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Amping up the mining industry
New Zealands first Hitachi EX3600E-6LD
July 2024
OceanaGold is no stranger to bringing in the big guns when it comes to the machinery operating at its Macraes mine site. And with its first venture into electric earthmoving machinery, the company has done it again.
In April, the firm commissioned New Zealand’s first fully electric hydraulic shovel, the massive 360 tonne, Hitachi EX3600E-6LD excavator, thought to be the largest electric vehicle in the country.
Macraes Mine open pit manager Pieter Doelman, says the fully electric, 1200 kilowatt machine is a game changer for OceanaGold, in their ongoing journey to reduce their carbon emissions and decarbonise their mobile equipment.
Hitachi EX3600e-6LD
"Fully electric
"
Hitachi EX3600e-6LD
“everything, including the hydraulic system, is powered by electricity”
“We’re excited that the new electric-hydraulic shovel will reduce our emissions by around 3600 tonnes of carbon per year, combined with the fact it is powered by 100 percent renewable electricity sourced from the lower South Island. This machine is definitely a good news story for the mining and quarrying industries in New Zealand.”
OceanaGold started their feasibility study in 2019 regarding the introduction of an electric excavator into their fleet. After a lengthy process, they decided to stay with the clearly proven Hitachi brand, working closely with the manufacturer and their long-time supplier, CablePrice throughout the planning and build process. “This machine has so many of the same parts as our other Hitachi machines, using exactly the same hydraulic system, cab, frame, and tracks as our EX3600 excavators. The main difference is that the diesel engine, fuel tank and radiator have been replaced with an electric motor and electric control cabinet – so everything, including the hydraulic system, is powered by electricity,” explains Pieter.
The shovel configuration on the machine is another change, with the 22 cubic metre bucket, which can hold about 38 tonnes per scoop, digging in front of the machine as it moves forwards, rather than underneath it as it moves backwards.
Pieter says the hydraulic shovel has been plugged into Macrae’s existing high voltage power supply from Ranfurly, which reticulates electricity around the site at 11,000 volts. “We have stepped this down to 6600 volts to power the shovel, which is connected to the grid by a 6600V cable – working in essentially the same way as an at-home extension cord. We have put detailed protocols in place for the safety and protection of our electricians and operators.”
Getting used to operating an electric shovel and managing the power cord as they operate around the worksite have been the biggest learning curves for OceanaGold’s operators, who are a lofty seven metres up when in charge of the massive machine. A team of Australian specialists experienced in commissioning large electric machines was sourced through CablePrice to visit the mine site and work with the operators. “Only a couple of our guys had previously operated a shovel and no one had operated electric machines before, but they’ve picked it up really well. Our operators who are keen to try new things are really shining on this machine.”
Hitachi EX3600e-6LD
A few weeks in and the performance and productivity of the electric hydraulic shovel is already reaching expectations, Pieter says. “It is doing exactly what it says on the tin. Production is ahead of target and we are achieving our energy usage targets. It is very quiet in the cab compared to our diesel machines, and overall it has been reliable so far. While the shovel is still not quite at the productivity level of the excavators, we are seeing gains every month. It’s doing the business.”
The cost of $10 million for the electric shovel and associated electrical infrastructure, was partly funded by the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority under its Technological Demonstration Fund. OceanaGold’s purchase will hopefully lead the way for other quarrying and mining operations to consider using electric machines, says Pieter. “We hope our machine shows what can be done and gives confidence to others in these industries in New Zealand. Although our machine is very large, it is possible to get similar electric machines in smaller sizes.”
Pieter say OceanaGold is proud to be the first company in New Zealand to plug a huge electric earthmover of this size into the national grid. “We are excited to have this machine in service, and it hopefully won’t be the last.”
22 cubic metre bucket, which can hold about 38 tonnes per scoop
Watch the assembly of a gamechanger
Breaking ground
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Congratulations to Peter and Margaret Morgan from Linton Contracting Ltd in Winton on winning our business card draw at this year’s NZ Civil Contractors Conference in Invercargill. Seen here taking delivery of their new Hitachi Fire Pit.
Congratulations to the winners of our recent Donaldson Filtration competition! We`re thrilled to announce Central Auto Parts and Equipment Ltd as our North Island winner and Chambers and Jackett Ltd as our South Island winner. They’ll both be heading off to enjoy a fun-filled weekend at Bathurst 1000 in October! A huge thank you to everyone who participated - we appreciate your enthusiasm and support. Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities in the future.
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