ZANPER field tests

On 6 August 2020, ZANPER – the first electric vehicle produced by KGHM ZANAM S.A. – passed field tests which took place on the access roads around the “Żelazny Most” Settling Tank belonging to the Tailings Management Plant of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.

The prototype vehicle with electric drive is the first big step of KGHM ZANAM towards electrification of underground mining machinery. The ecological vehicle is to be used to transport people and materials in the mines of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. The field tests included checking the manoeuvrability and driving ability on sandy and muddy ground as well as on steep driveways to the crest of a tank. Test drives with passengers were successful. The vehicle performed very well in demanding terrain.

ZANPER is designed based on Toyota Landcruiser. The electric drive system and software are the work of KGHM ZANAM engineers. The power supply system is based on batteries manufactured in Poland. The battery cooling system is adapted to demanding mining conditions, where the temperature reaches up to 55 degrees Celsius. In fast charging mode, ZANPER will be in running order after merely 30 minutes.

After a series of surface tests, the vehicle will undergo a certification and approval process and will then be transferred to the mine for testing in underground conditions.

The experience gained during the implementation of this innovative project will be used in the next few years in the design of subsequent mining machines with electric drive as a response to the growing market demand.