The move to electric mobile crushing and screening equipment by mines and quarries is enabling the rock processing industry to operate in a more sustainable way – improving energy efficiency while  reducing operational costs and carbon footprint.

Mobile crushing and screening solutions remain prominent comminution solutions in both mining and infrastructure sectors, says Sandvik Rock Processing business line manager: crushing PC Kruger. He notes that the quick setup and deployment times of these solutions makes them ideal for sudden spikes in demand. In addition, he says, as the industry continues to adopt in-pit crushing and conveying practices, the use of mobile equipment can eliminate the use of costly haulage trucks onsite, while reducing onsite traffic, dust and noise, and improving safety.

Another advantage of mobile crushing solutions is their energy flexibility, with the ability to be powered by electricity, diesel or both. Sandvik Rock Processing asserts that its range of stationary and wheeled crushers and screens are already 100% electrified, placing it at the forefront of the electric drive alternative.

“The most recent addition to our tracked electric range of crushers is the Sandvik UJ443E heavy duty jaw crusher. This machine is built on a new, ‘fully electric’ track platform. It features electric final drives and an on-board genset which can be operated more sustainably, either by an external electricity supply, hydrotreated vegetable oil or diesel,” explains Kruger.

Advantages of operating machinery connected to an external electric source include lowering running costs and noise levels, reducing onsite emissions, extending drivetrain service intervals and reducing time spent refuelling. Using fully electric track drives and final drives is said to decrease the use of hydraulic oil on the plant by up to 91%.

Sandvik says its UJ443E features a 125 A downstream connection which allows customers to operate a downstream plant such as a screen or scalper, providing a decrease in fuel consumption of up to 20% compared to running separate units.

“In addition, our wheeled range of crushers has been made to meet the same high standards as its tracked counterparts, operating at maximum efficiency and designed for high-capacity production. Electrically powered, these units offer lower cost-per-tonne operation as well as lower emissions, minimising the environmental impact, which speaks directly to the industry’s sustainability drive,” Kruger concludes.