BHP has unveiled a fully electric jumbo at Olympic Dam to support the company’s target to reduce operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including by minimising reliance on diesel.
The 28.7 tonne, 14.5 metre-long battery-electric Epiroc Boomer M2 jumbo will be powered by a 150kW traction motor and 150kW battery system, eliminating GHG emissions from diesel. It will be tested for efficiency, productivity and comfort over the 12-month trial period.
Jumbos are used in underground mining development to drill holes, which are then loaded with explosives and open up new areas. Post-blasting jumbos install large bolts to stabilise mine walls. BHP currently operates 16 Epiroc jumbos at Olympic Dam.
The fully-electric Jumbo will also break new ground in its user experience by reducing noise and vibration, and eliminating heat and the emissions of diesel particulate matter.
https://www.australianmining.com.au/news/first-full-electric-epiroc-jumbo-at-olympic-dam/_________________________
Ash here.
This is an important milestone. Next up: electric loaders and trucks. Underground miners want no diesel fumes, the torque of electric, less heat, vibration and noise.
Mining equipment suppliers a year ago (lost ref) announced priority on u/g electrification, two years, ahead of above ground applications.
Ash
(20min delay)