Two recent incidents involving lost traction in heavy mining machinery has prompted warnings from the New South Wales Resources Regulator.
A load haul dump (LHD) at an underground metals mine in NSW recently lost traction while going down a 1:4 drift and travelled for about 150m, unable to stop.
The LHD collided with the drift’s rib and conveyor structure along the way.
Another recent incident saw a loaded haul truck slide on a wet surface with a slight downhill gradient where it impacted the windrow.
The haul road was a designated single lane area. An empty truck was waiting at the end of the single lane section which was approximately 50m from where the truck came to a stop. The slide was approximately 30m.
“The Resources Regulator is concerned about the increasing number of lost traction incidents,” the NSW Regulator said.
“Operators are reminded that they must operate vehicles at a speed that is appropriate to the prevailing conditions.
“Engineering controls that minimise the risk of loss of control should be considered, including the use of speed-limiting devices, speed monitoring and alarms.”
While not always a factor, wet conditions are often involved when it comes to mine vehicles losing traction on site.
Last week, an underground coal mine was undertaking work on its main travel roads as part of recommencing mining operations and was scheduled to transport some heavy mining equipment underground.
Due to wet conditions, the mine operator decided to do a trial run with the mine dozer and attachments.
During the trial the dozer lost traction and the jib attachment hit a disused eight inch poly pipe on the right-hand rib line, damaging the pipe.
Thanks to the mine operator’s caution, it was ensured no personnel or vehicles were in the drift except for the dozer and operator prior to the trial.
“Mine operators must ensure that the estimated coefficient of friction between mobile plant tracks and the ground is sufficient to ensure grip and stability,” the NSW Regulator said at the time.
“Appropriate machinery must be chosen for the mine’s conditions.”
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