVs are so new to the mining industry, education and training are key to the transition from diesel. Mining & Construction magazine sat down with trainer Mike Gervais to unpack his training program. Mike has worked as a licensed electrician for Epiroc for 16 years, but he's had to gather a new set of tools to tackle the specifics of EV batteries. Who are you training and what does the training entail? A “We’re training both our own technicians preparing the machinery and the customers themselves. I start with safety: how to safely work with the battery and the range of voltages it presents. They all need to know the potential hazards when they are taking something apart. Then I give them a good

More 36

www.epiroc.com/epiroc-batteries Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

What is the biggest challenge BEV batteries present? A “A lot of the production is done overseas so we don’t see how the battery is built from the ground up. We can’t just go visit the manufacturing site whenever we want to understand. We have to go look up the information ourselves or communicate with people in Sweden.”

product description. We get at the meat and potatoes of the components that live inside the battery, including the cooling system, so they understand all the parts and which ones are potentially hazardous. Next, I teach them safe handling, storage and maintenance. We spend most of the time in the classroom, but then cap it off with some hands-on training with the machinery.”

Q A

What does the future hold? “BEVs are new to the world, so everyone is learning together. Some people on the mine site have more background in electrical than me, but this is a new product for them. There are not enough people with enough knowledge to go around and share with others, and I think it will be years before we have enough people trained to manage all the BEVs. But the more exposure we have, the better we will get. It’s a work in progress.”

BEV charging station for underground rigs. These chargers offer flexible charging solutions for all types of battery electric vehicles. Epiroc offers comprehensive training programs for employees and customers to ensure equipment utilization, productivity and safety systems reach their highest potential.

Over 200 machines go through the Lively Shop annually – the team on site also performs diesel-to-battery machine conversions that allow customers to make the switch whenever their operation is ready. miningandconstruction.com

In Focus ELECTRIFICATION / ON SITE

The Regional Application Center in Lively – an automation and digitalization hub that offers support and key data for customers.

readying machines for Glencore’s Onaping Depth, an underground nickel and copper mine in the Sudbury Basin expected to begin operations in 2024. At 2 600 meters below surface, the energy used to ventilate and cool the mine would have rendered Onaping uneconomical as a dieselfueled operation. But by using BEVs exclusively, Glencore expects to reduce energy requirements by 44% for ventilation and by 30% for cooling. Epiroc will supply a total of 23 underground BEV loaders, mine trucks and drilling rigs to the mine. Epiroc cut its Sudbury teeth at Vale’s Creighton mine. “We were lucky our biggest customer here decided to take the leap to BEV,” says Martel. “They’ve helped us a lot. To be able to work with the people buying our machines, to work out the bugs and make the machines last longer, is invaluable.” The lithium-ion battery packs are manufactured by Swedish supplier Northvolt and assembled at a facility in Örebro, Sweden. Portable versions are also available. They consist of 672 cells in each module with eight modules per subpack. The modular system allows the batteries to be 38

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

Lenin Dubon Project Engineer, Epiroc Canada

Kim Valade General Manager, Meglab

scaled depending on energy requirements and alleviates safety concerns associated with the potentially flammable battery chemistry. “Nobody wants to put something underground that is going to catch fire,” says Samuels. “So when we design our safety system, we make sure every cell is self-isolating so that if a wire short-circuits or gases build up within the cell, the problem won’t spread.” TO SUPPORT THE BEV transition, Epiroc acquired Meglab, which specializes in providing electrification infrastructure solutions to mines. “This is where electrical and digital automation meet,” Kim Valade, Meglab’s General Manager, tells me. “We are not just looking at power, but at operations and automation so we can have the necessary information to provide power only when and where it’s needed to manage and optimize energy use.” The ventilation system in mining companies is traditionally recognized as an energy consumer. Meglab installs sensors to detect the presence of

Chad Vinkle General Manager, Lalor Mine, Hudbay Minerals Inc. Manitoba Business Unit

Why choose BEVs? What was the motivation for trying the battery-electric Scooptram ST14 SG? “The BEV scoop eliminates diesel emissions from the workplace, which benefits our employees and reduces our carbon footprint. The BEV scoop also reduces the temperature in the lower areas of the mine and allows the team to direct more ventilation to other locations. Maintaining strong ventilation and temperature control becomes even more important as our operation continues to go deeper, allowing us to continue to work safely and efficiently.”

workers and airflow sensors to optimize efficiencies and for the highest air quality. The technology used provides real time information to the control room and enables BEVs charging stations to be mapped in the mine layout, alerting operators when it’s their turn to charge. This optimizes operators’ time and avoids overloading the chargers. “For the mine of the future to work, you need two highways: one for power and one for communication,” says Valade. “And these two infrastructures must interact to enable the BEV transition.” By the time Samuels finishes his interview and attends to other tasks, he’s ready to head home in his almost fully charged Lightning to oversee the installation of a charger in his own garage, which shelters both the Ford and a Tesla. He leaves me with a parting thought. “Mining is a capital-intensive business. Investors want to see that you have some kind of green plan, so it’s in a company’s best interest to adopt BEVs. And now that governments are getting involved and handing out money, you’ll really start to see BEV adoption accelerate.” miningandconstruction.com

A technician working on a battery converted machine. Battery electric vehicles lead to cleaner air underground, less noise and less heat.

What benefits have you noticed using the trial machine? “In addition to reducing the heat and optimizing ventilation, we are noticing reduced tire wear, likely due to the power of the BEV. Increased hydraulic performance provides a more efficient mucking process. Operators who participated in the trial have commented they feel more energetic at the end of the shift.” How do you envision Hudbay’s transition to electrification going forward? “Our company-wide emission reduction targets include a 50% reduction in scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 2030. To achieve that goal, we will evaluate new technologies, including fleet electrification technologies, as they become commercially available and economically viable. We’ve recently added a second BEV scoop to our fleet at Lalor and will continue to monitor the advancements of BEV technology as we look for future electrification opportunities.” More

www.hudbayminerals.com 39

In Focus ELECTRIFICATION / PERSPECTIVE

ENERGY STORAGE There are always things to be learned from other organizations and other industries. Here are some examples of how storage solutions can enable renewable energy.

“The aim of Drive Me is to enhance people’s lives” Making renewable energy sources viable

The power of storage LARGE-SCALE ENERGY STORAGE solutions play a crucial role in the integration of renewable energy sources, providing, for example, grid stabilization and peak shaving. A number of solutions are under development, including scaled-up lithium-ion batteries. A recent example is the Victorian Big Battery in Australia, which provides 450 MWh of storage and can discharge at 300 MW. One well-established and mature technology is pumped hydro storage, which utilizes two reservoirs at different elevations to store energy. During periods of excess electricity, water is pumped uphill to the upper reservoir, and during high-demand periods, it is released downhill, passing through

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

turbines to generate electricity. Compressed air energy storage (CAES) involves compressing air and storing it in underground caverns or tanks – for example abandoned mine shafts. During peak demand, the compressed air is released and expanded through turbines to generate electricity. Another option, thermal energy storage (TES) systems, store excess energy in the form of heat or cold that can be later converted back to electricity or used for heating and cooling purposes. Examples include molten salt storage, phase-change materials, and ice-based storage systems. TES is particularly useful for applications requiring seasonal or long-duration storage.

Other technologies currently being tested include flow batteries, which store energy in tanks containing liquid electrolytes; flywheels, which store energy in the rotational motion of a spinning mass; and hydrogen storage, which produces hydrogen through electrolysis, storing it for later use. A number of battery technologies are also under development, for example solid-state batteries and improved lithiumsulfur batteries.

Christian Tarras Ericsson

Shutterstock

Why is energy storage important? Energy storage is crucial for the future. To reduce our dependency on fossil energy sources like oil and gas, we are proliferating solutions that make use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. But they come with some drawbacks, not least their intermittency – they simply do not produce power on demand as reliably as nuclear or hydropower stations. Adding large-scale energy storage solutions to the grid is essential for augmenting stability and reliability. Storage can also help meet peak demands, provide backup power during grid outages or emergencies, and enhance grid resiliency by offering a localized power supply. More miningandconstruction.com

www.victorianbigbattery.com.au 41

In Focus ELECTRIFICATION / SURVEY

Gustaf Höök

HOW TO TRANSITION? Want more input on this theme? Three people from different fields offer their insights to help paint a broader picture.

01 02

What are the main challenges in the transition towards electrification?

How should those challenges be met?

Elin Svensson

Martijn de Graaff

Chris Bataille

Senior Researcher at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden

Program Director Industrial Transformation & Electrification, TNO, Netherlands

Adjunct Research Fellow, Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy, US

“The timing of industrial electrification projects with capacity extensions in the power sector, in the power grid, and in renewable electricity generation is one of the main challenges. As access to low-CO2 electricity at predictable, affordable prices becomes increasingly important, we are also likely to see a geographical restructuring of the industrial sector which may lead to societal challenges.”

“Collaboration between industry, the power sector and authorities to remove unnecessary barriers when working towards common goals. Making sure the right driving forces are in place through a combination of policy instruments and private initiatives, which should reduce risk, secure financing, and create markets for products with a low carbon footprint.” More

www.energypolicy.columbia.edu

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

“Availability of cheap renewable energy and prioritization of that energy towards highest CO2-mitigation potential in the value chain, as well as creating a positive business case for electrified processes compared to fossil alternatives. In addition to this, large scale renewable energy production, conversion and storage are too dependent on scarce minerals.”

“The commodity industry needs to be developed close to renewable energy production, using CO2-mitigation potential as a prioritization mechanism for permits. Also, we need international legislation, incentives and penalties that favor net-zero and circular value chains over fossil ones, as well as technologies that use substantially less scarce minerals, recycling methods, and alternatives to scarce minerals. New mines for virgin material will also be needed.”

“Electrification is the cheapest way to decarbonize. Where it starts to get a little complicated is in heavy industry, where you have high process heat needs, chemical needs, et cetera. From a mining perspective, it’s about getting enough conducting material to build the electricity network. There’s going to be a rise in the need for both copper and aluminum for electric vehicles and short and long-range transmission.”

“Thirty years ago, I would have answered a small and rising global carbon price. But since we can’t raise the carbon price fast enough, we’re going to need a lot of policy, probably a mixture of voluntary measures and regulations in certain sectors. For the mining sector, you would have to show why you are not electrifying a mine, because the technology already exists.”

/ SEVEN THINGS

Christian Tarras Ericsson

Shutterstock

Even the universe itself thinks electricity is a good idea; it has popped up in evolution and other natural phenomena numerous times. Here are some examples.

Neurons

CME: Coronal mass ejections

Electricity is the method of choice for transmitting information through the nerve system. In humans, each neuron contains a resting voltage of approximately 70 millivolts. On average, at any given moment, the human brain is outputting roughly 0.085 Watts of power.

During a CME on the sun, large, fastmoving bursts of plasma cause shockwaves in the heliosphere, launching electromagnetic waves that accelerate charged protons and electrons and forming showers of ionizing radiation. These huge storms can affect electrical equipment on Earth.

Core of the Earth

Electromagnetic navigation

In fact, our whole planet is shielded with the help of electricity. In Earth’s molten outer core, hot matter rises while cooling matter descends. These flows of liquid iron produce electric currents, which in turn generate Earth’s powerful magnetic field.

Certain animals, such as birds, bees, and sea turtles, use Earth’s magnetic field for navigation during migration. They have specialized cells that can sense and interpret the magnetic field lines, enabling accurate navigation over long distances.

Stun weapons Electric eels and electric rays are capable of producing strong electric fields for defense and hunting, delivering shocks of up to several hundred volts. These species use specialized organs to deliver the shocks, mostly for stunning prey or scaring off predators.

Plant senses

Electrolocation

It has been suggested that even plants can sense and respond to weak electromagnetic fields. Various published research indicates that plants may use electromagnetic signals for growth orientation, orientation toward light sources, and root development.

Electrolocation, either active or passive, plays a crucial role for certain aquatic animals in detecting prey. Some species of fish, like elephant fish, knife fish and lamprey, use specialized electroreceptor organs to sense disturbances caused by nearby objects or prey.

Next issue [ In Focus ]

Reducing human intervention in processes has the potential to greatly increase efficiency and safety. Read more about automation in our next issue’s In Focus.

miningandconstruction.com

MY WORK: GENERAL MANAGER

Epiroc’s greatest asset is our employees. We take pride in offering them an outlet for their creativity in order to provide the best possible value to our customers.

Frida Valentin Helena Wolfenson

“Nothing is impossible” Kamshat Galiyeva from Kazakhstan is the first female General Manager at Epiroc Brazil. With “nothing is impossible” as her motto, she wants to make the mining industry better, by taking small steps every day.

“M

y first experience that didn’t exist and was always preof the mining insenting plays to my family. My youngdustry began with est son is the same, every day is an a visit to an underinvention. Today, my creativity is exground mine in pressed in many ways, both as a mother Kazakhstan when and a leader. I would say there isn’t I was 22. It was aneven a box in my way of thinking. Thus, other world, like another planet – dark, Epiroc’s vision ‘Dare to think new’ is so mysterious, and scary at the same time, as close to me. I’m learning to be an inyou feel when you are 300 meters (984 ft.) spiring leader, encouraging my team underground. I studied international reto speak up about their ideas and conlations and English as an interpreter and KAMSHAT GALIYEVA tinuously share honest feedback. This had never been interested in the mining Age: 41 is important to me. Together we can industry before. But I am glad that my Job: General Manager at Epiroc, make an impact and change the minfirst jobs led me to many great opportu- São Paulo, Brazil ing industry when it comes to safety, Joined the company: 2005 nities in an exciting industry. diversity, and sustainability – and my Best part of the job: In February 2022, I moved from “The transformation that we’re mission is to also get our customers on Uzbekistan, where I had the role of a going through right now. I enjoy board. Small steps every day can make country manager, to São Paulo with my change management.” a huge difference. two sons to become General Manager. When I entered the role as a General It was a courageous decision to move so far away to a Manager, there weren’t many women in the same posinew culture with a different language, but I was really tion globally, and actually no one in Brazil. This makes interested in getting to know a new world. Nothing is me proud, and I hope it encourages other women in impossible. our industry to be the groundbreakers for the next As a child I was very creative. I sang, made up games generation.”

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

Kamshat Galiyeva didn’t plan on ending up in the mining industry, but once she got a taste of it, there was no going back. Now, as General Manager at Epiroc Brazil, she hopes to encourage other women to break new ground.

miningandconstruction.com

SUSTAINABILITY

Frida Valentin

Manikandan Prakash

Using recycled tungsten carbide, Epiroc gets tungsten powder that is identical to virgin powder.

Steel and carbides recycled Reducing waste and carbon emissions are important environmental goals for Epiroc and our customers. The rock drilling tools recycling program, with focus on steel and carbides, is a step on the sustainability journey.

ECYCLING HAS BECOME increasingly important within the mining industry in recent years. By recycling and reusing materials such as steel, metals, and other valuable resources, the need to extract virgin material is reduced, which in turn decreases environmental impact and promotes a more sustain-

able practice. On top of that, Epiroc sees some geopolitical challenges in the world which could become a potential bottleneck for a sustainable manufacturing process. In 2023, recycling has been prioritized in Epiroc’s sustainability work. “We must do what we can to contribute to a more sustainable world,

Three important benefits of the recycling program

Using recycled and fossilfree steel and fossil-free carbide reduces carbon emissions, an important goal of Agenda 2030.

By diversifying the carbide supply, including recycled material, Epiroc can secure the customers’ sustainability work.

Recycling material, such as tungsten carbide, increases production efficiency and saves costs.

Environment

Sustainability

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

Economy

with less waste and emissions. Our new recycling program is one activity that brings us closer to that goal,” says Pavel Vedeneev, Regional Business Development Manager for Rock Drilling Tools in Europe, the CIS countries and Mongolia. IN APRIL 2023, Vedeneev and his team took the first step towards the recycling program. By the end of the year, the goal is to have implemented the process in seven selected markets on different continents. “Next year we’re scaling it up by developing new areas. We look forward to the continued journey,” says Vedeneev. The recycling process is divided into two levels. The first is that the steel needs to be separated from the carbide inserts, and the second is a more complicated process that requires a hightech chemical method. The inserts are

Gustaf Höök

Epiroc

Epiroc has selected nine relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals, connecting them to the company’s own goals. In each issue, we highlight one of them.

Recycled materials are used in Epiroc’s Fagersta facility to produce world-class tungsten carbide inserts.

In March 2022, solar panels were commissioned at Innovate Mining Products, a company owned by Epiroc, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Electrifying the present and the future The global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) formulated by the UN guide our sustainability work. We take a closer look at how Epiroc approaches Goal 7. first taken down to atomic level, to be able to reveal the powder equal to the virgin powder of the mine. Pavel Vedeneev “Our goal is to Regional Business do level one in Development Manager for Rock the regions where Drilling Tools, Epiroc our bits are used by customers and are close to their operations. This means that it’s only the carbide inserts that will eventually turn into powder that is shipped to our level-two production in Europe. Level two requires expert knowledge,” says Vedeneev, concluding: “This also means that we don’t need to send large containers around the world. To find regional business partners that can help us with the separation is therefore high on my agenda right now.” miningandconstruction.com

IF THE WORLD is to achieve SDG cent renewable electricity and Goal 7 – Ensure access to afforddistrict heating. We are also runable, reliable, sustainable and ning projects where we are remodern energy – by 2030, the placing natural gas with biogas.” energy transition needs to be speeded up. For Epiroc, reducSCOPE 3 EMISSIONS from the use of sold products is the area with ing climate impact is highly Joakim von Bothmer highest carbon emissions in the prioritized, and the sustainability Head of Group, SHEQ, Epiroc value chain, and the most goals include halving carbon Epiroc difficult area to reduce emisemissions from operations, transport and major suppliers, as well as from sions from. This is the area where Epiroc customers’ use of Epiroc equipment. does not have the same direct control, but “When it comes to Scope 1 and Scope 2 if customers make the same sort of energy transition, the possibilities are huge. emissions, we have come a long way. Thanks “A large part of our fleet is already electo the Epiroc Renewable Energy Program, we are streamlining operations to eliminate trified, and the goal is that, by 2030, we energy thieves, we are investing in solar will offer electric versions in all market segpanels and we are purchasing renewable ments. We are working closely with cusenergy whenever possible,” says Joakim von tomers to come up with solutions that fit Bothmer, Head of Group SHEQ, adding: their needs and conditions. For instance, “Today we have eight sites where we have it’s vital that changing a battery is no more installed solar panels, and more are on the time-consuming than filling up a tank with way. We also have several sites with 100 perdiesel,” says von Bothmer.

www.epirocgroup.com/un-sustainable-goals 47

BLAST FROM THE PAST YEAR 2000

Innovative products and a wide array of customers: Epiroc is a new company with a long and rich history dating all the way back to 1873. In each issue of Mining & Construction, we look into the review mirror for a glimpse of the past.

Gustaf Höök Shutterstock

The Lærdal Tunnel is an underground tunnel that is 24.5 kilometers long. There is an area like this every 6 kilometers to help keep drivers alert. The tunnel connects Lærdal and Aurland in Norway.

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

Portfolio: The Lærdal Tunnel CAR TRAVEL BETWEEN Oslo, Norway’s

capital, and Bergen, a city on the country’s west coast, used to involve a ferry and difficult mountain crossings in the winter. The construction of the Lærdal Tunnel, which was completed in 2000, put an end to that. The 24.5 kilometer tunnel – the world’s longest road tunnel, bypassing the Swiss Gotthard Road Tunnel – houses two lanes of European Route E16, and its design takes into consideration the mental strain of driving through a long tunnel. It is divided into four sections, separated by three large mountain caves at 6-kilometer intervals. While the main tunnel has white lights, the caves have blue lighting with yellow lights at the fringes to give an impression of a sunrise. These caves are meant to break the monotony, providing a refreshing view and allowing drivers some relief. During the tunnel construction, some 2 500 000 cubic meters of rock were removed. The two contractors for the tunnel were EegHenriksen and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. Eeg-Henriksen advanced the work in both directions by a total of 13 kilometers, and the Roads Administration, using a Rocket Boomer 353ES rig, by 11 kilometers. An Atlas Copco 5.5 meter R35 Enduro drill steel was used in the tunnel, drilling 51 mm holes with ballistic and drop-center R35 bits. More

miningandconstruction.com

bit.ly/lærdaltunnel

RIO TINTO

AROUND THE WORLD IN BRIEF

Brian Luinstra Principal Hydrogeologist, SRK Consulting, Australia

Responsible water usage in mining

The solar power plant at Diavik will reduce emissions by 2 900 metric tons of CO2 equivalent, which is comparable to eliminating the emissions of 630 cars.

Rio Tinto to build a massive solar power plant at Diavik The plant will be equipped with bi-facial panels that will generate energy from both direct sunlight and the light that reflects off the snow that covers Diavik for most of the year. This will reduce emissions by approximately 2 900 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. Diavik is working with the government of the Northwest Territories and community partners to determine how its renewable energy infrastructure can best benefit the region following closure.

SHUTTERSTOCK

THE DIAVIK DIAMOND mine, owned and operated by Rio Tinto, will house from 2024 the largest solar power plant in Northern Canada – 6 600 solar panels that will generate around 4.2 GWh of electricity annually for the mine, according to gjepc.org. The solar power plant will provide up to 25 percent of Diavik’s electricity during closure work that will run until 2029, with commercial production from the operation expected to end in early 2026.

Why is water management an important issue for the mining industry? “We have to leave as small a footprint on the environment as possible, and that includes the responsible use of water. In addition, water is becoming critical to mine operations financially, which investors are aware of. Water issues have an impact that goes a long way and have been the root cause of failure in mining operations here in Australia and other arid parts of the world. The changing weather patterns are increasingly turning it into a global issue.”

The world’s largest current lithium projects THE GLOBAL DEMAND for lithium has risen dramatically over the past few years due to electrification and an increased need for batteries, mining.com reports. Mining Intelligence has listed the ten largest clay and hard rock lithium projects in 2023, ranking them after lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). Three US mines in Nevada take the top positions: McDermitt, Thacker Pass and Bonnie Claire. Global lithium production is set to double by 2025.

Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

Is it possible to eliminate the water impact from mining? “No, there will always be some impact. Not least with open pit mining, where the dewatering will always affect water levels. Our responsibility is to minimize the impact.” In what ways can you be more responsible in regard to water usage? “Naturally, use as little as possible. Most mines today have water accounting systems. Water treatment is becoming more common, for example passive solutions that deal with effluent coming off a mine. Another way is to ensure that non-contact and contact water are kept separate. And, of course, to recycle water whenever possible. Dry stack tailings, for example, enable you to recover more water.” More

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Want to keep track of what’s happening in the mining and construction industry? Visit miningandconstruction.com for links to industry news and other interesting reading.

Pinpointed 1

Saudi Arabia renews its mining sector Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The mining company BHP has reached a milestone in gender equality at its Jansen site and corporate office in Saskatchewan, Canada. The workforce now has 43.8 percent female representation, making it the most gender-balanced workforce in the Americas. When support roles are included, the number climbs to 57.4 percent. Also, the Potash leadership team is 52 percent female. The BHP gender balance is a testament to the progress being made toward more inclusive workplaces in the mining industry, according to womeninmining.us.

Strange metals’ properties better understood New York City, NY, USA

Researchers at Flatiron Institute’s Center for Computational Quantum Physics in NYC have begun to explain the characteristic properties of strange metals, mining.com reports. A new theory in a paper in Science clarifies many oddities, including how the interplay between quantum entanglement and the patchwork-like arrangement of atoms in strange metals affects the behavior of electrons. This knowledge may help physicists develop and fine-tune new superconductors for applications such as quantum computers.

SHUTTERSTOCK

Saudi Arabia’s mining sector has undergone a transformation in recent years; this is a result of Vision 2023, the country’s blueprint for economic diversification. The site mining-journal.com reports that updates include free access to geological data, the creation of a competitive investment environment, regulations ensuring that mining companies support local community development, the provision of incentives to investors committed to sustainable mining at all stages, and the launch of a Future Minerals Forum.

BHP reaches a milestone in female representation Jansen, Saskatchewan, Canada

Construction is undergoing a sustainability revolution Denver, CO, USA

Sustainability in the construction sector was the subject of the most recent AEMP summit, equipmentworld. com reports. Construction accounts for almost one-third of global carbon emissions. Optimizing equipment is a key factor in reducing the carbon footprint from the construction sector. A lot has been done over the past miningandconstruction.com

twenty years; what remains is to standardize processes and measurements, record results and work toward continual improvement. Key concepts include electrified and hybrid solutions, automation, fleet utilization, maintenance processes, training and monitoring, and increasing efficiencies. 51

FROM THE LAB

Frida Valentin

Epiroc

The Collision Avoidance System (CAS) is designed to lessen the risk of serious injuries and fatalities in the mining environment, specifically between machinery and personnel.

CAS

Increasing awareness and saving lives Safety is key in mining. With CAS, a high-end safety system, Epiroc aims to increase awareness and save lives. Schalk Janse van Rensburg, General Manager at Mernok, owned by Epiroc, has been working closely with the industry to develop a solution.

escribe the main purpose of the system and how it works. “CAS stands for Collision Avoidance System, and the goal is to detect people and vehicles around equipped machines. The system comprises a control unit, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) and several different sensors that will detect equipped pedestrians, as well as equipped vehicles when they are within the defined range of the system. Three levels of reaction (as established by EMERST) are possible with the proven and tested solution: level 7 is an audible and visual warning, level 8 is advisory, and level 9 is intervention that will slow and stop the vehicle if the operator does not react to the first two levels. This last level has been a legal requirement in South Africa since January 2023.”

Schalk Janse van Rensburg General Manager, Mernok, owned by Epiroc

velop the CAS solution is robust and field-tested. However, this is only one step in successful implementation. Understanding how the system interacts with an already accepted way of working on a mine is where these exercises become more about partnership.”

So how will CAS improve your customers’ operations? “Our solution is purpose-built to address the occurrence of serious injuries and fatalities in the mining environment, specifically between machinery and personnel. We firmly believe in the zero-harm policy in our industry. The system has been developed with modularity, expandHave you encountered any specific challenges ability, and interoperability in mind, building on during implementation? layers of technology to ensure the highest level “The technology that has come together to de- of safety.” More 52

www.epiroc.com/digital Mining & Construction | No. 02 | 2023

Collision Avoidance System (CAS) Multi-layered safety system that is reliable and upgradeable. Detects and warns equipped vehicle’s operators and pedestrians of each other’s presence. Three levels of reaction, from 7 to 9. It’s easy to upgrade to a higher level. Level 7: Operator awareness, a warning system. Level 8: Advisory controls, an advisory system. Level 9: Intervention controls, a collisionavoidance system.