Electrical systems for mines to improve safety, reduce costs and cut emissions

The adoption of electric mining systems is displacing the diesel machines that have dominated the mining industry for decades, but have left much to be desired in terms of their environmental and health impact. Fortunately, investment in electrification is accelerating and we can already see major breakthroughs, such as the replacement of the iconic minecarts with electric vehicles that are set to transform mining and save lives along the way.

In this huge market, driven by environmental and health concerns and increasing financial pressures, mining companies have begun to invest in electrical systems for mines. There is much more to be done, but this new generation of electrified devices could profoundly change the way mining is done to become cleaner, healthier and more profitable.

Mining is not an easy business. Underground temperatures in the deepest shafts reach 80°C and workers can sometimes only work for 15 minutes before taking a break. But even the break can be difficult then. From travelling through bumpy passages to standing near excavators, miners are exposed to a myriad of shocks and vibrations in the course of their working day.

These frenetic conditions go a long way to explaining the continued popularity of diesel-powered machines. Whatever their shortcomings, diesel engines are basically robust enough to cope with the demands of industrial mining, a fact reflected in the $7 billion worth of diesel-powered equipment used by mining companies around the world.

But in many other respects, diesel vehicles are woefully unsuitable for underground work. This is true even when it comes to the basics. electrical systems for mines are presented as the best solution to solve a reality on which international organisations such as the WHO are unequivocal: diesel is as dangerous as mustard gas. In any case, tackling diesel emissions is a costly business.

Electrification is spreading across the global mining industry.

The use of electrical systems for mines is not a new idea. As early as the 1910s, engineers designed electric drills to break down rock walls. For decades, however, the use of electricity to power mining vehicles was hampered by high costs. Reliability problems did not help either, but things are changing. Investments in new technology, driven by the challenges of deeper shafts, are finally giving mine owners an alternative to diesel.

Other changes encompass everything from a new dispatch system, which can track vehicles remotely, to technology to help miners maximise equipment use through narrow passages. All in all, it's hard not to be impressed by the fundamental way electrification is transforming some mines. 

Training and qualification is a key component for the successful electrification of the mining industry.

From saving lives to helping the environment, the electrical systems for mines The mines still have to electrify their haulage trucks and many other pieces of equipment. Mines have yet to electrify their haul trucks and many other pieces of equipment. Some mining companies are currently looking to upgrade to a fleet of electrified trucks, but they still need to figure out and decide, for example, where to place the loaders.

Meanwhile, a more general problem is that of education. For the past century, mining has been dominated by physically demanding jobs, whether vehicle operators or blast-hole experts. But with the increased use of electrical systems for minesindustry will also need workers with softer hands.

This is especially true as automation advances and becomes more commonplace. Mining companies are clearly not blind to these moves. In 2017, one company invested $7.9 million in training and development programmes, while another spent A$2 million to teach workers about automation.

Electrification, a new era in mining

These developments can only be applauded. As analysts make clear, if the mining industry prepares itself in time, the electrical systems for mines and automation could indeed herald a new era. One particular area of interest is the use of gravitational force to automatically load trucks. As vehicles travel down ramps, the energy used to prevent trucks from speeding up is converted back into electrical energy that is sent back to the batteries. At the same time, it is hoped that even the battery change of a mining truck could one day be automated.

Meanwhile, as in other industries, the Internet of Things (IoT) is also expanding. It may not be long before cars and other vehicles and other electrical systems for mines send data on their energy consumption automatically to analysts on the surface, or artificial intelligence programs can recommend where best to send certain miners.

If you are interested in learning more about electrical systems for mines that improve safety, reduce costs and lower emissions, we invite you to learn more about the benefits and pitfalls of mining automationand also how the best methods for carrying out the electrical safety management in mines.

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