My
My name is Jouni Karjalainen and I am an operator for the Talvivaara Mining Company (TMC). I have been driving dump trucks since 2001 when I had my first experience with a 40-tonne machine, before progressing on to a Euclid 60-tonne.
Talvivaara is an open-pit mine covering a 61km² area in Kainuu in the east of Finland. The company’s main activity is the development and exploitation of one of Europe’s largest nickel sulphide resources.
HITACHI
Hitachi is the main supplier of heavy mining machinery to TMC in partnership with Rotator, Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV’s (HCME) Finnish distributor. HCME delivered an initial order for an EX3600-6 excavator and three EH3500ACII dump trucks in 2008 – with an additional EH3500ACII to follow in early 2009.
TMC has already built a workshop and washing facility to help keep the Hitachi machines working in some of the toughest working conditions. In order to better support TMC, Rotator personnel have received extensive training and there has been a huge investment in special tooling and equipment.
Experience
I’m proud to drive the biggest dump truck in Finland and it’s a good life experience. Safety is an important consideration in a mine. I’m confident driving this machine in all seasons. It’s easy to steer and manoeuvre, and the handling is good.
The most beneficial features for me are the truck’s driveability and its comfortable and spacious cab. The controls are easy to use and lights are excellent, which is important, as during the Finnish winter, days are much shorter.
The EH3500ACII is perfect for moving large pieces of abrasive rock from the mine. The new AC drive system also helps to deliver low fuel consumption and a high level of productivity.
So far, so good – it has already proved to be reliable and of high quality. The support and training I have received from Hitachi/Rotator have also been necessary and invaluable.
FINLAND > EH3500 > MINING
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