Transition of Diesel LHD to Battery LHD for Minimising Operational Cost and Improving Environmental Conditions in Underground Metal Mines

Abstract

As mining operations extend deeper underground, maintaining operational efficiency becomes increasingly crucial due to longer transit times, elevated stresses, heightened seismic activity, increased energy consumption, greater ventilation demands, and extended transport distances—all of which contribute to rising operating costs. In underground mines, haulage vehicles are routinely employed to move ore from subterranean loading stations to the surface. It's occasionally possible for descending empty cars to stop in a passing lane and wait for moving, heavier vehicles to pass. This is how traffic moves downhill. The number and placement of passing bays affect the haulage productivity of a mine. The operational expenses of the battery LHD and the diesel LHD have been contrasted in terms of gases released, diesel costs, and charging costs. According to our data, using a rechargeable LHD can cut operational costs by 90%. In conclusion, without drastically altering production, switching to battery power is possible. The operation of the diesel and battery LHDs is comparable.