Aramine, global pioneer in sustainable underground mining solutions, recently showcased its expertise in battery-powered mining machines at MINExpo in Las Vegas (booth W-11745), enabling mining operations with low CO2 emissions while ensuring maximum productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The French manufacturer released its first battery-powered machine in 2016: the L140B miniLoader. At the time, with more than a decade of experience in manufacturing underground mining machines, \u201cWe started from scratch; we didn\u2019t electrify a diesel machine, we designed battery-powered machines\u201d explained Marc Melkonian, co-president – Equipment Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, with more than 50 L140B loaders in operation worldwide, and more than 200.000 operating hours, the initial objectives have been achieved, with a machine offering numerous advantages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recently, Aramine has released its latest battery-powered machine: the L440B Loader. It is the logical continuation of its precursor: same technologies but new challenge: a more efficient, more powerful and more intuitive machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The machine has a 4.6-tonne tramming capacity, more than 3.5 times greater than the L140B (1.3 tonne), and soon a 5 tonnes version will follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both machines have a number of innovations in common to offer cutting-edge equipment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Innovation #1: Unlimited autonomy. Aramine offers a unique \u201cplug and charge\u201d solution: its \u201cquick replacement system.\u201d The energy module at the rear of the machine, housing the batteries and the charger, can be \u201chot-swapped\u201c in less than 10 minutes. Filling the battery is now quicker than filling the fuel tank. A machine equipped with two energy modules can be operated without interruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Innovation #2: Low maintenance and high reliability. The energy module is a dual technology. Each energy module includes two completely autonomous battery packs with their own battery cells, electronic system and chargers. The machine continues to operate even if one of the battery packs fails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Innovation #3: A single pedal for total control. Aramine’s unique operating mode uses a single pedal to control speed and braking. This has two major benefits: no friction or wear on parts to stop the machine, and high regeneration during braking phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Innovation #4: Industry 4.0 ready. The software on Aramine\u2019s battery machines complies with the requirements of Industry 4.0 and provides all the information needed for optimized operation. \u201cAll data can be consulted in real time on the machine screen or on a remote tablet to optimize functions, improving productivity and reducing machine fatigue\u201d clarifies Marc Melkonian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Innovation #5: The multi energy supply kit. True to its CSR commitments, Aramine offers to give a second life to the batteries in its machines. At any time, thanks to the \u201cMulti Energy Supply Kit\u201d, the batteries can be used to supply an office or any other facility. At the end of their original useful life in the mine, these batteries are still powerful enough to power homes and offices in 220v (50 Hz) or 110v (60 Hz) for basic electricity needs: lighting, heating, etc. Coupled with solar panels, batteries can operate autonomously in isolated locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur engineers are CSR-minded, always looking ahead to the mining machines of tomorrow. Naturally, we intend to rapidly expand our range of battery-powered machines\u201d added Melkonian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n