EcoHoist provides a continuous vertical material transport system for underground mines, utilizing a bucket elevator design in smaller diameter shafts. This electric-powered solution reduces capital expenditure, lowers operating costs by eliminating diesel haul trucks, and enhances mine safety.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Underground mines face challenges with traditional material transport methods like skip hoists and diesel haul trucks, which can be capital-intensive and operationally inefficient. These methods often lead to higher fuel consumption, increased emissions, and greater maintenance requirements, impacting both operational expenditure and environmental sustainability.
Solution
EcoHoist offers a continuous vertical material transport system utilizing a bucket elevator design to move ore from underground operations. This technology leverages smaller diameter shafts compared to conventional skip hoist systems, reducing initial capital expenditure. By replacing diesel haul trucks, EcoHoist significantly lowers fuel consumption, operational costs, and associated CO2 emissions. The system's continuous flow of material ensures consistent throughput, keeping processing plants operational at full capacity. Furthermore, by minimizing underground truck traffic, it enhances workplace safety.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes underground mining companies seeking to reduce capital and operating expenditures, improve throughput, and achieve decarbonization goals. This also extends to mining consultants and engineering firms involved in mine design and optimization.
Features
- Continuous bucket elevator system for vertical material transport in underground mines.
- Utilizes two smaller diameter mine shafts, reducing overall shaft construction capital expenditure compared to single large shafts.
- Operates on electricity, enabling decarbonization of mine operations and reducing reliance on diesel-powered haulage.
- Lowers operating expenditures through reduced fuel consumption, decreased road maintenance, and optimized ventilation requirements.
- Enhances mine safety by reducing the number of mobile equipment units underground.
- Patent-pending technology for proprietary material transport mechanisms.
- Collaboration with ABB for joint development of a 30% scale demonstration unit, focusing on electrical drive, automation, and safety systems.