A mining solutions company celebrated victory for its blast-resistant, sustainable transporter.
Ampcontrol recently hailed its DRIFTEX driftrunner as a success. The battery electric vehicle is touted to be the first commercially available and certified explosion-protected unit for underground use.
The technology is not only promised to have a 60kWh safe battery management system but also a 10-year lifespan of 20,000 to 30,000 cycles.
Specifications include:
- 4500kg maximum tractive effort
- multicolour intrinsically safe headlights
- Constant 4WD with a total peak power of 200kW
- 30km/h top speed at 10,000kg gross vehicle mass
- recharge from flat to full in 40 mins with 75kw charger
- optional high-power charge takes less than 15 minutes
- two 100kW motors with a combined output torque of 1500Nm
- internet connectivity with enhanced operation, maintenance and fault finding
Benefits include removing diesel particulate matter from underground environments. This is promised to eliminate hazardous group 2A carcinogens, and reduce the need for mine site ventilation.
“The beauty of DRIFTEX can be seen in how it can support the reduction of site environmental emissions, contributing to improvements in the social license of the mine,” Ampcontrol managing director and CEO Rod Henderson said in a public statement.
Lower underground diesel fuel emissions also helped the employer win the health excellence category of the 2023 NSW Minerals Council’s Health, Safety, Environment and Community Awards.
“Entrants are of a very high standard demonstrating our industry’s commitment to improving how we operate and to continue to mine responsibly now and in the future. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists,” CEO Stephen Galilee said.
