K-Tec equipment
As the exclusive distributor of K-Tec’s innovative earthmoving equipment in sub-Saharan Africa, we are introducing the articulated dump truck (“ADT”) pull scraper applications to the sub-Saharan mining sector. By combining the proven track record of the K-Tec ADT pull scrapers with our pragmatic approach to mining throughout Africa, we aim to reduce the cost of dry mining methods for suitable applications and replace certain problematic wet mining applications.
Over the last few years, the use of ADT-pulled scrapers has increased more and more in conventional mining applications. This recent drive in the mining industry can largely be attributed to the following three prevailing conditions:
- Reliable, large, heavy duty mining grade ADT pull scrapers are now available in the market, supported by localised infrastructure.
- Mining operations are under increasing cost pressure and are continuously looking at ways to improve their production and cost performance.
- With the ever-increasing focus on sustainable mining practices, mining houses have increased their focus on methods to reduce their environmental, social and governmental (ESG) footprint, specifically with savings on water, reduced diesel consumption and lower emissions as priorities.
The suitable material types for the ADT pull scraper mining application are topsoil, sand, soil, clay, hardpan or a high-density sub-soil, coal and salt material mechanically broken by surface miners or ripped hard layers in a soft material matrix, mineral residue deposits and tailings storage facilities. ADT pull scrapers, operated in a train configuration for appropriate applications and have a significant advantage relative to conventional load mining solutions historically used in sub-Saharan Africa for the following reasons:
- Less capital intensive: Pull scrapers require less equipment (~50% less horsepower) to move the same unit of material over the same distance relative to conventional truck and shovel operations for a lower dry unit cost.
- Lower number of staff: Fewer maintenance personnel and operators for the same unit of material (~50% less personnel) moved relative to a truck and shovel/excavator operation due to the lower number of engines and the low maintenance requirement of the pull scraper unit. This relates to less personnel exposure to injury and lower dry unit cost.
- Lower centre of gravity when dumping material: Due to the high centre of gravity of ADTs, the risk of rolling over, specifically while back-tipping in soft or uneven underfoot conditions is negated by the use of ADT pull scrapers.
- K-Tec scrapers excel in soft ground conditions. In comparison to traditional motor scrapers that only have four tyres, and ADT and shovel/ excavator applications with six tyres per load, the pull scraper and ADT combination has 10 tyres spaced evenly across the machine, providing better flotation in soft and wet underfoot conditions.
- ESG advantage: Additional to the lower level of carbon emissions relative to a conventional load and haul operation, the pull scraper application has a significant advantage relative to hydrological mining methods because of the water consumption, the associated water contamination and risk of contamination to surrounding areas.
- Significantly lower fuel consumption: By comparison with conventional methods, there is a horsepower reduction of generally more than half to move the same unit of material over the same distance, resulting in significant savings in fuel consumption, a lower unit cost and lower levels of carbon emissions.
- The basis of operation is close to a continuous operation with loading and dumping while moving with no waiting for trucks as with a conventional load and haul operation.
The role that the mining industry plays in the sustainable supply of metals and minerals is significant. To responsibly sustain our modern society, we need to constantly look at ways to produce more saleable products, despite the challenging physical parameters of the available ore bodies, while ever increasing our focus on cost-effective sustainable mining practices that are low on harmful emissions and protect scarce water resources. The introduction of ADT pull scrapers has a role to play in the reduction of cost, and diesel and water consumption on sub-Saharan mines.