Having become the first recipient of the new generation Volvo articulated dump trucks (ADTs) in southern Africa, M Civils has deployed its 12 Volvo A40 units to undertake a newly-awarded chrome mining project. Particularly impressed by the fuel efficiency, quick cycle times and operator comfort, M Civils has placed an order for 12 more A40 units.    

Established in 1997, M Civils started in construction, with particular focus in road building and infrastructure development. Over the years, the Rustenburg headquartered company has diversified its business to include contract mining.

Its latest project is a greenfields chrome mining contract to produce 90 000 tonnes (t) of run-of-mine chrome per month for the next five years. To execute this project, ADTs were deemed ideal for the operating conditions, where seams dip at 10-12 degrees on average, confirms site manager Mpho Ramalepe.

After careful consideration, the company opted for Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) haulers, placing an order for 12 new generation A40 units, which were delivered in early June this year. Due to the urgent nature of the contract, Babcock, the sole Volvo CE dealer in southern Africa, delivered the machines to M Civils well ahead of the June 26 official launch event.

Choosing Volvo CE

Central to the buying decision, explains Reino de Kock, COO at M Civils, was Volvo CE’s interface kit, which facilitates for the integration of Level 9 Proximity Detection Systems (PDS)/ Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS) technology from any third-party supplier.

“The biggest benefit of an OEM Level 9 interface is seamless integration, which reduces compatibility challenges, a common issue when using third-party interfaces,” says Reino De Kock.

Another key attraction for M Civils was the Haul Assist with On-Board Weighing, a Volvo CE system that provides real-time payload data, aiming to increase productivity, efficiency and reduce wear and fuel consumption by preventing underloading and overloading. Powered by the Volvo Co-Pilot display, this integrated system measures the hauler’s load in the body, offering features such as work order management, precision loading and detailed production reporting.

Key considerations

Apart from feature-related interests, M Civils also placed value on total cost of ownership (TCO) and the aftermarket support behind the Volvo CE product. The TCO approach to M Civils’ procurement decisions factors all costs associated with the operation, maintenance and eventual disposal over the entire lifecycle, which justified the decision to go with Volvo.

“Every good product is only as good as its support. In Babcock, the Volvo CE product is supported by a reputable dealer in southern Africa. Strong aftermarket support is crucial for the success of our operations – it minimises costly downtime, extends equipment lifespan, reduces TCO and improves operational productivity through expert technical support, timely parts delivery and a proactive maintenance regime,” says Reino.

Delivering the goods

The 12 Volvo A40 units have been deployed to haul both waste and ROM material from the newly-opened pit to the designated waste rock dumps and ROM pads. Working 12-hour shifts, the haulers have already clocked between 600 and 700 hours, delivering the goods as per M Civils’ expectations. 

Ramalepe has been impressed by how quick these haulers are, even over challenging terrain, which affords faster cycle times and ultimately greater productivity.

Vincent de Kock has been particularly impressed by the fuel efficiency. “Fuel consumption to date ranges between 10 litres per hour, when running with overburden, and 14 litres per hour, when loading chrome, which by its nature is heavy due to its specific gravity, typically between 4,5 and 4,8,” he explains, adding that these figures might change in future as mining conditions become tougher.

Feedback from the operators has been positive. According to Ramalepe, operators have praised the enhanced comfort through redesigned cabs with better ergonomics, visibility and noise reduction, as well as features such as heated/cooled storage and improved controls.

Based on the performance of the ADTs to date, M Civils has placed an order for 12 more A40 units. “As we ramp up production, we are looking forward to receiving another 12 A40 units, which we will deploy on the same project,” concludes Reino.