Zero-Emission Mining Equipment
One of Elon Musk’s goals is to make humans a multi-planet species. His rocket company, SpaceX, is working to establish a permanent human presence on Mars. At DBA Silencing, we feel that – although massive investment could one day lead to small scale habitation on the red planet – the future of humanity is inextricably interwoven with the health of Earth. It is for this reason that we are so excited by the ongoing development of zero-emission equipment.
Of course, the widespread adoption of zero-emission mining equipment will lead to changes in the types of products we manufacture, but we’re looking forward to adapting our systems for use with cleaner and greener mining technologies. Zero-emission vehicles may not require exhaust parts, but they’ll always need air intake and coolant components!
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of zero-emission mining equipment, and then take a look at the way our largest customer – Liebherr Mining Equipment – is leading the way in this revolutionary shift.
Benefits Of Zero-Emission Mining Equipment
1. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
One of the most attractive features of zero-emission mining equipment is that it reduces the industry’s carbon footprint. With traditional mining equipment, exhaust gases can cause harm to the environment. Zero-emission equipment eliminates these elements from the equation, thus having a salutary effect.
2. Cost Savings
In addition to curtailing emissions, zero-emission mining equipment can help companies with their bottom line. While the initial investment in zero-emission equipment may be higher, the operating costs are generally lower due to reduced fuel consumption and a decrease in the need for maintenance. As a result, mining companies that have made the switch to zero-emission equipment can often save a significant amount of money in the long run.
3. Safety Improvements
Zero-emission mining equipment is considered by many to be safer than traditional equipment because it produces less noise and vibration {which also leads, as you can imagine, to enhanced operator comfort}.
5. Augmented Efficiency
Zero-emission equipment is in some respects more efficient than traditional equipment because it employs cutting-edge technological tools to optimize performance. This is why the latest zero-emission vehicles often demonstrate impressive productivity and output.
Drawbacks Of Zero-Emission Mining Equipment
1. Higher Upfront Costs
The initial investment in zero-emission mining equipment can be larger than that required when purchasing traditional equipment. This can make it difficult for smaller mining companies to embrace this new technology.
2. Restricted Availability
Zero-emission mining equipment is not yet widely available, and the features are typically limited. This can make it challenging for mining companies to locate equipment that meets their specific needs. A firm looking for a particular type of underground mining equipment, for instance, may find that the gear it requires is not yet on the market.
3. Finite Range
Many zero-emission mining equipment options, such as electric vehicles, can cover only modest distances. This can be a significant limitation for mining companies operating in remote areas with minimal access to charging infrastructure.
4. Reliability
Zero-emission mining equipment is still relatively new tech, and in some situations it may remain glitchy. If this is the case, if wrinkles are still being ironed out, it may require more attention than traditional equipment. This can lead to higher maintenance costs and potentially more vehicle downtime, which most mine sites work strenuously to avoid.
LME’s Commitment To Carbon Neutrality
DBA Silencing provides aftermarket parts to many of our customers. This means that the components we supply are similar to those offered by the original manufacturer, but usually much more cost-effective. In many instances, the aftermarket units we ship out are superior to their OEM {Original Equipment Manufacturer} equivalents. This is because, as an example, our proprietary insulating technology often allows us to improve heat resistance on exhaust parts while at the same time reducing product weight.
For Liebherr Mining Equipment, DBA is an OEM supplier. We are proud to be associated with Liebherr for a variety of reasons, but one of the main ones is that LME is devoting a great deal of energy to decarbonizing all their various types of mining equipment. Big mining equipment, underground mining equipment – you name it, Liebherr Mining is working on solutions.
One of these solutions involves equipping different types of mining equipment with electric drives. This includes smaller vehicles such as excavators, as well as big mining equipment such as trucks with payloads of 100 tonnes {and more}. Electric mining trucks use electric motors powered by large batteries or overhead electrical lines. Liebherr Mining has developed an overhead system that it calls “trolley assist”.
Progress is also being made on the fuel front: as of today, all LME diesel engines in mining trucks and hydraulic excavators can be powered, 100%, by HVO. HVO stands for Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, and it can be utilized in an unadulterated manner or in any ratio with fossil diesel.
If you’re interested in learning more about Liebherr Mining Equipment’s environmental efforts, you can check out their website at liebherr.com. And of course you’re always welcome to visit us at dbasilencing.ca. You’re also welcome to give us a shout, should you have any questions, at 1-800-661-5886. Oh, and our catalogue is available online if you’d like to take a peek at our parts. We like to think that they’re beautiful as well as functional, and hopefully you’ll agree!