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Elphinstone and WesTrac partnership drives fleet upgrades at CSA Mine Cobar

Operating up to 2km underground in one of Australia’s deepest copper mines makes for potentially tough working conditions. But Elphinstone’s partnership with WesTrac to provide state-of-the-art machinery to Glencore’s CSA Mine near Cobar meets the challenges with aplomb.

Access to modern, robust equipment that can withstand the harsh, hot underground environment and perform to high standards is front of mind for CSA Mine’s Mobile Mechanic Superintendent Peter Patton and his 88-strong team of trades and planning experts.

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Elphinstone BEV Project
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Elphinstone Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Project

Elphinstone Pty Ltd is pleased to announce the commencement of a project to develop a suite of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) for underground hard rock mining to address the increasing decarbonisation efforts and expectations of our global customer base. The project will require a significant research and development investment by the company in addition to the recently awarded Australian Federal Government Grant. Leveraging its existing portfolio of underground support vehicles, Elphinstone will develop the Battery Electric Vehicles in collaboration with our customers and supply chain partners and produce these in existing product development and manufacturing facilities in Burnie, Tasmania.

The Battery Electric Underground Support Vehicle (BEV) project will build Australian sovereign capability and international export potential, encourage critical skills development required for the future growth of domestic manufacturing, and will ensure Australia remains a global market leader in Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS). The project scope will encompass an end-to-end research, design, development, testing, validation, manufacturing and market commercialisation of an industry leading battery electric powertrain integrated into two differing base platforms from the existing range of Elphinstone support vehicles.

Technology projects of this calibre provide growth in highly valued skill sets across the country and will continue to provide jobs in the future. Elphinstone expects the project will create 15 highly-skilled positions to complete the development of both machine prototypes. The positions will include: a highly experienced Project Manager with a mechanical or mechatronics engineering background, a lead design engineer and associate electrical designer and mechanical designer, a software development technician, a dedicated mechatronics engineer, a dedicated literature technician, and two product development technicians to oversee a crew of highly skilled auto-electricians and heavy machinery fitters.

Elphinstone envisage that the Battery Electric Vehicle project will also create further opportunities and growth in the state and local communities, something Elphinstone has proudly supported for many years.
Elphinstone is currently engaging with strategic partners who have indicated their interest in working closely with Elphinstone on this development project. The vision is to provide a Battery Electric Vehicle solution at the forefront of technology whilst maintaining a reputation for high quality, premium and reliable products which are well-positioned and recognised globally in the underground hard rock mining industry.

For more information or expressions of interest please direct your enquiries to BEV@elphinstone.com

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Six repeat orders for WR820 Agitator 10m3

Elphinstone is proactive when listening to the ‘Voice of Customer’ (VOC) to ensure our products meet their requirements. The best voice of customer feedback is a repeat order, and Elphinstone is excited to deliver a sixth feature-packed WR820 10m3 Agitator to a much-valued long term customer through WesTrac. This machine will join three other WR820 10m3 Agitators already operating at the same mine in NSW.

The Agitator features front suspension, air-ride seat, ergonomic controls, excellent visibility from the air-conditioned ROPS/FOPS cabin, which combine to provide the confidence to operate the machine at speeds equalling the production fleet. An inbuilt brake retarder delivers superior braking performance when hauling downhill.

Optional features include a ground level fast fill non-pressurised fuel system with a machine isolation sensor in the fuel receiver cap. The system is environmentally friendly, allowing safe and accurate rapid filling by eliminating overfill spillage from the tank. The machine will not start and a warning light will alert the operator if the fuel receiver cap is not fitted correctly. Other optional features fitted include manual hand pump for chemicals to be added directly to the bowl and a camera mounted on the rails located on the right hand side of the machine for improved operator visibility.

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Secure Portal Update

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We apologise for the inconvenience.
The Elphinstone Secure Portal is being updated!

We are presently rolling out an update to the Product Support Secure Portal.
We have experienced a number of unforeseen issues of which are presently being addressed.

Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience. You will be notified by email once access is available.
For more information please email portal@elphinstone.com

Thank you for your patience.

Elphinstone 100th Metro Bus
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Local employment benefits from 3 year partnership

Elphinstone Pty Ltd and the BusTech Group rolled out the 100th bus for Metro Tasmania last week. The partnership spanning 3 years has created local employment opportunities and future economic benefits for Tasmania.

Boosting the local economy

The celebration was attended by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries, Jeremy Rockliff. While congratulating the stakeholders for the impressive home-grown achievement, Minister Rockliff announced a further $10 million investment in Tasmania’s advanced manufacturing and defence industries, delivered over a period of 4 years.

“BusTech Group’s first fully Tasmanian-built bus rolled off the production line in November 2017 and we are incredibly proud to be delivering our 100th bus for Tasmania,” says Christian Reynolds, Executive Director, BusTech Group.

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The Elphinstone Story

From humble beginnings

Dale Elphinstone’s relationship with Caterpillar began in 1966 at the age of 15 as an apprentice with Victorian and Tasmanian Cat Dealer, William Adams. Following his trade qualification came employment as a Field Service Mechanic across Tasmanian and King Island mine sites, and for a period of two years, with Canadian Cat Dealer, Finning.

Since modifying Cat surface mining equipment to suit underground applications out of his Fathers shed on their Mooreville Road, Burnie farm in 1975, the Elphinstone name has been synonymous with underground mining.

The Elphinstone Story

1975

Dale B Elphinstone Pty Ltd established

Dale B Elphinstone Pty Ltd established

Dale Elphinstone began modifying Caterpillar equipment to suit underground hard rock mining  applications out of his Fathers shed on their Mooreville Road, Burnie (Tasmania) farm in 1975.  The Elphinstone name was destined to become synonymous with underground mining.

1976

Head Office at 4 Hopkinson St, Burnie founded

Head Office at 4 Hopkinson St, Burnie founded

Head office was founded at 4 Hopkinson Street Burnie, Tasmania. Development of the first modified Caterpillar machines for underground started.

1977

First Elphinstone Underground Dump Truck

First underground truck sold

Sale of the first Elphinstone 79C underground mining truck, which was a modified Caterpillar 769C truck.

1978

Elphinstone Underground Scaler and Elevated Work Platform

Underground support vehicles developed

Development of the first Elphinstone underground support vehicles, the 920 Scaler and 925 Work Basket using a Caterpillar 920 wheel loader.

1978

Elphinstone Underground Ejector Truck

First Elphinstone underground ejector truck developed

Development of the first Elphinstone 79C underground ejector truck, which was a modified Caterpillar 769C truck.

1978

First Elphinstone Underground Grader

First Elphinstone underground grader developed

Development of the first Elphinstone underground grader from a Caterpillar 12G

1979

Underground loader developed

Underground loader developed

Development and sale of the first Elphinstone underground mining loaders, which were modified Caterpillar 980B and 925B wheel loaders.

1982

First Elphinstone purpose built underground truck

First Elphinstone purpose built underground truck

Design, manufacture and testing of the first purpose built Elphinstone underground mining dump truck.

1983

Sale of first fully manufactured underground product

Sale of first fully manufactured underground product

Elphinstone manufactured and sold the very first purpose built underground mining trucks, the AD13 (13-tonne capacity) and AD17 (17-tonne capacity) articulated dump trucks.

1984

80C Underground Loader

Sale of first Elphinstone 80C underground loader

Sale of the first Elphinstone 80C underground loader modified from a Caterpillar 980C wheel loader.

1986

First Elphinstone underground loader R1500LHD sold

First Elphinstone underground loader R1500LHD sold

Sale of first fully designed and manufactured, purpose built R1500 Load Haul Dump (LHD).  Machine no.1 is still operational and has returned to Burnie to be part of Dale Elphinstone’s collection.

1987

First underground export sales to USA

First export sale to Henderson Mine in the USA by Elphinstone of a purpose design and built R2600 LHD.

1988

R2800 Underground LHD

Sale of first Elphinstone designed and manufactured R2800 LHD

Sale of first fully designed and manufactured, purpose built R2800 Load Haul Dump (LHD).  Machine no.1 was delivered to a customer in Australia and painted white.  The machine is still operational and has returned to Burnie to be part of Dale Elphinstone’s collection.

1991

R1700 LHD and AD40 dump truck developed and first sales

R1700 LHD and AD40 dump truck developed and first sales

First R1700 LHD designed manufactured and delivered. The AD40 Dump Truck was designed and developed to compliment the larger LHDs.

1994

R2900 LHD developed and first sales

R2900 LHD developed and first sales

First R2900 LHD designed and developed. By the end of 1994 Elphinstone had delivered more than 200 LHDs, 100 of these were the R2800 model.

1995

Establishment of Caterpillar Elphinstone Pty Ltd

Establishment of Caterpillar Elphinstone Pty Ltd, a joint venture between Caterpillar Inc and Elphinstone Pty Ltd.

2000

Sale of remaining 50% shareholding to Caterpillar

Sale of remaining 50% shareholding to Caterpillar

Elphinstone Pty Ltd sells the remaining 50% share of the Joint Venture to Caterpillar Inc. which started the Caterpillar Hard Rock Vehicle (HRV) product range. At this time more than 700 machines had been manufactured and sold.

2001

1000th machine delivered

The 1000th machine originally designed by Elphinstone was sold by Caterpillar.

2007

Haulmax investment

Haulmax investment

The Elphinstone Group invested in Haulmax who manufactured an 80tonne capacity extended distance haul truck. The Haulmax business was relocated from Brisbane to Tasmania.

2009

Haulmax 3900 Dump Truck

Haulmax 3900 Series released

The Haulmax 3900 series extended distance haul truck was released following significant design, testing and field follow.

2011

RMT14D Road-Rail Vehicle

Railmax RMT14D hi-rail excavator released

The Railmax RMT14D hi-rail excavator was released which transformed the rail maintenance industry allowing work to be performed safely under live powerlines and on live parallel tracks transforming the rail maintenance industry.

2014

Haulmax

Elphinstone Group becomes sole owner of Haulmax

The Elphinstone Group purchases the remaining shareholding in Haulmax to become the outright owner.

2016

Elphinstone Pty Ltd is established

Elphinstone Pty Ltd is established

The Elphinstone Group purchases Service Vehicle Solutions (SVS) and Southern Prospect and combines these with Haulmax to for Elphinstone Pty Ltd.  Elphinstone Pty Ltd takes back the Burnie manufacturing facilities and the “Elphinstone” brand from Caterpillar.  Development of a new range of specialized underground hard rock support vehicles starts and the manufacturing facilities are repurposed to build these.

2017

Railmax RMT15F Road Rail Excavator released

Railmax RMT15F Road Rail Excavator released

The Elphinstone RMT15F Railmax was released with significant control system upgrades to the previous RMT14D version, increasing the machines capability, safety and productivity.

2017

Introduction of WR820 8m3 Agitator

Introduction of WR820 8m3 Agitator

Elphinstone introduces the WR820 Agitator at Minexpo 2016 and the first sales followed.

2017

Introduction of WR820 Water Cannon

Introduction of WR820 Water Cannon

Elphinstone develops and introduces the WR820 Water Cannon with remote operation as a solution for recovery of ore fines, unblocking of hang-up and dust suppression.

2017

Purchase of Underground Grader IP from Groundforce

Elphinstone purchases the underground grader IP of Groundforce to add road maintenance solutions to the growing portfolio of Elphinstone underground hard rock mining products.

2018

Introduction of UG20K and UG20M underground graders

Introduction of UG20K and UG20M underground graders

Elphinstone upgrades and introduces the UG20K and UG20M graders which results in a very successful road maintenance solution for customers around the world.

2018

Introduction of the WR820 10m3 Agitator

Introduction of the WR820 10m3 Agitator

Elphinstone expands the Agitator range by developing the WR820 10m3 Agitator which maximizes productivity of concrete delivery underground by increasing volume, speed and braking performance.

2019

WR820 Water Tank

Introduction of WR820 Water Tank

Elphinstone introduces the WR820 Water Tank, specifically designed for dust suppression with a capacity of 16,000L – 19,000L (dependent on configuration).

2019

Development of the WR810 platform

Development of the WR810 platform

Elphinstone develops the highly configurable WR810 underground service vehicle platform. The first machines developed were a 6m3 Agitator, Scissor Lift, Fuel & Lube and Water Cannon.

2020

Introduction of Tier 4 engines to the WR810 fleet

Introduction of Tier 4 engines to the WR810 fleet

The Elphinstone WR810 was further developed to include a Tier 4 engine option plus additional models were added including a Delivery (with crane), Flat Bed and Cab Chassis that provides flexibility for specific customer solutions.

2021

100th Elphinstone underground support vehicle

100th Elphinstone underground support vehicle

A Tier 4 WR810 Delivery with crane was the 100th Elphinstone underground support vehicle delivered.

2022

Sale of 50th Elphinstone underground motor grader

Sale of 50th Elphinstone underground motor grader

Elphinstone announced the sale of the 50th underground motor grader designed and manufactured in Burnie, Tasmania.

2022

Elphinstone BEV Project

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Project announced

Elphinstone commences the development of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) solution for the WR810 10-Tonne Platform.

2022

100th 20-Tonne Elphinstone Base Platform

Sale of the 100th Elphinstone 20 Tonne Base Platform

Elphinstone commemorated the sale of the 100th Underground Mining 20 Tonne Platform, a WR820 10m3 Agitator designed and manufactured at the company’s world-class facilities in Burnie, Tasmania.

2023

New WR810 front-mounted cab

WR810 low-profile front cab launched in Brisbane

Elphinstone unveiled its WR810 low-profile front cab was launched in March at the Underground Operators Conference in Brisbane, showcasing the latest in its underground application portfolio.

2023

Railmax RMT15F

End of an era – The last Railmax RMT15F is sold

The first Elphinstone Railmax rail maintenance excavator, the RMT14D was released in 2011. It transformed the rail maintenance industry allowing work to be performed safely under live powerlines and on live parallel tracks. In 2017 the Railmax RMT15F was released, featuring significant control system upgrades to the previous RMT14D version, increasing the machine’s capability, safety and productivity. Signifying the end of an era for Elphinstone Railmax Rail Maintenance Solutions, the last Railmax RMT15F excavator was shipped to BHP at Port Hedland, Western Australia on May 23, 2023.

 

Management

Warren Young, Elphinstone Pty Ltd

Warren Young

Managing Director

Warren commenced his career with Dale B Elphinstone Pty Ltd (Underground Mining) in January 1989 as a cadet, combining on the job experience with Mechanical Engineering studies.

The company continued to expand globally as Warren worked extensively in research, development, and design, culminating in a Senior Management oversight role for several years prior to the sale of the business to Caterpillar Inc. in 2000.

Continuing with the Elphinstone Group, Warren was appointed the role of Managing Director at William Adams Caterpillar, combining considerable leadership experience and engineering knowledge in heavy equipment applications.

In February 2021, Warren was appointed Managing Director of Elphinstone Pty Ltd, overseeing the company’s product development, sales, and manufacturing activities. Warren holds several Elphinstone Group Directorships including the oversight of Phu Thai Cat, the Caterpillar Dealer in Vietnam.

Ben Sandow General Manager Elphinstone

Ben Sandow

General Manager

Ben holds tertiary qualifications in Engineering and Business Management and has over 20 years of experience in Operations Management, Project Management and Engineering across a range of industries. He has had broad experience with Lean methodologies, and the benefits these can bring to the wider business.

Ben joined Elphinstone in 2018 as General Manager of Operations, overseeing all operational aspects of the business.

Simeon Cooper Chief Financial Officer

Simeon Cooper

Chief Financial Officer

Simeon is a Chartered Accountant with a history working in Big 4 accounting, ASX listed and large private company’s Finance and Commercial environments.

Simeon started his first business at 16 and has had a passion for business and finance ever since. Born and raised in Tasmania, Simeon has lived across the state in Hobart, Launceston and Wynyard and has experience across various businesses, board roles and industries including mining and manufacturing.

Simeon joined Elphinstone in January 2020 and has since taken on the role of Chief Financial Officer & Business Services Manager overseeing the Finance & IT aspects of the business.

Tim Mitchell, Elphinstone Pty Ltd

Tim Mitchell

Global Sales & Marketing Manager

Tim holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and has over 20 years of experience in Senior Management, Project Management, Engineering and Business Development roles in the mobile mining equipment industry. Tim’s broad level of experience will bring benefits to many areas of the business and his international experience working in South America will assist Elphinstone in the development of our business in this mining rich region.

Tim joined Elphinstone in March 2019 as Global Sales and Marketing Manager, overseeing all sales and marketing aspects of the business.

Jason Whiteley, Elphinstone Pty Ltd

Jason Whiteley

Product Development Manager

Jason is a trade qualified Fitter & Machinist, with 30 years of experience. Since joining Elphinstone in 2009 as Product Manager, Jason has also fulfilled the role of NPI Manager.

In his former role as Surface Product Manager, Jason took the Railmax hi-rail vehicle from concept stage right through to production. He has played a key role in developing various surface and underground concepts into working prototype/test products.

Scott Hilder, Elphinstone Pty Ltd

Scott Hilder

Facility Manager

Scott holds a Masters of Business and is a 6 Sigma Blackbelt.  He commenced with Dale B Elphinstone Pty Ltd in 1995 and continued with the company fulfilling various roles through the transition of ownership to Caterpillar.

In 2009 Scott commenced with Southern Prospect Pty Ltd joining a small team involved in servicing wind turbines in South Australia.  Scott joined Specialised Vehicle Solutions Pty Ltd (now part of Elphinstone Pty Ltd) manufacturing specialised underground mining machinery servicing both local and international mining companies for a period of approximately 2 years commencing in 2011.

Returning to Southern Prospect Pty Ltd (now part of Elphinstone Pty Ltd) as the General Manager Operations in 2013, Scott has focused on successfully implementing a continuous improvement culture within the manufacturing business to improve safety, quality and reduce non value added waste.

Mal Watkinson, Elphinstone Pty Ltd

Mal Watkinson

Operations & Support Manager

Mal began his career in 1987 with the Caterpillar Dealer for Victoria and Tasmania, William Adams Pty Ltd. Over the last 30 years Mal has continued his strong association with Caterpillar and the Elphinstone Group, successfully holding roles in product health/support, product development, manufacturing, marketing and management.

Before returning to Elphinstone in June 2016, Mal was 50% owner and Managing Director of a private business that designed, manufactured and marketed underground service vehicles, which now continue to form part of the Elphinstone Underground Support Vehicle product line today. In 2017 Mal took on the role of Product Development and Operations Manager - Underground Support Vehicles, responsible for the development and manufacture of our range of underground support vehicles..

UG20M Underground Motor Grader
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Elphinstone UG20M Motor Grader on its way to Mongolia

We’re proud of our engineering and manufacturing team who have worked around the clock to produce our first fit for purpose UG20M Motor Grader. The grader was custom built to the clients specifications and started its journey to Mongolia late September 2018. A symphony of LED cabin lights and assorted cabin features exemplify Elphinstones commitment to operator comfort and safety.

Elphinstone MTT Bus Unveilling
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Elphinstone unveils first of 100 new MTT buses

Metro Tasmania’s first new bus rolls off the production line at Elphinstone’s Southern Prospect plant. The first of Metro Tasmania’s 100 new buses rolled out for its first showing on Thursday at Elphinstone’s Southern Prospect plant near Wynyard. The sleek vehicle, kitted out in Metro livery and surrounded by the engineers, was welcomed by Infrastructure Minister Jeremy Rockliff.

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