Surface mining and quarrying operations are under increasing pressure to reduce costs and operate more sustainably with calls to reduce carbon footprints becoming more pressing. This is where Booyco Engineering’s Anti Idle Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), developed specifically for mobile mining equipment, is already proving to be a highly effective solution - dramatically reducing fuel consumption, lowering carbon emissions and delivering real financial returns.

In operations where diesel is one of the largest cost drivers, the numbers tell a compelling story. On average, articulated dump trucks (ADTs) idle for around 30% of the time, assuming productive time of 18 hours a day, which amounts to roughly 4.5 hours per day. During this idle time, the vehicle can burn between 30 and 50 litres of diesel per hour, simply to keep systems like the HVAC running and operators comfortable. That equates to hundreds of litres of diesel wasted per truck per week and thousands of litres across an entire fleet.

Booyco Engineering’s APU changes the equation. By providing an independent power source to drive the cab’s air conditioning and essential electronics, the Booyco APU allows operators to shut off the main engine entirely during idle periods.

Grant Miller, Executive Director at Booyco Engineering, says the APU consumes as little as 1.5 litres of diesel per hour - compared to the 35 to 50 litres burned by a full-sized engine doing the same job. “It is a massive saving and when multiplied across a fleet the cost reduction becomes a gamechanger,” he says.

More than just a cost saving device, the Booyco APU is also helping mines meet their sustainability targets. By reducing unnecessary idling, operations can significantly reduce their carbon footprint – a critical step in meeting environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. And with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) offering rebates under Section 12L for every litre of diesel saved, the financial incentive is even greater. The payback period on the Booyco APU is short, making it an easy investment decision for mining and quarrying operators looking for quick tangible returns.

Booyco Engineering, a specialist in HVAC systems for mobile mining equipment, designed the APU to integrate seamlessly with its robust 24 Volt air conditioning units which are already widely used in the field. The unit is T3-rated for use in ambient temperatures up to 46°C, making it ideal for hot climates across Africa. It is built for tough conditions and can be customised to meet specific customer requirements, ensuring flexibility and performance in even the most demanding environments.

Safety has not been compromised in the pursuit of efficiency. The Booyco APU continues to power critical systems such as proximity detection systems and communication equipment, ensuring that operational safety is maintained at all times, even when the main engine is shut off.

“This is not just a nice-to-have; it is a strategic advantage,” says Booyco Engineering Managing Director Brenton Spies. “Mining and quarrying companies that embrace this technology can dramatically cut one of their biggest operating costs, while also demonstrating real progress in reducing emissions and energy use.”

The Booyco Anti Idle APU is already gaining traction in the market with forward-thinking operations recognising its value as both a cost-reduction tool and a sustainability enabler. It represents a smart effective response to the challenges of modern mining - where every litre of diesel saved counts, both financially and environmentally.