{"id":10234,"date":"2025-05-08T18:22:04","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T18:22:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/?p=10234"},"modified":"2025-05-08T18:50:58","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T18:50:58","slug":"its-electrifying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/08\/its-electrifying\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s electrifying!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the mining industry moves toward net-zero operations, electrification will play a crucial role in shaping the future of underground mining. <\/em>North American Mining spoke to several companies whose pioneering electric load and haul solutions are driving the industry toward a cleaner, safer tomorrow.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

by Jonathan Rowland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Epiroc Minetruck MT42 SG truck with trolley.\u00a0<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The shift from diesel-powered to battery-electric LHDs promises significant environmental, social and economic benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality and lower operational costs. Yet, as our first contributor ABB noted, underground electrification is not a novel concept; the first commercial solutions date back to the 1980s. However, innovation has recently accelerated as many mining companies look to achieve net-zero commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several leading companies are spearheading this electrification. We spoke to experts at ABB, Caterpillar, Epiroc, Komatsu, and Sandvik, who are all developing innovative electric LHDs and\/or supporting infrastructure to facilitate this transition. These companies are addressing challenges such as battery management, charging infrastructure, and machine availability to ensure the feasibility and efficiency of electric fleets. As these solutions evolve, the mining industry may have reached a tipping point with an all-electric mine now a matter of when, not if.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ABB: real progress toward the all-electric mine<\/strong>
While fleet electrification may seem relatively new and novel to some \u2013 a product of the mining industry\u2019s heightened focus on reducing emissions in recent years \u2013 ABB<\/a> began working with the North American mining industry on electric LHDs more than 30 years ago with the Kiruna Electric System. That work was documented in a 1991 CIM Bulletin article (vol. 84:954) entitled \u201cKiruna Electric: An all-electric ramp haulage for the 1990s and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince then, we have been on a mission to deliver the all-electric mine, working in collaboration with mining companies, OEMs, and other industry partners,\u201d Sachin Jari, general manager for Mining in North America, told North American Mining magazine. \u201cLast year, we, alongside Boliden and Epiroc, successfully deployed the first fully battery-electric trolley truck system on an 800-meter underground mine test track in Sweden. That milestone brought the mining industry a step closer to realizing the all-electric mine of the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWe\u2019ve seen that, together, we can achieve our shared objectives of sustainable, productive, and safe operations and improved working conditions,\u201d Jari added. \u201cMeanwhile, new findings from the Cosmos electrification study are promising and support that further.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

While it is generally accepted that fleet electrification produces meaningful environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and wellness, health and safety (WHS) benefits, guidance on the practicalities of implementing a BEV fleet in an operating underground mine is limited. The Cosmos study aimed to start filling this gap by determining the technical feasibility, cost, and operational implications of implementing a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) fleet as an alternative to diesel in an existing underground mine \u2013 the Cosmos nickel operation in Western Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cosmos mine is 100% owned by IGO Ltd., while Barminco (an underground mining contracting arm of Perenti) provides underground mining services. IGO engaged Perenti and ABB to help conduct the study. Cosmos is a promising candidate for full underground mine electrification because it uses a 1,000-m-deep hoisting shaft to move ore and waste to the surface. This limits truck haulage routes to distances compatible with current battery technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Completing an electrification study differs from undertaking a feasibility study for a mine with a standard diesel fleet, requiring a re-evaluation of accepted mining practices. In scoping the study, the key questions were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Can a BEV mining fleet replace an existing diesel fleet and maintain the required productivities?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. What cost delta is associated with transitioning to and operating an all-electric fleet?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. How long would it take \u2013 and what would be required \u2013 to transition an operating mine from fully diesel to fully BEV without impacting operations?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    As conducted, the study explored:<\/p>\n\n\n\n