Voith Launches Integrated Electric Drive System for Mining Conveyors

Voith has launched PowerDrive Mining, a new, fully coordinated electric drive system designed for belt conveyors in the mining industry, at the Electra Mining Africa 2026 event in Johannesburg. The system integrates key drivetrain components, braking functionality, and Voith's BeltControl controller, which is specifically developed for conveyor applications.

The PowerDrive Mining system aims to simplify mining conveyor projects by reducing interface risks and shortening installation and commissioning times. It is positioned as a cost-efficient and lower-risk alternative for new installations, retrofits, and replacements of existing conveyor systems.

The system is delivered pre-assembled and factory-tested with a pre-parameterized control concept, significantly reducing the need for project-specific programming and on-site engineering. Voith suggests that the integrated scope and material-optimized design can achieve purchase price levels approximately 30 percent below the market benchmark.

Features include smooth starting, controlled acceleration and braking, and synchronized multi-drive operation to reduce stress on belts and steel structures. Remote diagnostics and clear fault messaging are intended to enhance safety and uptime in demanding mining environments. Voith is showcasing the technology at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from September 7 to 11, 2026.