ROKBAK has revealed that three of the firm’s RA30 trucks are delivering ‘exceptional’ durability and performance at one of the world’s most demanding mine sites in New Caledonia.
The ADTs are involved in the region’s nickel mining operations, transporting earth and water in extreme terrain and weather conditions.
The trio of articulated haulers are engaged at a remote site on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Rokbak explained the trucks’ ‘resilience and reliability’ are standing out for heavy equipment specialists Hermant Group at one of New Caledonia’s oldest nickel mines, SLN Tiebaghi.
Supplied by Webwihoon Import, the trucks include one RA30 with a standard truck bed and two units equipped with specialised water tanks. The units adapted with water tanks have been fitted with special flotation tires and reinforced with corrosion-resistant tanks, pipes and paintwork. Rokbak added that each truck’s heavy-duty chassis and reinforced frame provide plenty of strength to accommodate the 29,000-litre water tank. These ADTs are designed to thrive in New Caledonia’s harsh working conditions and their stability, boosted by wide tyre options, is said to be vital on the steep and uneven terrain.
“We previously experienced vehicle tip-overs with other water trucks but the Rokbaks have been rock solid,” said Fabrice Hermant, Hermant Group director. “We received our first unit in 2021 and were so impressed when it arrived we ordered a second just two weeks later.”
The trucks are described as essential for dust suppression at a site where airborne dust particles contain harmful substances. To protect operators, the trucks are equipped with HEPA filters.
The RA30 equipped with a standard flatbed is used to transport earth from the mine’s retaining basins to a dump zone. This journey involves traversing tricky inclines and navigating narrow, rain-soaked roads in hot and humid conditions.
“The Rokbaks offer solid performance and give us confidence in our work,” added Patrice. “There’s great stability, power, braking and traction whenever we need it. Even in working in an environment where the local soil and water’s acid content can corrode other equipment, the Rokbaks are holding up incredibly well.”
The trucks’ work is also helping to minimise environmental impact at the site, ensuring soil and ore sediments are kept well away from natural waters and operating within the confines of the mine without any need to change the surrounding landscape.
“We’re thrilled with the trucks’ performance and reliability,” Fabrice continued. “They’ve delivered round-the-clock productivity with minimal downtime, despite the harsh conditions.”
Since their arrival in 2021, the three Rokbak RA30s have clocked up thousands of hours of continuous operation, with one unit working up to 22 hours a day, seven days a week.
“It’s fantastic to see our trucks playing such an important role in New Caledonia,” added Rokbak regional business manager Lee Irving. “Assisting in earth moving, dust pollution control and water management at the mine demonstrates the versatility of these haulers.”
