Liebherr has signed a €20 million ($33.2 million) trolley development contract with Austria’s iron ore producer VA Erzberg for six 100-tonne T 236 mining trucks.
The trucks will operate on a five-kilometre track with the upper section at around 1055 metres above sea level, connecting the truck drive system to the overhead power lines on uphill haulage segments to drive with electric power.
This allows for tracks with small radiuses and even switchbacks, as well as a wider use of the haul road width, particularly when road conditions are suboptimal.
When connected to the overhead power lines in trolley mode, the full power capacity of the electric wheel motors of the T 236 can be translated into speed on grade, while the diesel engine idles.
VA Erzberg anticipates a reduction of around three million litres of diesel for the transport of more than 13 million tonnes of rock per year thanks to the technology.
• liebherr.com