ABSTRACT
Mass transport of excavated materials in mining today is performed by LHD’s and Trucks, rail bound trains or conveyor belts. While the use of trucks is very flexible but resource consuming, conveyor belts are stationary but highly efficient. Rail bound trains need dedicated driveways or tunnels in an underground mine causing high cost and time needed for construction. Enabled through “Digital Transformation” trackless trains running on flat surface in coexistence with standard vehicle traffic are available now as a new option. Trackless trains consist of a number of mechanically interconnected rubber tired cars whereas all axles are actively electronically steered so they precisely follow the track of the leading axle. A computer controls the train like it would be running on a “virtual rail”. Like standard vehicles and in contrast to rail bound trains, VirtuRail trains are able to run steep inclines and declines. Proven in tunneling operations, this technology also becomes available for mass transport in mining.
