Canadian underground mining vehicle manufacturer MacLean Engineering has launched its ML5 Multi-Lift Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) into the Australian market.
MacLean is targeting Australian mining companies and contractors, particularly those in iron ore, copper, nickel, gold, lithium, and other critical minerals.
The Canadian company is seeking to work with ambitious and innovative companies that want to genuinely reduce carbon footprints and improve safety in harsh mining conditions.
MacLean’s ML5 Multi-Lift is the latest in the Canadian company’s whole new 5 Series range of high-performance mining vehicles, all of which are optionally available as BEV zero-emission builds.
ML5 is designed to provide a safe, certified elevated work platform for the installation of services up to 6.5m (21ft) heights with a safe working load of 2,260kg (5000lbs).
An ISO coupler on the boom allows for interchangeability of baskets and attachments, depending on job requirements. Notably, the ML5 work basket duplicates the cab controls, with joysticks and the HMI safely positioned in the basket, providing complete machine control.
The ML5 has a range of attachments that eliminate heavy lifting and reaching, and with ground level servicing and swing out wings for access, there is greatly reduced exposure to hazards.
This is according to Jari Tuorila, Vice-President, Australasia who is based in Perth, adding it can be used as an elevated work platform, forklift, or materials handler with jib crane attachment.
“The new, industry-leading design – where the vehicle controls and HMI are in the basket makes the ML5 safer than uncertified EWP designs. By enabling all vehicle control from the basket, an operator is not required in the cab of the vehicle, allowing mining operations to optimise their task resourcing,” Tuorila says.
“Additionally, with the ML5 joining the MacLean EV Series of underground BEV vehicles that don’t produce diesel fumes, the normally high cost of ventilation can potentially be reduced. The vehicle is so good, it is a market disruptor.”
Patrick Marshall, Vice-President, Technology based in Queensland, says right now, the ML5 is the safest multi-purpose boom lift and elevated work platform in underground mining.
“While the ML5 is available with a conventional diesel drivetrain, the battery electric version of the ML5 will assist mining companies and contractors achieve Real Zero with their emissions targets,” says Marshall.
“The ML5 is safe for the mineworkers and good for the planet.”
Just as any MacLean equipment built for underground use Peter Black, Technical Sales Manager who is also based in Perth, adds that it boosts safety, cuts costs, and supports a safer and cleaner, more sustainable mining future.
“The Australian underground mining market well understands the value of superior safety and increased productivity from custom features of MacLean underground mining vehicles,” says Black.
With an expanding customer base and product range – and with launching surface mining product range with the new GR8 BEV Grader to Fortescue (ASX:FMG), MacLean is growing its Perth workshop and warehousing space.
Globally, more than 100 MacLean BEVs have been sold, and the BEV fleet has now amassed over 500,000 operating hours in the mines.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: MacLean
