Voith Launches PowerDrive Mining at Electra Mining Africa 2026, Combining Electric Conveyor Drives, BeltControl Automation and Integrated Safety Systems

PowerDrive Mining: Voith’s first electric drive system for belt conveyors.

(IN BRIEF) Voith has launched PowerDrive Mining, its new fully coordinated electric drive system for belt conveyors, at Electra Mining Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, positioning the technology as a cost-efficient and lower-risk alternative for new conveyor installations, retrofits and replacements. The system integrates major drivetrain components, braking, backstop functionality and Voith’s new BeltControl controller, which is specifically designed for belt conveyor applications and supports smooth starting, controlled acceleration and braking, synchronized multi-drive operation and harmonized ramp profiles to reduce stress on belts and steel structures. PowerDrive Mining is supplied preassembled, factory-tested and with a pre-parameterized control concept, reducing project-specific programming and helping shorten engineering, installation and commissioning times. Voith says its integrated scope and material-optimised design can achieve purchase-price levels of around 30% below the market benchmark, while remote diagnostics, clear fault messaging, enclosed rotating components and a standardized operating concept are intended to improve safety, serviceability and uptime. The system is being showcased from 7 to 11 September 2026 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, Hall 5, Booth E10.

(PRESS RELEASE) HEIDENHEIM, 7-Sep-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Voith has launched PowerDrive Mining, a new fully coordinated electric drive system for belt conveyors, at Electra Mining Africa 2026 in Johannesburg.

The system combines key drivetrain components, braking, backstop functionality and dedicated conveyor control within an integrated package designed to simplify mining conveyor projects, reduce interface risks and shorten installation and commissioning times.

PowerDrive Mining is being presented from 7 to 11 September 2026 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, where mining companies and original equipment manufacturers can see the technology at Voith’s Hall 5, Booth E10 and discuss specific application requirements with company specialists.

Voith said the system is intended to provide mining operators with a cost-competitive, preassembled and factory-tested conveyor drive solution that combines compact high-power hardware with coordinated multi-drive control, supporting smoother start-up, lower mechanical stress and more reliable day-to-day operation.

PowerDrive Mining integrates drivetrain, braking and control

PowerDrive Mining has been developed specifically for belt conveyor applications and brings together essential drivetrain and safety-related components in a single coordinated system.

Voith said this integrated approach can reduce the engineering and coordination burden associated with conveyor installations involving multiple suppliers, components and technical interfaces.

The company also provides associated engineering and service support from a single source, giving customers clearer system responsibility throughout the project lifecycle.

By integrating the mechanical drive package, braking, backstop and control functions, Voith aims to lower technical integration risks while simplifying project planning and system implementation.

BeltControl designed specifically for conveyor applications

A central element of PowerDrive Mining is BeltControl, a controller developed specifically around the operational requirements of belt conveyor systems.

Its integrated control logic supports smooth start-ups, precise acceleration and braking, synchronized operation of multiple drives and coordinated ramp profiles.

These functions are intended to reduce mechanical stresses on conveyor belts and supporting steel structures, helping limit wear while maintaining stable operation in demanding mining environments.

Coordinated multi-drive control is particularly important on large or heavily loaded conveyor installations where several drive units must operate together without generating excessive belt tension or structural loads.

Preassembled system reduces on-site engineering and commissioning

Voith designed PowerDrive Mining to address the tight construction schedules and limited shutdown windows often associated with mining conveyor projects.

The system is delivered preassembled and factory-tested, while the controller is supplied with a pre-parameterized concept.

Instead of requiring extensive project-specific programming on site, commissioning teams can configure the system primarily through parameterization.

Voith said this approach reduces engineering requirements, lowers the potential for implementation errors and shortens the time needed for quotation, design, installation and commissioning.

Its compact configuration can also provide advantages during retrofits and equipment replacement projects, particularly in conveyor galleries and other locations where installation space is restricted.

Voith targets investment cost around 30% below market benchmark

PowerDrive Mining has also been developed with cost efficiency in mind.

According to Voith, the combination of an integrated scope of supply, material-optimised design and reduced coordination requirements enables the system to target purchase-price levels approximately 30% below the market benchmark.

The company positions the solution as a way for mining operators to combine competitive capital expenditure with simplified engineering, rapid installation and long-term operational reliability.

By reducing the number of individual interfaces and suppliers involved, Voith also aims to lower indirect project costs associated with coordination, troubleshooting and commissioning.

Integrated safety features support reliable conveyor operation

PowerDrive Mining incorporates several safety and durability features intended for harsh mining environments.

The system includes an integrated brake and backstop, enclosed rotating components and a robust housing design.

Voith said the coordinated system architecture is engineered for durability and long service life while helping operators maintain high conveyor availability.

The integrated control environment also supports remote diagnostics, clearly structured error messages and a globally standardised operating concept.

These capabilities are intended to help maintenance teams identify faults more quickly, reduce troubleshooting time and potentially lower service costs.

Remote diagnostics and standardized operation support lifecycle performance

Beyond installation and commissioning, Voith has designed PowerDrive Mining around long-term serviceability.

Remote diagnostic capabilities can help technical teams assess operating conditions and faults without immediately requiring extensive on-site intervention.

A standardized control and operating concept is also intended to make the system easier to deploy and maintain across mining operations with multiple conveyor installations or geographically dispersed sites.

Voith said the combination of integrated hardware, coordinated control and lifecycle support provides mining customers with clearer system ownership and reduced operational complexity throughout the equipment’s service life.

Electra Mining Africa 2026 provides launch platform

Voith is using Electra Mining Africa 2026 as the international launch platform for PowerDrive Mining.

The Johannesburg exhibition brings together companies from across mining, engineering, energy and industrial technology, providing Voith with an opportunity to demonstrate the new system directly to mining operators, equipment manufacturers and engineering partners.

PowerDrive Mining represents Voith’s first electric drive system developed specifically as an integrated solution for belt conveyor applications, combining drivetrain technology, BeltControl automation, safety functions and service capabilities within one coordinated package.

About the Voith Group

The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport. Founded in 1867, Voith today has around 21,000 employees, sales of € 4.8 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and thus is one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

About Voith Turbo

The Group Division Voith Turbo is part of the Voith Group and a specialist for intelligent drive technology, systems as well as tailor-made services. With its innovative and smart products, Voith offers highest efficiency and reliability. Customers from highly diverse industries such as oil and gas, energy, mining and mechanical engineering, ship technology, rail and commercial vehicles rely on the advanced technologies and digital applications of Voith.

Media Contact:

Naomi Voith
Head of Solutions Portfolio Communications
tel: +49 7321 37-2209

SOURCE: Voith