CME’s underground jacking system comprises of an Enerpac XC-Series cordless hydraulic pump, connected to an RAR-Series durable, lightweight aluminium cylinder, which can handle loads up to 100t.

These were integrated into CME’s custom-fabricated lifting plinths and pedestals, which were designed to optimise stability and safety, according to CME Boilermaking managing director Peter Camarri.

Camarri commented: “The lightweight cylinder and battery pump are crucial elements in our underground jacking system. With sloped or rough surfaces and limited space, once a huge mining vehicle has reversed down the track, no other vehicles can access it to perform maintenance tasks.

“There’s also no power source down there, so air or electrical options are ruled out. The Enerpac battery pump is the perfect solution. The battery power means that it can operate underground, and not having cords adds to the safety of the operators.

“Once a mining vehicle gets a flat tyre, the chassis is essentially on the ground, which means that many conventional lifting devices are not an option. The entire lifting system had to be under 25kg so that it was as light as possible to manually carry to the vehicle.

“My engineering team worked closely with Enerpac to come up with a solution to this perennial problem for underground miners. Enerpac’s reputation in the industry made them the clear choice for hydraulic lifting equipment. Their safety and reliability is second-to-none.”