DRIFTEX, a certified Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) specifically designed for underground mining applications, has been awarded Health Excellence at the NSW Mining HSEC Awards.
Designed and developed by Ampcontrol in collaboration with ResTech and Solitech, DRIFTEX was developed in response to the growing and immediate industry demand for low emissions technology.
In addition, it was created to remove Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM), which is classified as a Group 2A carcinogen from underground applications.
DRIFTEX’s primary benefit lies in its ability to replace diesel-powered vehicles with an alternate power source, offering significant potential for industry-wide health and environmental improvements.
Ampcontrol’s Chief Technology Officer, Tim Wylie accepted the award on behalf of Ampcontrol at the awards ceremony held in Lovedale NSW on Monday 7 August 2023.
Ampcontrol’s Managing Director & CEO, Rod Henderson said innovation is in Ampcontrol’s 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,” Rod said.
“At Ampcontrol, we’re proud to be part of initiatives that pave the way in advancing the energy sector and helping our mining customers decarbonise.
“It’s an honour to have the work of our people awarded by NSW Mining,”
Through a collaboration with Solitech, The University of Newcastle and ResTech, DRIFTEX incorporates a 60 kilowatts per hour, intrinsically safe battery management system with a long cycle life of 20,000-30,000 cycles.
The technology allows for approximately ten years of operation with 80 per cent battery life remaining. According to the Ampcontrol team, DRIFTEX is the first commercially available and certified explosion-protected BEV for underground mines.
According to Australian Mining Regulations and Standards, the vehicle is approved as Explosion Protected and features multicolour intrinsically safe headlights.
Rod explained that through strong partnerships and advanced technologies, the team are working to revolutionise the engineering industry, and make global net zero a reality.
“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,” Rod said.
