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Driving Efficiency: How the Elphinstone E15 Agitator transformed Alkane Resources
At Alkane Resources’ Tomingley gold mine in NSW, keeping the mining cycle moving efficiently is critical. Underground operations rely on consistency and reliability – especially when it comes to backfilling and shotcrete.
For Alkane, concrete delivery had become a bottleneck – with traditional equipment limiting productivity, slowing cycles and restricting output.
To address this, Alkane invested in the Elphinstone E15 Agitator, delivered and supported by WesTrac.
Watch Part 1
Why the Elphinstone E15?
Alkane had identified that its concrete delivery capability was constraining the broader operation.
“We were looking at ways to improve our cycle times and overall productivity,” said General Manager of Operations, Andrew Brown. “Backfill is a crucial part of that process – it’s not something you can afford to have delays in.”
After evaluating options on the market, Alkane chose the Elphinstone E15 Agitator for its fit-for-purpose design and proficiency.
“The capacity was a major factor,” the team said. “We could move significantly more concrete per trip compared to what we had before.”
The E15 also stood out for being:
- Reliable in harsh underground conditions
- Robust in build quality
- Being equipped with an efficient mixing and delivery system (7m3 capacity)
- Designed with operators in mind
Built locally in Burnie, Tasmania, the machine also gave the team added confidence.
“There’s a level of trust when you know the equipment is built here in Australia,” Andrew said.
“It gives you the confidence in both the product and the backing behind it.”
Watch Part 2
The Partnership: WesTrac’s Role
While the machine itself is important, Alkane highlighted the role WesTrac played in supporting the outcome.
“They worked closely with us to understand exactly what we needed,” Andrew said. “It wasn’t just about the machine – it was about finding the right solution for our operation.”
WesTrac supported the process end-to-end, from evaluation and selection through to delivery, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. On-site support has also been a key part of the partnership.
“Having that support means a lot,” Andrew said. “You know if something comes up, it’s going be dealt with quickly.”
Elphinstone E15 Agitator: Gallery 1
The Impact: A Step Up in Productivity and Operator Experience
Since introducing the Elphinstone E15 into daily operations, the impact was noticeable almost immediately.
Underground Superintendent for Tomingley, Anthony Clark said the team saw a significant increase in concrete delivery capacity per shift – up to 50 percent in some cases.
“We’re moving more concrete in less time,” he said. “That’s been one of our biggest wins.”
Cycle times have reduced; daily output has increased and backfill operations are now more consistent. The team is also making better use of available resources, with fewer delays across the process.
Beyond productivity gains, the E15 has also improved the operator experience.
Feedback from operators at Tomingley, like Dyllon Tighe, has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s a very comfortable machine to operate,” Dyllon said.
“The controls are intuitive, and it feels stable underground.”
Elphinstone E15 Agitator: Gallery 2
Looking Ahead: A Stronger, More Efficient Operation
For Alkane Resources, introducing the Elphinstone E15 has been more than just a fleet upgrade – it’s helped remove a key bottleneck in the backfill process.
With more consistent concrete delivery, the operation is now better positioned to maintain a steady production and improve overall efficiency.
“It’s been a great investment for us,” Andrew said.
“The benefits are clear – not just in numbers, but in how the whole operation runs.”
Elphinstone E15 Delivery Truck Walkaround
FAQs: Elphinstone E15 Agitator
1. What is the Elphinstone E15 Agitator used for?
The E15 Agitator is a purpose-built underground support vehicle designed to transport and deliver concrete, shotcrete, and paste fill efficiently in mining operations.
2. How much concrete can the E15 Agitator carry?
The E15 features a high-capacity 7m³ bowl, enabling operators to move more concrete per trip and significantly improve delivery efficiency underground.
3. How does the E15 improve mining productivity?
By increasing payload capacity and reducing cycle times, the E15 helps remove bottlenecks in concrete delivery—supporting faster backfill cycles and higher overall output.
4. What safety features does the E15 include?
The E15 includes onboard diagnostics, advanced alarm systems, and optional hydraulic jacks for safer operation and maintenance, along with excellent visibility from an operator-focused cab design.
5. Is the E15 Agitator suitable for harsh underground conditions?
Yes. The E15 is engineered for durability and reliability in demanding underground environments, with a robust build and features designed for long-term operation.
6. Can the E15 platform be adapted for other mining applications?
Yes. The E15 is a modular platform that can be configured for multiple underground applications, including fuel, water, and service vehicles—making it a versatile long-term solution.
Contact Our Team
WesTrac is one of Australia’s leading Caterpillar dealers, supporting industries with world‑class machinery, technology and service. With a focus on safety, innovation and customer success, WesTrac helps businesses build, mine and operate more efficiently. Our team is committed to delivering reliable solutions that keep projects moving.
