At this year’s Electra Mining exhibition in Johannesburg, technology company Voith will launch PowerDrive Mining, its first electric drive system for mining belt conveyors.

The solution integrates all key drivetrain components with a dedicated control concept into a single coordinated system. This approach is designed to reduce integration risks and coordination delays for customers.

The solution features BeltControl, a controller specifically developed for the requirements of belt conveyor systems. It enables smooth start-ups, harmonised ramp-ups and reliable multi-drive coordination, helping to reduce wear on conveyor belts and steel structures.

By providing one accountable partner and one integrated system, Voith says customers benefit from significantly reduced interface risks, including communication issues, compatibility problems and unclear responsibilities. Rather than coordinating multiple vendors, operators receive a system engineered to work seamlessly from the outset.

PowerDrive Mining also offers a competitive investment cost and a favourable price- performance ratio. According to Voith, the material-optimised motor design and the use of cost-effective components maintain robustness and performance while helping to control costs.

As a result, the company says the system typically achieves a purchase price about 30% below the market benchmark for comparable conveyor drive solutions, providing an attractive option for mining operators seeking to maximise return on investment without compromising reliability or operational performance.

The system has also been engineered to simplify installation and commissioning. It is delivered preassembled and factory-tested, ensuring all components are fully functional and compatible before arriving on site. This reduces the need for extensive on-site assembly and troubleshooting, helping to minimise the risk of delays and unexpected issues.

With no shaft alignment or relubrication required, installation is further simplified. The pre-parameterised controller enables the system to be commissioned quickly, with settings already optimised for operation.

Overall, PowerDrive Mining combines an electric conveyor drive and control system with a fully integrated design aimed at streamlining installation, improving reliability and increasing efficiency while minimising interface risks.

Mining companies interested in learning more about PowerDrive Mining can visit Voith at Electra Mining, held at Nasrec in September. Hall 5, Stand E10.