Technological innovation of underground truck promotes mining modernization
Dec. 13, 2024
An underground truck, also known as an underground mining truck or underground mining transporter, is a heavy-duty vehicle designed specifically for transporting ore, rock and other materials in underground mines. It plays a key role in mining operations, especially in tunnels and small underground spaces.
Types of underground trucks
Dump Truck: This type of ore truck has a dump device that can automatically dump ore and is usually used in underground mines and tunnels.
Articulated Truck: This type of ore truck has an articulated structure and flexible steering, which is suitable for underground working environments with complex terrain and many bends.
Battery/Electric Truck: With the improvement of environmental protection requirements, battery-driven ore trucks have gradually become mainstream, reducing exhaust emissions and ventilation costs.
Key components of underground trucks
Power system: Traditional power systems mostly use diesel engines, but modern mine trucks are gradually transforming to battery electrification.
Hydraulic system: used to lift and unload goods and control the tilt of the bucket.
Suspension system: Due to the uneven road conditions in the underground environment, the suspension system needs to have high shock absorption and stability.
Steering system: The underground mine passages are narrow, and most ore transporters adopt an articulated design to facilitate steering in curves.
Braking system: Including hydraulic braking and electric braking to ensure safe braking in slippery or slope environments.
With the increasing depth and complexity of mineral resource development, the technological innovation of underground ore transporters has become a key driving force for the modernization of the mining industry. As an important means of transportation in underground mines, the performance of ore transporters is directly related to production efficiency and safety. Recently, many global mining equipment manufacturers have launched a new generation of electric and intelligent underground ore transporters, injecting new momentum into the green and intelligent transformation of the mining industry.
The new generation of underground ore transporters adopts electric drive systems, automatic navigation and remote control technologies. The electric drive system not only greatly reduces exhaust emissions, but also reduces the ventilation requirements of mines, thereby reducing operating costs. Automatic navigation technology uses laser radar (LiDAR), sensors and high-precision maps to achieve autonomous obstacle avoidance and path planning of vehicles. Operators can monitor the status of the vehicle in real time through the remote control platform, and can even remotely operate the vehicle in the ground control room, greatly improving the flexibility and safety of operations.
Green and environmental protection trend
Driven by the "dual carbon" strategy, mining companies have a surge in demand for green and environmental protection technologies. Traditional diesel ore transporters are gradually being replaced by electric ore transporters due to high exhaust emissions and high ventilation costs. Electric ore trucks not only have the environmental advantage of zero emissions, but also significantly reduce the energy consumption of mine ventilation systems. According to industry statistics, mines that use electric ore trucks can reduce ventilation costs by about 30%, which is particularly significant in deep mine operations.
Market prospects and industry impact
Market analysis data shows that by 2025, the global underground ore truck market is expected to reach US$10 billion, with an annual compound growth rate of more than 12%. With the accelerated advancement of mining intelligence, the future ore truck market will place more emphasis on the integrated application of unmanned driving, electrification and remote operation. This trend will significantly improve the safety, environmental protection and production efficiency of mining.
The technological upgrade of underground ore transporters marks another milestone in the modernization of the mining industry. Electric, intelligent and unmanned ore transporters not only improve the safety and efficiency of mining operations, but also provide important support for the construction of green mines. With the continuous iteration of new technologies, future mines will be cleaner, more efficient and smarter, helping the global mining industry achieve sustainable development goals.