As the mining industry shifts towards reducing equipment operator exposure to high-risk environments, mining companies are increasingly looking for technologies that enhance both safety and efficiency, says Canada-based mining vehicle manufacturer MacLean Engineering marketing and communications VP Stuart Lister.

In response to these industry demands, he tells Mining Weekly that MacLean is developing advanced equipment solutions.

With over a decade of fleet electrification experience, MacLean has deployed more than 100 battery-electric mining vehicles in North America, with more than 500 000 operating hours amassed, which Lister says, reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainable and efficient mining practices.

The expansion of Maclean’s battery electric fleets aligns with the industry’s push toward decarbonisation, which he points out, provides a viable alternative to traditional diesel-powered machinery.

“The transition to battery-electric technology is a significant shift, not just for sustainability but also for improving air quality and reducing heat in underground mining operations,” Lister notes.

MacLean is also working closely with mining operators to ensure a smooth transition to battery-electric technology, addressing concerns around charging infrastructure and total cost of ownership.

Building on its legacy of safety innovation, MacLean is also developing the 985 Abi Bolter, which Lister says, is the next generation of ground support installation technology.

The new model builds upon the widely adopted 975 Series scissor bolter, incorporating industrial robotics and automation to enable remote bolting.

Currently in a testing phase of development, the 985 Abi Bolter will undergo field trials before its anticipated launch.

The system is designed to improve both safety and efficiency, reducing human exposure to hazardous conditions while also increasing productivity.

This next generation of bolter brings together modern automation and robotics technologies to make ground support safer and more efficient, Lister says.

Automation Focus

At MacLean’s Sudbury-based Research and Demonstration facility in Ontario, Canada, the company continues to refine automation solutions, working toward fully autonomous mining equipment with the goal to create a “mining ecosystem where different OEM machines work together efficiently, ensuring better productivity and safer operations”, Lister says.

While the company’s vehicles integrate advanced safety systems, including Level 9 collision avoidance technology, Lister says MacLean remains technology agnostic, thereby enabling customers to standardise proximity detection systems across sites.

Telematics capabilities extend beyond safety, tracking battery performance, equipment use and operator training needs.

“Real-time data collection and predictive analytics are transforming the way we approach equipment maintenance and operational efficiency,” Lister explains, adding that by leveraging AI and machine learning, MacLean aims to provide predictive insights that enable mines to reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency.

Further, embedded telemetry systems provide real-time operational insights, enabling predictive maintenance and improving equipment reliability. The company’s proprietary algorithms detect battery distress before manufacturer-set limits, thereby reducing downtime and optimising performance.

Lister notes that MacLean’s data-driven approach ensures that mining companies can enhance the lifespan of their equipment while still maintaining safety standards.

“This proactive approach to maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected failures and contributes to overall cost savings for mining operators,” he says.

“Our company motto is ‘safety is in our veins, innovation is in our DNA’, and this drives our equipment design philosophy. Our goal is to provide solutions that improve the working conditions of miners while maximising operational efficiency,” he concludes.