BPI officially launched to provide zero emissions in underground mining equipment
A South African OEM, specialising in the development of battery energy systems, electrical traction systems and high speed charging systems for underground mining equipment, has officially launched and targets zero emissions underground mining logistics
Battery Power Industries (BPI) has spent the past five years, working with Electrical Systems Engineer, Calvin Coetzee and other key partners, to develop advanced electric drive systems for mining vehicles as well as battery and charging systems.
This partnership has led to the commercial roll-out of electric hauler systems, electric personnel carriers, and electric low-profile load haul and dump machines.
Capital for the project was provided by IDC who have provided BPI with a working capital facility to fund further commercialisation, R&D, and potential future manufacturing capabilities.
BPI’s portfolio of products will consist of integration and supply of electric vehicle traction systems, battery powered mining vehicles, zero emissions technologies, EV-Lithium battery systems, and charging systems
“Our designs are able to outperform traditional diesel-fueled vehicles on the market through their ability to eliminate diesel particulate emissions and achieve considerable energy cost savings and lower overall machine costs,” says Coetzee. “We aim to remove all emissions and harmful equipment from use in mining operations as part of our innovation-led approach to sustainable mining. This approach applies innovative thinking and cutting edge technologies to address mining’s major challenges.”
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According to Coetzee, BPI’s systems will offer a number of benefits to mining operations. “Compared to traditional machines, the maintenance requirements on an electrical system is half that of traditional diesel powered machines. In addition to this, our type of systems allow for existing underground infrastructure to be used in order to charge and service this form of equipment. Our systems are also able to address some of the mining industry’s biggest challenges – productivity, costs, fatigue and safety,” Coetzee explains.
“A sustainable approach to every product developed will become entrenched in BPI’s culture and this, along with safety and the creation of employment opportunities, will be our driving force. We are committed to creating opportunities for young, forward-thinking engineers in South Africa and will be putting considerable effort into future training and skills development programs,” Coetzee concludes.
