Precision Under Pressure: Why Oyu Tolgoi Relies on Elphinstone’s Load Cells for Safer, Smarter Copper Haulage
Deep beneath Mongolia’s South Gobi Desert, the Oyu Tolgoi mine—one of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits—is a marvel of modern engineering. Jointly owned by Rio Tinto and the Government of Mongolia, this operation is not only a cornerstone of the nation’s economy but also a benchmark for safety and innovation in the mining industry.
Oyu Tologoi utilises a state-of-the-art control room to oversee operations in approximately 200 kilometres of tunnels. The tunnels have an average height of 5.5 meters and a width of 5 meters.
A critical component of Oyu Tolgoi’s underground operations is the use of massive 26-meter-long road trains, each equipped with 56 wheels and capable of hauling up to 160 tonnes of copper ore. These vehicles significantly outperform traditional underground haul trucks, which typically carry around 50 tonnes.
To ensure the safety and efficiency of these heavy-duty vehicles, Oyu Tolgoi relies on Australian-made load cells from Elphinstone Weighing Systems. These precision instruments are not just tools, they are the backbone of the mine’s on-vehicle weighing systems, providing real-time data that helps prevent overloading and mechanical failures, instilling confidence in the operation’s safety measures.
Elphinstone’s load cells are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of mining environments, offering high accuracy and durability. Their integration into Oyu Tolgoi’s haulage operations exemplifies how advanced technology can enhance safety and productivity in one of the most demanding industries.
Once the mine is at full production rates of 95,000 tonnes per day, the road trains will deliver approximately 1200 trailer loads of ore per day.
Revolutionising Underground Haulage
The road trains at Oyu Tolgoi are not ordinary vehicles. Each 26-meter-long combination, powered by Mercedes-Benz Arocs 4163 prime movers, is designed to navigate the mine’s 5.5-meter-high and 5-meter-wide tunnels. These road trains transport copper ore in bulk along the three-kilometre underground haul road loops between the Truck Loading Stations (TLS) and the underground primary crusher. The crushed ore is then transported seven kilometres to the surface via the MHS2 decline conveyor system.
The integration of Elphinstone’s Easyweigh Multi-Reader system into these vehicles has been a game-changer. This intelligent digital vehicle weighing system features a user-friendly display with four lines of text, displaying multiple channels and a total weight on a single screen. It can read up to 15 channels, allowing for precise monitoring of the entire vehicle combination.
Enhancing Safety and Efficiency
Safety is paramount in mining operations, and the Elphinstone weighing system plays a significant role in this aspect. By enabling maximum payloads without overloading, the system ensures that each road train operates within safe design limits. This not only prevents mechanical failures but also reduces fuel consumption and emissions by optimising load distribution.
Looking Ahead
As Oyu Tolgoi continues to expand its underground operations, the partnership with Elphinstone Weighing Systems ensures that safety and efficiency remain at the forefront of its mission to supply the world with essential minerals for a sustainable future. The mine’s ambitious goal to produce 500,000 tonnes of copper per annum by 2028 underscores the industry’s potential and the importance of reliable and innovative solutions, such as Elphinstone’s Weighing Systems, in achieving such ambitious targets.
In the challenging environment of the South Gobi Desert, precision and reliability are not just desirable—they are essential. Elphinstone’s load cells exemplify these qualities, making them an indispensable asset in Oyu Tolgoi’s quest for operational excellence.