The role of electrification and autonomy in shaping the future of underground mining
By Tapojärvi
Within the MASTERMINE project, Tapojärvi develops and researches ways to improve mining safety, efficiency, and occupational health. Cutting-edge technologies enable safer, more efficient, and emission-free operations in underground mines. The MASTERMINE project offers Tapojärvi a unique opportunity to collaborate with other industry players and leverage the latest research to address mining industry challenges.
For instance, electric vehicles are critically important as they reduce the need for internal combustion engines, which produce harmful exhaust gases. Ventilation in underground mines is a significant cost, and the amount of air needed to run a diesel engine and remove the emissions from working area is substantial. Electric machines eliminate these emissions, improving air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory diseases. Additionally, electric equipment is often quieter, reducing noise pollution and improving working conditions in the mine.
Tommi Hiltunen, an employee of Tapojärvi, has written a master's thesis on the related topic. Background research indicates that in a mine in Ontario, Canada, where all diesel machines were replaced with electric ones, the need for ventilation could be reduced by up to 40 percent. This led to a reduction in the cross-sectional area of ventilation shafts, and some shafts could be eliminated altogether.
The operating costs of electric machinery over its lifecycle are often lower than those of diesel-powered machines, as fuel costs are a significant part of the lifecycle costs of diesel machinery. The efficiency of electric machines is significantly better than that of internal combustion engines, and energy can be recovered through regenerative braking. Therefore, the energy use of electric machines over their lifecycle is significantly lower than that of diesel machines.
The benefits of electric equipment are also evident in working conditions, as the heat generated by diesel engines is significantly reduced with electric machines. Emission-free operation not only improves working conditions but is also a significant environmental benefit. Mining companies must increasingly consider environmental regulations and sustainability goals. The adoption of emission-free technologies helps reduce the carbon footprint of mining operations and promotes more environmentally friendly practices. This can also enhance the reputation and acceptance of mining companies among local communities and stakeholders.
Reducing CO2 emissions is a central goal of the MASTERMINE project. By developing new, more energy-efficient, and less polluting mining technologies and methods, Tapojärvi, together with other partners, aim to reduce the carbon footprint of the mining industry.
Mining efficiency and safety can be increased through autonomy
Safety is a central focus of the MASTERMINE’s objectives. Tapojärvi and other project participants aim to develop methods and technologies that improve mining safety, reduce accident risks, and protect workers' health. Autonomy, or self-operating equipment, brings significant advantages to the operation of underground mines. Autonomous excavators and other equipment can work more freely in high-risk areas, such as areas with asbestos, where humans would need protective gear and decontamination facilities upon exit.
Autonomous systems can also operate around the clock, increasing mine productivity and enabling continuous operations without breaks. This enhances work efficiency, as autonomous systems can optimize workflows and reduce the number of human errors.
Sensors on autonomous machines can monitor changes in the rock mass or road conditions in tunnels. This data can create a situational picture of the condition of tunnels and roads, identifying the need for additional support and road maintenance. The additional sensors required by autonomous equipment can also provide better situational awareness of the machine's condition, which can be used for predictive maintenance planning.
Therefore, it can be concluded that electric power, emission-free operation, and autonomy are crucial in underground mining because they improve safety, working conditions, and environmental quality, as well as increase mining efficiency and productivity. Integrating these technologies into mining operations is a step towards a more sustainable and safer future.
During the MASTERMINE project, the scaling machine will be electrified and automated. The aim is to improve mine safety, efficiency, and occupational health.
A scale model was used to simulate and develop the technology used in the automation of Gradall, such as lidar sensors, technology for automated movement, and algorithms that control robotic operations, as well as the user interface designed for control and sensor operations.
