Load-Haul-Dump (LHD) machines are specialized loaders designed for underground mining, primarily used to load, transport, and dump ore or waste material within tunnels and confined spaces. They are essential for efficient material handling in both metal and coal mining operations. The various LHDs used in mining are presented in table 1.
|
Type |
Power Source |
Key Features |
Typical Applications |
|
Diesel LHD |
Diesel engine |
High mobility, powerful, emits exhaust |
Deep metal mines, remote locations |
|
Electric LHD |
Electric motor |
Zero emissions, cable-dependent, flame-proof |
Metal & coal mines, ventilated areas |
|
Battery-Electric LHD |
Battery pack |
Zero emissions, low maintenance |
Enclosed/sensitive environments |
|
Hybrid LHD |
Diesel + Electric |
Flexible, reduced emissions |
Diverse mining conditions |
|
Mechanical LHD |
Mechanical drive |
Simple, low maintenance |
Dusty/abrasive environments |
Applications and use cases
- Metal mining: both diesel and electric LHDs are used for mine development, sublevel stoping, shrinkage stoping, room and pillar mining, and sublevel caving.
- Coal mining: electric and flame-proof electric LHDs are common, especially for board and pillar and depillaring operations.
- Soft rock mining: LHDs are used for potash, salt, and other soft rock materials.
- Precious stone mining: used in diamond and sapphire mining for careful handling.
- Subsurface construction: employed in tunnel blasting, cavern construction, and underground infrastructure projects.
The most common LHDs in underground mining are diesel and electric models, with battery-electric and hybrid types gaining popularity due to environmental and operational advantages. Selection depends on mine conditions, infrastructure, and regulatory requirements.
