DRIFTEX, a certified Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) co-developed by Ampcontrol, ResTech, and Solitech for use in underground mining operations, has won the NSW Mining HSEC Awards 2023 for Health Excellence.
The BEV, created in response to rising industrial demand for low-emissions technology, has proven effective in removing Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM), a Group 2A carcinogen, from underground applications, with substantial potential for health and environmental benefits, Ampcontrol said in a press release.
The company also revealed that this is the first professional distinction for DRIFTEX as it strives to find solutions to the most challenging issues in energy.
In particular, DPM was removed from underground applications by the invention of DRIFTEX in response to expanding and immediate industry need for low emissions technology.
Its main advantage is the option to switch out diesel engines for an alternative power source, which has the potential to significantly improve environmental and public health across the whole industry.
Tim Wylie, Ampcontrol’s chief technology officer, accepted the award on the company’s behalf during the awards ceremony on Monday, 7 August, at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, Lovedale NSW.
Rod Henderson, Ampcontrol managing director and CEO, stated, “Innovation is in our DNA. We work very closely with our customers to see what their needs are and what problems we may be able to help them solve which is how DRIFTEX came into development,”
He stated that Ampcontrol is delighted to be a part of projects that help advance the energy industry and assist mining customers in decarbonising, adding that it is an honour to have the people’s efforts recognised by NSW Mining.
In particular, DRIFTEX features a 60kWh intrinsically safe battery management system with a long cycle life of 20,000-30,000 cycles, allowing for about ten years of operation with 80 per cent battery life remaining.
According to the company, DRIFTEX is noteworthy for being the first commercially available and certified explosion-protected BEV for underground mines.
As such, DRIFTEX fits effortlessly with common EV chargers and can also be supplied with custom-built chargers.
Its cooling mechanism permits fast charging, with high-powered DC fast chargers allowing for a full battery charge in 10 minutes.
The vehicle is Explosion Protected and has multicolour intrinsically safe headlights, according to the Australian Mining Regulations and Standards.
Powered by two 100kW motors with a combined output torque of 1500 Nm, DRIFTEX also has IoT connectivity to improve operation, maintenance, and issue detection.
Henderson added, “The beauty of DRIFTEX can be seen in how it can support the reduction of site environmental emissions, contributing to improvements in the social license of the mine.
“Through our strong partnerships and advanced technologies, we’re working to revolutionise industry and make global net zero a reality,” Henderson concluded.
