Metals and Mining Review : News

The battery-electric Sandvik LH518B LHD is good to go for its first trial in Sweden at Boliden’s Garpenberg zinc operation. Boliden's zinc plant in Sweden, Garpenberg, will be the first in Europe to test the battery-electric Sandvik LH518B LHD, according to the manufacturer.They have agreed to do it for 12 months for the new 18-t battery-electric loader. Garpemnberg is one of the oldest and one of the most productive mines for underground zinc, in Sweden. Starting in 2022, Sandvik LH518B will support Boliden to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Owning to very minimal changes in the mining infrastructure,  Sandvik LH518B is very easy to implement in underground processes. An electric loader may be back to work in less than six minutes with the help of technologies such as Sandvik AutoSwap and AutoConnect, which make it possible. Rather than rely on cranes or forklifts, the loader itself swaps out the batteries under the supervision of the operator in the cabin. Third-generation BEVs, such as the Sandvik LH518B, have been developed wholly around their battery systems and electric drivelines to maximize battery system potential. An increasing number of mining operations across the world are experimenting with this battery-powered LHD. A total of four units will be tested in Kirkland Lake Gold's Fosterville mine in Australia, Gold Fields' Hamlet North mine in South Africa, Kennecott Utah Copper's underground expansion project at Bingham Canyon in Utah, and Gold Fields' South Deep operation in South Africa. ...Read more

There are several ways for coating metallic surfaces with each set of advantages and disadvantages.   Metals have been the go-to material for various applications for ages due to their durability, adaptability, and strength. However, corrosion is undoubtedly the most prevalent and publicly acknowledged difficulty individuals confront while employing metals. Several strategies have been offered to increase metallic constructions' lifetime and corrosion resistance. However, metal coatings stand out as among the cheapest and most convenient means of protection. Let's see some of the main types of metal coatings. Anodizing Anodizing is a procedure that promotes the creation of a protective oxide coating on a metal's surface. The resultant oxide layer builds faster and is often thicker than it forms normally. While numerous non-ferrous metals may be anodized, aluminum is the most effective. Anodizing is accomplished by immersing the aluminum component in a tank containing an electrolytic solution and a cathode (usually aluminum or lead). When an electrical current is passed from the aluminum, it oxidizes and forms a protective barrier. Galvanizing Galvanizing is the process of immersing a metal (usually steel or iron) inside a melted zinc bath. When the coated metal is removed, it combines with the oxygen and carbon dioxide in the environment to generate a resistant zinc carbonate layer. Galvanizing is also well-known for providing galvanic protection. In other words, if the metal's surface gets exposed owing to scratches, scrapes, or dents, the zinc coating would sacrifice itself via preferentially corroding. Such a procedure aids in protecting the steel substrate during maintenance procedures. Electroplating Electroplating, often referred to as electrodeposition, is depositing a thin coating of one metal on the surface. Both metals are immersed in an electrolytic solution during electroplating. The anode is metal-coated, while the cathode is the coating metal. An electric current is sent through the electrolytic cell, forcing metal ions to flow from cathode to anode, resulting in the formation of the coating. Electroplating provides great corrosion protection and can improve some of the mechanical qualities of metals. Electroplating also creates a visually appealing surface finish, rendering it excellent for coating jewelry and decorations.   ...Read more

Safety is a primary concern for mining companies, as evidenced by the industry's use of wearables. While various wearable technology devices can contribute to increased safety, the primary method is to add sensors. Whether integrated into smart helmets, smart jackets, or bodysuits or simply through wearable sensors, the ability to monitor various internal and external health risks can be highly beneficial for mining companies. The followings are some of the impacts of wearable technology on the wearable industry. Covid-19 By combining critical contact tracing methods, symptom prediction, temperature monitoring, and patient surveillance, wearables can play a crucial role in combating Covid-19. Apart from monitoring and alerting workers to the possibility of Covid-19 exposure, wearables assist workers in adhering to social distancing norms. The primary concern when utilising technology has been privacy. Personal information, such as health records and social activities, can be accessed and potentially abused. Additionally, because wearables frequently store data in cloud-based storage systems, they are susceptible to cyberattacks. Safety and injury prevention in the workplace Preventing workplace injuries is a critical aspect of wearable technology. In mines, workers may face injury risks due to hazardous terrain or working near heavy machinery. Wearable technologies can monitor workers' health and well-being and provide critical support and assistance as needed. Monitoring and inspection in real-time Wearable technology is critical for maintaining equipment and inspecting for signs of failure to minimise downtime. Major equipment failure can cost a business millions of dollars in production downtime and repair/replacement costs. When critical issues arise, technicians require expert assistance; however, transporting experts from onshore offices to offshore mines thousands of miles away increases overall costs. Additionally, it prolongs the time needed for equipment inspection and repair. Wearable technologies such as smart glasses and helmets help reduce the time and cost associated with equipment inspection and repair. Additionally, the field engineer can receive expert guidance in real-time via wireless connectivity, reducing the need for an expert to be on-site at all times. ...Read more