A support assembly for a mining site

Abstract

A support assembly 100, suitable for a mining site, the support assembly comprises a trolley-assist support structure 102 configured to support an overhead power cable suitable for providing electrica

Description

Technical Field The present disclosure relates to a support assembly for a mining site. In particular, a support assembly comprising a power line support apparatus couplable to a column of a trolley-assist support structure. The present disclosure also relates to a method for assembling a support assembly for a mining site. Background A trolley-assist system is a system in which mining vehicles, such as haul trucks, in open pit mines, are propelled by electrical power along a mining vehicle haul road. This is known to be advantageous because the use of electrical power leads to high savings on fuel costs and reduced CO2 emissions in comparison to well-known systems that may use diesel fuel. Trolley-assist systems are located within open mining pits on a mining site. It is known to provide a support structure fora trolley-assist system, such as a pylon, with a foundation block or base member that is permanently fixed to the support surface, such as a mining road surface. These foundation blocks provide a rigid and strong support for the pylon. Electrical power may be provided to trolley-assist systems using power distribution units, otherwise known as trolley substations. Trolley substations can be prefabricated structures that house electrical equipment and control systems. Trolley substations can provide power to other systems or machinery on the mining site. These trolley substations require a power distribution network, including power lines, which can provide electrical power to the substations and distribute electrical power around the mining site. It is known that the power lines of the power distribution network are supported by separate support structures, such as pylons. These separate support structures are also installed within the mining site. Therefore, additional effort and space is required to set up such support structures in the mining sites. The present inventor(s) have appreciated that assemblies for supporting the power lines of the power transmission systems can be improved. In particular, the present inventor(s) have appreciated that it is desirable to minimise space occupied by the power transmission system within the mining site. As a result, it would be desirable to provide a support assembly that is more space and cost effective than existing structures. Summary of the Disclosure Embodiments described herein provide a support assembly for a mining site and a method for assembling a support assembly as defined in the appended independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Preferred or advantageous features of the disclosure are set out in the dependent claims. The present disclosure may relate to a power line support apparatus. The power line support apparatus may be configured to support at least one power line configured to provide electrical power on a mining site. The apparatus may comprise at least one coupling member. The or each coupling member may be configured to be couplable to a column of a trolley-assist support structure. The apparatus may further comprise at least one support member. The or each support member may be connected to the or each coupling member. The or each support member may be configured to be couplable to at least one power line. Advantageously, the power line support apparatus may be retrofittable to an existing trolleyassist system. In particular, the power line support apparatus may be retrofittable to an existing column of a trolley-assist support structure system. The present disclosure relates to a support assembly for a mining site. The support assembly may comprise a trolley-assist support structure. The trolley-assist support structure may be configured to support an overhead power cable for providing electrical power to a mining vehicle. The support structure may comprise a column. The column may comprise a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured to be supported on a or with respect to a support surface. The first end may be configured to be coupled to a base. The support assembly may further comprise a power line support apparatus. The power line support apparatus may be configured to support at least one power line. The at least one power line may be configured to provide electrical power to a mining site. The power line support apparatus may be couplable to the column of the trolley-assist support structure. The power line support apparatus may be coupled to the column of the trolley-assist support structure. According to the present disclosure, there is provided a support assembly for a mining site. The support assembly comprises a trolley-assist support structure. The trolley-assist support structure is configured to support an overhead power cable for providing electrical power to a mining vehicle. The support structure comprises a column. The column comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be supported on or with respect to a support surface. The first end may be configured to be coupled to a base, which is located on a support surface. The support assembly further comprises a power line support apparatus. The power line support apparatus configured to support at least one power line. The at least one power line configured to provide electrical power to a mining site. The power line support apparatus is couplable to the column of the trolley-assist support structure. The power line support apparatus may be coupled to the column of the trolley-assist support structure. The present inventor(s) have appreciated that there is limited space within a mining site and therefore, it is desirable to minimise space occupied by the power transmission system. By providing a power line support apparatus configured to support at least one power line and couplable to the column of the trolley-assist support structure, space is saved within the mining site. This is because the power line support apparatus is couplable, and as such, supported by the column of a trolley-assist support structure, as opposed to an additional separate support structure. This removes the requirement to provide, and install, separate support structure to support the power line for providing electrical power to the mining site. Consequently, the support assembly according to the present disclosure reduces material waste and costs in comparison to known arrangements, where separate support structures, such as pylons, are installed and maintained to support the power lines of a power transmission system. The present inventor(s) have recognised and appreciated that building the mining site requires a significant amount of investment and as such, reducing the size of the mining site is advantageous. In particular, drilling through hard rock to provide a mining site that can accommodate the structures required is both time consuming and costly. Therefore, reducing the size of the mining site or pit is advantageous. Providing an assembly whereby the power line support apparatus is couplable to the column of the trolley-support structure removes the need to provide space for, and build, secondary support structures, such as pylons or columns, to support the power lines of a power transmission system. In the present disclosure, a power transmission system refers to a system for providing and distributing power to and within the mining site. The power transmission system may comprise substations. Substations may be structures that house electrical equipment and control systems. Substations may be prefabricated structures that house electrical equipment and control systems. The power transmission system may receive power from the grid or an alternative power source and distribute electrical power via a plurality power lines to the substations on the mining site. The power transmission system then distributes the electrical power from the substations, via a plurality of power lines, to mining machinery and equipment. The power lines of the power transmission system may be configured to distribute and provide electrical power to at least one substations of a trolley-assist system. The power lines may be configured to distribute and provide electrical power to alternative substations of the power transmission system. The power lines may be configured to distribute and provide electrical power to equipment or machinery on the mining site. The trolley-assist support structure comprises a column. The column comprises a first end and a second end. In the present disclosure, the second end of the column may refer to the upper or top end of the column, when in use. The first end of the column may refer to the lower or bottom end of the column, when in use. The first end of the column may be coupled to a base. The base may be a reusable base that is free-standing with respect to a support surface. The reusable base may not be coupled or attached to a support surface. The reusable base may not be permanently coupled or attached to a support surface. In other words, the reusable base may be configured to rest on a support surface. This advantageously provides a trolley-assist support structure, and as such a support assembly, which is more portable and reusable. This is because the free-standing nature of the base with respect to the support surface, allows the base to be installed and then easily relocated and re-used without the need for detaching the base from the support surface. The support surface may be the ground of a mining site or the surface of, or adjacent to, a mining vehicle haul road. The portability and reusability of the reusable base is further advantageous because it reduces material waste and costs compared to existing arrangements, whereby at least the foundation block or base member is permanently fixed to the support surface and cannot be reused or relocated. Therefore, in such arrangements, a new foundation base has to be used if the location needs to be adjusted due to changes in the terrain or mining vehicle haul road or if the trolley-assist system requires relocation. Further still, advantageously by coupling the power line support apparatus to the column of a trolley-assist support structure, there is provided one support structure rather than two. As such, this reduces the time and costs involved with moving the power line support apparatus and trolley-assist support structure on the mining site. The trolley-assist support structure may comprise a beam. The beam may be coupled to the column. The beam may be coupled to the column proximate the second end of the column. The beam may be releasably coupled to the beam. The beam may comprise a first end and a second end. The first end of the beam may be coupled to the column. The second end of the beam may be a free end. The beam may advantageously provide support for the overhead power cable. The beam may be configured to support the overhead power cable for providing electrical power to a mining vehicle. The beam may extend away from the column. The beam may be a cantilevered beam. The length of the column may be at least about 10 meters. The length of the column may be at least about 11 meters. Preferably, the length of the column may be at least 12 meters. The length of the beam may be at least about 10 meters. The length of the beam may be at least about 11 meters. Preferably, the length of the beam may be at least 12 meters. The trolley-assist support structure may further comprise support means configured to support the beam. The support means may further comprise at least one tensioning cable. The at least one tensioning cable may be configured to further support the beam, which may be cantilevered. The support means may comprise at least one tensioning strut. A first end of the support means may be coupled adjacent the second end of the column and a second end of the support means may be coupled proximate the second end of the beam. The support means being coupled in this manner, in particular, to the second end of the beam minimises the tension required to support the beam. The power line support apparatus may be coupled to the column of the trolley-assist support structure. The power line support apparatus may be releasably couplable to the column of the trolley-assist support structure. The power line support apparatus may be releasably coupled to the column of the trolley-assist support structure. This is advantageous because it allows the power line support apparatus to be coupled and removed from the column of the trolleysupport structure. As such, the position or location of the power line support apparatus can be easily adjusted or modified. This advantageously provides a power line support apparatus that can be retrofitted to existing trolley-assist support structures. The power line support apparatus may be couplable to a portion of the column proximate the second end. This may ensure that the at least one power line, which is supported by the power line support apparatus, is positioned such that it does not interfere with the overhead power cable, or the mining vehicle. Further, this may advantageously ensure that the desired clearance between the energised power lines and the ground or support surface is maintained. The power line support apparatus may be couplable to a portion of the column located above the portion of the column the beam is coupled to. In other words, the power line support apparatus may be couplable to a portion of the column between the point at which the beam is coupled to the column and the second end of the column. The power line support apparatus may be couplable to the column such that the power line is supported on the opposite side of the column to the beam. This may further ensure that the at least one power line, which is supported by the power line support apparatus, is positioned such that it does not interfere with the overhead power cable, or the mining vehicle of a trolleyassist system. The power line support apparatus may comprise at least one coupling member. The or each coupling member may be configured to be couplable to the column of the trolley-assist support structure. The or each coupling member may be configured to be releasably couplable to the column. This may advantageously allow the position and / or location of the or each coupling member to be easily adjusted. The or each coupling member may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The firstand second portion may be releasably coupled to one another around the column. The first and second portion may be releasably coupled to one another about the column. The first and second portion may be coupled to one another via fastening means. The fastening means may comprise nuts and bolts. Therefore, the coupling member may be securely fastened or coupled to the column. The or each coupling member may be a bracket. The or each coupling member may be a collar. The power line support apparatus may comprise one, two, three or more coupling members. Preferably, the power line support apparatus comprises three coupling members. The coupling members may be equally or evenly spaced apart from each other. Advantageously, by providing releasably couplable coupling members, the spacing can be adjusted easily. The power line support apparatus may further comprise at least one support member. The or each support member may comprise a first end and a second end. The or each support member may be elongate. The or each support member may be configured to support a power line. In particular, the first end of the or each support member may be connected or coupled to a coupling member. Each support member may be connected to the coupling member. Alternatively, each support member may be connected to a respective coupling member. This may be directly or indirectly couplable via a further member, such as an intermediate member, as discussed below. The second end of the support member may be couplable to a power line. The power line support apparatus may comprise one, two, three or more support members. Preferably, the power line support apparatus comprises three support members. Each support member may be coupled to a respective coupling member. In other words, the number of coupling members and the number of support members may be the same. The or each support member may be configured to extend from the column. The or each support member may extend from the column. The or each support member may be coupled to a coupling member and extend from said coupling member, whereby the coupling member may be coupled to the column. The or each support member may extend from the column towards the second end of the column. In other words, in use, the or each support member may extend upwardly from the column, away from the support surface or ground. The or each support member may extend from the column such that an angle between the column and the support member is less than 90 degrees. In other words, the or each support member may extend from the column such that the support member is not perpendicular or orthogonal to the column. Preferably, an angle between the column and the support member may be between about 15 degrees to about 75 degrees. More preferably, the angle between the column and the support member may be between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. Even more preferably, angle between the column and the support member may be about 45 degrees. By providing each support member at an angle, this advantageously prevents a build-up of moisture on the support member. This is because the angle of the support member means that any moisture or water is encouraged towards the first end of the support member and then down the column. This is particularly advantageous, as it keeps the moisture away from the power line. The length of the or each support member may be based on the voltage provided by the power distribution system. The length of the or each support member may be determined by the transmission voltage. In particular, the length of the or each support member may be greater when the transmission voltage is greater, in comparison to the length of the or each support member when the transmission voltage is less. The length of the or each support member may be between about 10 cm and about 100 cm. Preferably, the length of the or each support member may be between about 20 cm and about 90 cm. More preferably, the length of the or each support member may be between about 30cm and about 70cm. The or each support member may be an insulator. The or each support member may be an electrical insulator. The or each support member may comprise a material through which electric current does not flow freely. This may advantageously prevent electricity from passing through the coupling member and as such, the column and the trolley-assist support structure. The power line support apparatus may comprise at least one power line connecting member. The or each power line connecting member may be couplable to a respective power line. The or each power line connecting member may be couplable to the second end of a respective support member. The or each power line connecting member may be suspended from the second end of the support member. The or each power line connecting member may be a conductor. The or each power line connecting member may be an electrical conductor. The or each power line connecting member may comprise a material through which electric current flows freely. The or each support member may be configured to withstand the loads imposed on it by the power line connecting member and the respective power line. This is advantageous as the or each support member is able to support the power line connecting member and the power line. Further, the or each support member may be configured to be able to withstand dynamic loads due to external factors, such as wind or vibrations, for example. Further, the or each support member may be an insulator and may support the power line connecting member. The insulator may be configured to withstand the operating voltage. The insulator may be configured to also withstand surges of voltage and lightning. The power line connecting member may hang below the support member. The power line support apparatus may be for supporting at least one power line configured to carry a voltage of between about 380V and 33,000 V. The at least one power line may be configured to distribute electrical power around the mining site. The at least one power line may be configured to distribute electrical power to electrical machinery on the mining site. The at least one power line may be configured to distribute the electricity from a power distribution or transmission system around the mining site. The at least one power line may provide either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Preferably, the power lines provide alternating current. The type of AC may be three-phase electric power. Therefore, the power line support apparatus may be configured to support three power lines. Three-phase power may be advantageous because the power transmitted is more efficient than a single-phase. The power line support apparatus may comprise three support members. Each support member may be configured to support a respective power line. Each support member may be configured to support a respective power line of the three-phase power supply. The power line support apparatus may comprise four support members. Three of the four support members may be configured to support a respective power line of the three-phase power supply. One of the four support members may be configured to supporta neutral power line. The power line support apparatus may comprise three coupling members. Each coupling member may be configured to support a respective one of the support members. As such, the number of coupling members and the number of support members may be equal. However, it is appreciated that the number of coupling members and the number of support members may be different. For example, the power line support apparatus may comprise one coupling member configured to be coupled to three coupling members. Configured to be coupled or configured to support may be indirectly or directly. The support members may be equally or evenly spaced. The three support members may be equally or evenly spaced from one another. In other words, the distance between adjacent support members may be the same. The distance or spacing between each of the support members may be determined based on the voltage provided by the power distribution system. The distance or spacing between each of the support members may be determined based on the transmission voltage. In particular, the distance or spacing between each of the support members may be greater when the transmission voltage is greater, in comparison to the distance or spacing between each of the support members when the transmission voltage is less. For example, the distance or spacing between each of the support members may be around 75cm when the power supply is around 33 kV. The power line support apparatus may comprise an intermediate member. The intermediate member may be located between the or each coupling member and the or each support member. The or each coupling member may be coupled or releasably coupled to the intermediate member. The first portion of the or each coupling member may comprise a receiving portion for receiving the intermediate member. The or each support member may be coupled or releasably coupled to the intermediate member. The length of the intermediate member may be such that it extends at least from a first support member to a third support member. The length of the intermediate member may be between about 100cm to about 200cm. Preferably, the length of the intermediate member may be between about 100cm and about 150cm. The intermediate member may be a bar. The intermediate member may comprise iron. The intermediate member may define the space between the support members. The intermediate member may define the space between the support members by comprising a plurality of holes. The plurality of holes may be at predetermined distances from one another. The intermediate member may advantageously allow easy and efficient adjustment of the positioning of the support members. Further, the intermediate member defining the space between the support members may more accurately define the required spacing between the support members. Further still, the intermediate member may allow for a single coupling member to indirectly support more than one support member. The intermediate member may be a metal bar. In particular, the intermediate member may be an iron bar. In use, the intermediate member may be parallel to the column. The maximum distance between the second of the column and the second end of the support member closest to the second end of the column may be between about 80cm and about 100cm. Preferably, the maximum distance between the second of the column and the second end of the support member closest to the second end of the column may be between about 85cm and about 95cm. More preferably, the maximum distance between the second of the column and the second end of the support member closest to the second end of the column may be about 91.2cm. The present inventor(s) have appreciated that a shield wire may be suspended above the power line connecting members, at the second end of the column. This shield wire may dissipate lightening either side, in other words, the shield wire may create a shield to protect the power line connecting members. Therefore, the positioning of the power line connecting members may be such that they are within, and protected, by the shield wire The present disclosure may relate to a method for assembling a support assembly for a mining site. The support assembly may comprise a trolley-assist support structure. The trolley-assist support structure may be configured to support an overhead power cable for providing electrical power to a mining vehicle. The support structure may comprise a column. The column may comprise a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured to be coupled to a base. The support assembly may further comprise a power line support apparatus. The power line support apparatus may be configured to support at least one power line. The at least one power line may be configured to provide electrical power to a mining site. The method may comprise coupling the power line support apparatus to the column of the trolley-assist support structure. According to present disclosure, there is further provided a method for assembling a support assembly for a mining site. The support assembly comprises a trolley-assist support structure. The trolley-assist support structure is configured to support an overhead power cable for providing electrical power to a mining vehicle. The support structure comprises a column. The column comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be coupled to a base. The support assembly further comprises a power line support apparatus. The power line support apparatus is configured to support at least one power line. The at least one power line is configured to provide electrical power to a mining site. The method comprises coupling the power line support apparatus to the column of the trolley-assist support structure. By coupling the power line support apparatus to the column of the trolley-assist support structure this advantageously reduces the assembly costs involved, in comparison to known prior art methods whereby power transmission support structures (separate support structures, such as pylons, to support the power lines) are required. Further, the method for assembling of the present disclosure reduces the material required and also the time involved in assembling. Coupling the power line support apparatus to the column of the trolley-assist support structure may comprise coupling the or each coupling member to the column of the trolley-assist support structure. Coupling may be releasably coupling the or each coupling member to the column of the trolley-assist support structure. Coupling the or each coupling member may further comprise coupling the or each coupling member to a portion of the column proximate the second end. Coupling the power line support apparatus to the column of the trolley-assist support structure may comprise coupling the or each support member to a coupling member or a respective one of the coupling members. The present disclosure may relate to a trolley-assist system comprising a trolley-assist support structure as described above and a power line support apparatus as described above. The present disclosure may relate to a system for a mining site. The system may comprise a trolley-assist subsystem. The trolley-assist subsystem may comprise a plurality of trolleyassist support structures. Each trolley-assist support structure may be configured to support an overhead power cable for providing electrical power to a mining vehicle. Each support structure may comprise a column. The column may comprise a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured to be coupled to a base. The system may further comprise at least one power transmission subsystem. The power transmission subsystem may comprise at least one power line for distributing or transporting electrical power from a power transmission source to the mining site. The system may further comprise a plurality of power line support apparatus. The power line support apparatus may be configured to support the at least one power line. Each power line support apparatus may be couplable to the column of a respective one of the plurality of trolley-assist support structures. The trolley-assist support structure may be as described above. The power line support apparatus may be as described above. It will be appreciated that any of the systems described in the present disclosure may comprise the overhead power cable for providing electrical power to a mining vehicle. The overhead power cable may be supported by one or more beams of one or more trolley-assist supports of the system. The present disclosure also provides a mining hauling system. The mining hauling system comprises any of the systems described in the present disclosure and at least one mining vehicle. The mining vehicle may comprise a mining haul truck. The mining haul truck may be configured to draw power from the overhead power cable of a trolley-assist system. The mining vehicle may comprise a power drawing element for drawing electrical power from the overhead power line of the trolley-assist system. The power drawing element may comprise a current collector. The power drawing element may comprise a pantograph. The payload or hauling capacity of the mining vehicle may be at least 50 tonnes. The payload or hauling capacity of the mining vehicle may be at least 100 tonnes. The mining vehicle may be a hybrid vehicle. The mining vehicle may comprise a hybrid powertrain. The mining vehicle may comprise a diesel-electric powertrain. It will be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present disclosure may also be applied equally to all of the other aspects of the present disclosure. It will further be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention may be implemented and / or supplied and / or used independently. Description of Specific Embodiments of the Disclosure Specific embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a support assembly according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 shows an expanded view of the power line support apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3a shows a coupling member of the power line support apparatus; Figure 3b shows the coupling member of Figure 3a coupled to an intermediate member; Figure 4 shows a side view of the coupling members coupled to the intermediate member; Figure 5 shows a plurality of support assemblies supporting three power lines; and Figure 6 shows an expanded view of the power line support apparatus of Figure 1. Specific description Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a support assembly 100 for a mining site. The support assembly 100 comprising a trolley-assist support structure 102. The trolley-assist support structure 102 is a part of a trolley-assist system for a mining vehicle. The trolley-assist support structure 102 comprises a column 104. The column 104 comprises a first end 106 and a second end 108. The first end 106 is coupled to a base 110. The base 110 is a reusable freestanding base with respect to a support surface. The support surface may be a mining vehicle haul road. The trolley-assist support structure 102 comprises a beam 112. The beam 112 has a first end 114 and a second end 116. The first end 114 is coupled to the column 104 proximate the second end 108 of the column 104. The second end 116 is a free end. The trolley-assist support structure 102 further comprises two tensioning cables 118a, 118b. Each tensioning cable 118a, 118b is coupled to a first end 112 of the beam 110. In particular, each tensioning cable 118a, 118b is coupled to a bracket 120. The bracket 120 is coupled to a portion of the beam 110. Further, each tensioning cable 118a, 118b is coupled ata second end to an upper portion of the column 104. The upper portion of the column 104 comprises a further bracket 120. The second end of each of the two tensioning cables 118a, 118b are coupled or clamped to the bracket 120, such that they are secured to the column 104. The support assembly 100 further comprises a power line support apparatus 122. The power line support apparatus 122 is shown more clearly in Figure 2. The power line support apparatus 122 is releasably couplable to the column 104 of the trolley-assist support structure 102. The power line support apparatus 122 comprises three coupling members 124a, 124b, 124c. The skilled person will appreciate that in alternative example embodiments the power line support apparatus may comprise one or more coupling members 124. Each of the coupling members 124a, 124b, 124c is releasably couplable to the column 104. In particular, each of the coupling members 124a, 124b, 124c is releasably coupleable to a portion of the column 104 proximate the second end of the column 108. This portion is above the point at which the beam 112 is coupled to the column 104. Each coupling member 124a, 124b, 124c comprises a first portion 202 and a second portion 204. The first and second portion 202, 204 are releasably coupled to one another around the column 104. The first portion and the second portion 202, 204 are shown more clearly in Figure 3a. As can be seen the internal edge of the first and second portion 202, 204 conforms to the shape of a column 104. The first and second portion 202,204 are releasably coupled, secured or clamped to one another fastening means 306. The fastening means being nuts 308 and bolts 310. As shown in Figure 3b, each of the first and second portions 202, 204 comprise connecting portions or flanges 312 to assist in releasably securing the first and second portions 202, 204 to one another. Each portion or flange 312 comprises through holes. The first portion 202 and the second portion 204 are coupled to one another via a bolt 310 passing through each through hole and secured with at least one nut 308. This coupling arrangement ensures that the firstand second portion 202, 204 are aligned. Further, it ensures that the coupling member 124 is reliably secured to the column 104. The first and second portion 202, 204 when secured to one another form a collar or a bracket. The first portion 202 of each coupling member 124 comprises a receiving portion 314 for receiving an intermediate member 316, as shown in Figure 3b. The or each coupling member 124a, 124b, 124c is coupled to the intermediate member 316 by welding. The intermediate member 316 is a bar. In particular, the intermediate member 316 is an iron bar. As shown in Figure 4, each coupling member 124a, 124b, 124c is coupled or releasably coupled to the intermediate member 316. The space or distance Y between each coupling member 124a, 124b, 124c is equal. The space Y between each coupling member 124a, 124b, 124c is around 100cm. The space or distance Y between each coupling member 124a, 124b, 124c is preset by the intermediate member 316. As shown in Figures 1 or 2, the intermediate member 316 is located between the coupling members 124a, 124b, 124c and the support members 126a, 126b, 126c. The power line support apparatus 122 comprises three support members 126a, 126b, 126c. Each support member 126a, 126b, 126c is configured to support a power line 502a, 502b, 502c, as shown in more detail in Figure 5. Each support member 126a, 126b, 126c is elongate. Each support member 126a, 126b, 126c is an insulator. Each support member 126a, 126b, 126c comprises a first end 130a, 130b, 130c and a second end 132a, 132b, 132c. The first end 130a, 130b, 130c of each support member 126a, 126b, 126c is coupled or releasably coupled to the intermediate member 316. The second end of each support member 126a, 126b, 126c is configured to support a power line connecting member 128a, 128b, 128c. In other words, a power line connecting member 128a, 128b, 128c is suspended from the second end 132a, 132b, 132c of each support member 126a, 126b, 126c. Each power line connecting member 128a, 128b, 128c supports a power line 502a, 502b, 502c, as shown in Figure 5. The or each power line connecting member 128a, 128b, 128c is electrically conductive. Figure 5 illustrates a trolley-assist system 504 comprising three support assemblies 100a, 100b, 100c. Each support assembly 100a, 100b, 100c comprising a power line support apparatus 122, as described above. Each power line connecting member 128a, 128b, 128c supports a power line 502a, 502b, 502c. As shown in Figure 6, each support member 126a, 126b, 126c extends from the intermediate member 316 such that the angle a between the column 104 and the support member 126a, 126b, 126c is about 60 degrees. The skilled person will understand that this is an example embodiment, and that alternative angles are appreciated by the present disclosure. In particular, angle a may be less than 90 degrees, such that any moisture is encouraged away from the power line connecting member 128a, 128b, 128c and the power line 502a, 502b, 502c. The spacing or distance Z between the support members 126a, 126b, 126c is equal. The spacing or distance Z between the support members 126a, 126b, 126c is set based on the voltage being carried by the power lines 502a, 502b, 502c. For example, the power line support apparatus 122 of the example embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, is for a 33 kV power line. The distance Z between each support member 126a, 126b, 126c is around 100cm. Although not shown in the Figures, for a 11 kV power line, the distance between each support member 126a, 126b, 126c may be around 80cm. The spacing or distance Z between the support members 126a, 126b, 126c is defined or preset by the intermediate member 316. The intermediate member 316 has a plurality of holes for securing or fastening each support member 126a, 126b, 126c to the intermediate member 316. The intermediate member 316 has a plurality of holes for securing each support member 126a, 126b, 126c to the intermediate member 316, such that the required spacing between the support members 126a, 126b, 126c is achieved. The intermediate member 316 is at least the length of the distance between a first support member 126a and a third support member 126c. The length of the intermediate member 316 is about 225cm. The support members 126a, 126b, 126c are all the same length. The length of each support member 126a, 126b, 126c is about 62cm. The first support member 126a, is positioned such that a distance X between the second end 132a, 132b, 132c of the first support member 126a and the shield wire 602 or second end of the column is around 91.2cm.

Claims

1. A support assembly for a mining site, the support assembly comprising:a trolley-assist support structure configured to support an overhead power cable for providing electrical power to a mining vehicle, the support structure comprising a column comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be supported on a support surface; anda power line support apparatus configured to support at least one overhead power line for providing electrical power to a mining site, wherein the support apparatus is couplable to the column of the trolley-assist support structure.

2. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the power line support apparatus is releasably couplable to the column of the trolley-assist support structure.

3. The support assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power line support apparatus is couplable to a portion of the column proximate the second end.

4. The support assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the power line support apparatus comprises at least one coupling member, wherein the or each coupling member is couplable to the column of the trolley-assist support structure.

5. The support assembly according to claim 4, wherein the or each coupling member comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portion are releasably coupled to one another around the column.

6. The support assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the power line support apparatus further comprises at least one support member configured to extend from the column.

7. The support assembly according to claim 6, wherein a first end of the or each support member is connected to the coupling member and wherein a second end of the or each support member is couplable to a power line.

8. The support assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the or each support member extends towards the second end of the column such that an angle between the column and the support member is less than 90 degrees.

9. The support assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the or each support member is an insulator.

10. The support assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the power line support apparatus comprises at least one power line connecting member, wherein the or each power line connecting member is couplable to a respective power line.

11. The support assembly according to claim 10, wherein the or each power line connecting member is coupleable to the second end of a respective support member.

12. The support assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein each power line connecting member is a conductor.

13. The support assembly according to any of claims 6 to 12, wherein the power line support apparatus comprises three support members, wherein each support member is configured to support a respective power line.

14. The support assembly according to claim 13, wherein the support members are evenly spaced.

15. The support assembly according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the power line support apparatus comprises an intermediate member located between the or each coupling member and the or each support member.

16. The support assembly according to claim 15, wherein the intermediate member defines the spacing between the support members.

17. The support assembly according to claim 6 to 16, wherein a maximum distance between the second end of the column and the second end of the support member closest to the second end of the column is between about 80cm and about 100cm.

18. The support assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first end of the column is coupled to a reusable base free-standing with respect to a support surface.

19. The support assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the trolley-assist support structure comprises a beam coupled to the column proximate the second end, thebeam being configured to support an overhead power cable for providing electrical power to a mining vehicle.

20. The support assembly according to claim 19, wherein the power line support apparatus 5 is coupleable to a portion of the column located above the portion of the column the beam is coupled to.

21. The support assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the power line support apparatus is for supporting at least one power line configured to carry a voltage 10 between about 380 V and about 33,000 V.

22. A method for assembling a support assembly for a mining site according to any of claims 1 to 21, the method comprising:coupling the power line support apparatus to the column of the trolley-assist 15 support structure.

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