How Explosives Charging Vehicles Are Evolving: KGHM ZANAM Focuses on New Technologies

For years, explosives charging vehicles have been among the most essential machines used during blasting operations in underground mines. KGHM ZANAM consistently develops this product group, adapting successive designs to the growing demands of users and evolving technical standards. The Company is currently in the process of certifying the new WS1.5L explosives charging vehicle – the latest design in this family of specialised machines.

A New Stage of Development

KGHM ZANAM is currently conducting the certification process for the new WS1.5L explosives charging vehicle, the latest design intended for blasting operations in underground mines. Machines of this type are responsible for, among other tasks, transporting materials and the mechanised charging of blastholes with emulsion explosives.

From Prototype to Modern Platform

The history of KGHM ZANAM’s explosives charging vehicles began in 2013 when, in collaboration with NITROERG S.A., the first prototypes of the WS-150 and WS-170 models were introduced. Since then, these designs have been continuously upgraded, enhancing their operational capabilities, mobility, and operator safety.

A breakthrough occurred in 2018 with the WS-172 model, which featured a battery-powered working unit for the first time, eliminating the need to connect to the 500V mine power grid. This solution increased the machine’s autonomy, streamlined work organisation, and improved user comfort in underground conditions. Since then, battery technologies have become an important direction for the development of KGHM ZANAM’s explosives charging vehicles.

KGHM ZANAM was one of the pioneers in using battery technology in machines designed for blasting operations. Between 2021 and 2023, the Company manufactured 47 explosives charging vehicles equipped with a battery drive for the modular pumping unit (MUP), gaining unique experience in the engineering and operation of such solutions.

Modern Underground Power Supply

The WS1.5L model, currently undergoing certification, is equipped with an advanced ZB-2v2 battery pack and a 115 kW STAGE V engine. The machine uses two independent power sources, enabling even more efficient operation of its working systems.

More Than a Single Project

The WS1.5L represents the next step in the evolution of KGHM ZANAM’s explosives charging vehicle family, where battery technologies are playing an increasingly significant role. In the near future, ZANPER transport vehicles will also be delivered to customers, and the Company will begin testing the HT24E electric haul truck, which, according to its engineering specifications, will be capable of operating for up to 8 hours in harsh conditions and high temperatures without needing a recharge.

Concurrently, work is underway on further solutions using battery drives, which will expand KGHM ZANAM’s portfolio of modern machinery for underground mining in the future.