Indian Minerology

Continuous Miner in Underground Mining: Working, Parts & Production Continuous miner is a highly productive underground mining machine used mainly in coal and soft rock mines. It cuts, loads, and transports material continuously. What is a Continuous Miner? A continuous miner is an electrically powered machine that uses a rotating cutting drum to excavate material without drilling and blasting. Main Parts of Continuous Miner Cutting Drum Gathering Arms Conveyor System Electric Motors Hydraulic System Crawler Tracks Working Principle Cutting drum breaks coal/rock Gathering arms collect material Material transfers to conveyor Discharged into shuttle car or conveyor belt Production of Continuous Miner Production depends on seam thickness, rock hardness, and system efficiency. Typical Production Coal: 15–30 tonnes/minute Highly mechanized panels: Higher output Advantages No drilling & blasting High productivity Continuous operation Reduced ma...

LHD Machine in Underground Mining: Working, Capacity & Safety LHD (Load Haul Dumper) is one of the most important machines used in underground mining for loading and hauling broken ore from the face to ore passes or dumping points. What is an LHD Machine? An LHD machine is a low-profile underground vehicle designed to work in confined spaces. It performs three operations: loading, hauling, and dumping. Main Parts of LHD Machine Bucket Articulated Frame Engine Hydraulic System Transmission Tyres ROPS/FOPS Cabin Working Principle of LHD Bucket penetrates broken ore Material is loaded LHD hauls material Dumping at ore pass Returns to face LHD Capacity 1 T 3 T 5 T 10 T 14 T Production of LHD LHD production depends on haul distance, bucket size, and cycle time. Safety in LHD Operation Proper ventilation Operator training Speed control Clear signage Regular maintenance Advantages of LHD High productivity Low manpower Flexible operatio...

Autonomous Mining Trucks: Working, Benefits & Future of Smart Mining Autonomous mining trucks are revolutionizing surface mining by operating without drivers using GPS, sensors, AI, and control systems. They improve safety, productivity, and cost efficiency. What are Autonomous Mining Trucks? Autonomous mining trucks are self-driving haul trucks that transport material without human drivers. They are monitored from a central control room. Main Components of Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) GPS & GNSS positioning Lidar, Radar & Cameras Onboard Computers Wireless Communication Network Central Control System Working Principle Truck receives haul route from control system Sensors detect obstacles and terrain Truck hauls material autonomously Automatic dumping at designated point Returns to loading point Advantages of Autonomous Mining Trucks Improved safety (no driver exposure) Consistent cycle time Lower operating cost 24×7 operation Reduced fuel...

Electric Mining Machinery: Future of Sustainable Mining Industry Electric mining machinery is transforming the mining industry by reducing fuel cost, carbon emissions, and operating expenses. With the global focus on sustainability, electric equipment is becoming the future of mining. What is Electric Mining Machinery? Electric mining machinery uses electric power instead of diesel fuel for operation. These machines can be powered by batteries, overhead lines, or direct electric supply. Types of Electric Mining Machinery Electric Dump Trucks Battery Powered LHD Electric Excavators Trolley Assist Trucks Electric Drills Why Electric Mining Machinery is Important? Zero emissions Low operating cost Reduced noise pollution High energy efficiency Better working environment Electric vs Diesel Mining Machinery Parameter Electric Diesel Operating Cost Low High Emissions Zero High Maintenance Low High Initial Cost High Medium Cost of Electri...

Fuel Consumption of Mining Machinery Fuel consumption of mining machinery is a major operating cost in opencast mining. Proper monitoring and control of fuel usage can significantly reduce cost per tonne . Why Fuel Consumption is Important in Mining? Fuel cost = 30–40% of operating cost Affects cost per tonne Direct impact on mine profitability Important for production planning Fuel Consumption of Major Mining Machinery 1. Dump Truck Fuel Consumption Truck Capacity Fuel Consumption (Liters/hour) 35–50 T 15 – 25 85 T 25 – 35 100 T 35 – 45 170 T 50 – 65 240 T 70 – 90 2. Hydraulic Shovel Fuel Consumption Bucket Capacity Fuel Consumption (Liters/hour) 5–10 m³ 25 – 40 10–20 m³ 40 – 60 20–40 m³ 60 – 90 3. Excavator Fuel Consumption Bucket Capacity Fuel Consumption (Liters/hour) 1–2 m³ 10 – 15 3–5 m³ 15 – 25 5–8 m³ 25 – 35 Fuel Consumption Formula Fuel Consumption per Tonne = Fuel Used per Hour / P...

Cost per Tonne Calculation in Opencast Mine Cost per tonne calculation is one of the most important parameters in opencast mining . It helps mine management to evaluate profitability, control expenses, and improve operational efficiency. What is Cost per Tonne in Mining? Cost per tonne is the total cost incurred to produce one tonne of coal, ore, or overburden. It includes operating cost, maintenance cost, manpower cost, fuel cost, and overheads. Why Cost per Tonne is Important? Measures mine profitability Helps in cost control Used for tender & contract evaluation Important for budgeting & planning Major Cost Components in Opencast Mine 1. Operating Cost Fuel cost Lubricants Power cost Tyres 2. Maintenance Cost Spare parts Workshop cost Breakdown repairs 3. Manpower Cost Operators & helpers Supervisors Technical staff 4. Administrative & Overhead Cost Office expenses Safety & training Royalty & statutory charges ...

Shovel–Dumper Matching Calculation in Opencast Mining Shovel–dumper matching is one of the most important calculations in surface mining operations . Proper matching ensures maximum production, minimum waiting time, and reduced operating cost. What is Shovel–Dumper Matching? Shovel–dumper matching means selecting the correct number of dump trucks for one hydraulic shovel so that neither the shovel nor the dump trucks remain idle. Why Shovel–Dumper Matching is Important? Maximizes production Reduces idle time Saves fuel cost Improves equipment life Optimizes mining operation Basic Principle of Matching The total loading time of all dump trucks should be approximately equal to the total cycle time of one dump truck. Data Required for Calculation Shovel bucket capacity (m³) Shovel cycle time (seconds) Dump truck capacity (tonnes) Truck cycle time (minutes) Material density (t/m³) Shovel Loading Time Calculation Formula: Number of Passes = Truck Capacity (to...

Excavator Hourly Production Calculation in Mining Excavator hourly production calculation is a very important topic in opencast mining for production planning, cost estimation, and equipment selection. What is Excavator Production? Excavator production is the quantity of material excavated and loaded by an excavator in one hour. It is generally expressed in cubic meter per hour (m³/hr) or tonnes per hour (TPH). Types of Excavators Used in Mining Hydraulic Excavator Front Shovel Excavator Backhoe Excavator Data Required for Excavator Production Calculation Bucket Capacity (m³) Fill Factor Cycle Time (seconds) Material Density (t/m³) Job Efficiency Excavator Hourly Production Formula Basic Formula (m³/hr) Production = Bucket Capacity × Fill Factor × Cycles per Hour Cycles per Hour Cycles per Hour = 3600 / Cycle Time (seconds) Production in Tonnes per Hour TPH = Production (m³/hr) × Material Density Example Calculation Bucket Capacity = 5 m³ Fill...

Dump Truck in Mining: Capacity, Cycle Time & Production Calculation Dump truck is one of the most widely used surface mining machinery . It is mainly used to transport blasted material from loading point to dumping or crusher point. What is a Dump Truck? A dump truck is a heavy earth moving machine (HEMM) designed to carry large quantities of overburden or ore in opencast mines. It works in combination with hydraulic shovels or excavators. Main Parts of Dump Truck Dump Body Chassis Frame Engine Transmission Hydraulic System Tyres Brake System Types of Dump Trucks Used in Mining Rear Dump Truck (RDT) Bottom Dump Truck Rigid Dump Truck Articulated Dump Truck Dump Truck Capacity Dump truck capacity is generally expressed in tonnes or cubic meters. Common Mining Dump Truck Capacities: 35 T 50 T 85 T 100 T 170 T 240 T Dump Truck Cycle Time Cycle time is the total time taken by a dump truck to complete one full cycle. Cycle Time Includes: ...

Hydraulic Shovel: Working Principle, Capacity & Production Calculation in Mining Hydraulic shovel is one of the most important surface mining machinery used in opencast coal, limestone, and metal mines. It is mainly used for loading blasted material into dumpers with high productivity and accuracy. What is a Hydraulic Shovel? A hydraulic shovel is a heavy earth moving machine (HEMM) that uses hydraulic power to excavate, lift, and load material. It works on the principle of hydraulic pressure generated by pumps and cylinders. Main Parts of Hydraulic Shovel Boom Arm (Dipper) Bucket Hydraulic Cylinders Engine Hydraulic Pump Upper Structure Track or Crawler Working Principle of Hydraulic Shovel The hydraulic shovel works on Pascal’s Law . Hydraulic oil is pressurized by a pump and supplied to cylinders. The movement of boom, arm, and bucket is controlled using hydraulic valves. Steps of working: Bucket penetrates blasted material Material is filled in bucket...

Mine Machinery MCQ Questions - Part 04 ⚙️ Mine Machinery MCQ Questions - Part 04 46. The primary purpose of haulage loaders in mines is: A. Load, carry and dump materials B. Provide ventilation C. Cut coal faces D. Monitor machinery Show Answer Answer: A. Load, carry and dump materials 47. A dragline excavator is used mainly for: A. Surface excavation B. Underground cutting C. Transporting materials D. Water pumping Show Answer Answer: A. Surface excavation 48. DGMS safety regulation mandates that all electrical mining machines must be: A. Explosion proof B. Flameproof C. Both A and B D. Waterproof Show Answer Answer: C. Both A and B 49. The main power supply for underground machinery is generally: A. Diesel engine B. Electric supply through trailing cables C. Solar power D. Compressed air Show ...

Mine Machinery MCQ Questions - Part 03 🛠️ Mine Machinery MCQ Questions - Part 03 31. Drilling machines used in mines are mainly of the type: A. Rotary drilling B. Percussion drilling C. Both A and B D. None Show Answer Answer: C. Both A and B 32. Loaders are mainly used for: A. Excavating and transporting ore B. Ventilation C. Drilling D. Spraying water Show Answer Answer: A. Excavating and transporting ore 33. A dumper used in mines must conform to: A. DGMS safety standards B. IS standards C. Both A and B D. No standards required Show Answer Answer: C. Both A and B 34. The key maintenance aspect for underground drilling machines is: A. Lubrication B. Cutting bit sharpening C. Proper coolant levels D. All of the above Show Answer Answer: D. All of the above 35. DGMS Regulation for electric...

Mine Machinery MCQ Questions - Part 02 ⚙️ Mine Machinery MCQ Questions - Part 02 16. The main function of conveyors in mines is: A. Transport materials continuously B. Provide ventilation C. Drain water D. Support roof Show Answer Answer: A. Transport materials continuously 17. The most common type of conveyor used in underground mines is: A. Belt conveyor B. Chain conveyor C. Screw conveyor D. Roller conveyor Show Answer Answer: A. Belt conveyor 18. Mine locomotives are mainly powered by: A. Steam engines B. Compressed air or battery electric C. Diesel only D. Manual power Show Answer Answer: B. Compressed air or battery electric 19. The safety feature in mine conveyors to prevent overloading is: A. Trip switch B. Overload clutch C. Belt scale D. Safety door Show Answer Answer: B. Overload clutc...

The World’s Largest Mining Dump Trucks The dump trucks used in the mining sites are continue to grow larger, as most of the mining companies increasingly prefer big capacity dump trucks with greater functional efficiency. That’s why, the manufacturing companies try their utmost to bring out contemporary models of big-sized mining trucks to increase the productivity.   In this article Indian Minerology presents you the details of the world’s top ten Mining dump trucks.   1. Belaz 75710:-   Belaz 75710 , with payload of 450 mt , is the biggest dump truck in the world. It holds two Guinness World Records, for The Largest Truck Body and The Largest Two-axle dump Truck. The Ultra-heavy dump truck was launched by BelAZ company in October 2013 under an order from Russian company Kuzbass. Sales of BelAZ 75710 trucks were started in 2014 . This massive Vehicle is 20.6m long, 8.17m high, and 9.75m wide . The truck has four-wheel drive and four-wheel hy...