WORLD PROSPECTS
( Komatsu), both of whom have contributed to the planning phase and will take part in the truck conversion process.
According to Gjermundshaug:“ Their involvement ensures a faster and smoother rollout, combining Steer’ s autonomy expertise with OEM-level service and reliability.”
Hülskens already holds a stake in Eikefet Quarry in Norway, where Steer’ s autonomous haul trucks are already operating.“ Our two main requirements are safety and economic justification,” says David Ebner of Hülskens.“ After observing Eikefet’ s autonomous fleet consistently deliver 900 tons per hour, month after month, we are confident this will work for us as well.”
Steer Autonomous is a Norwegian technology company specialising in autonomous systems for heavy industry. Its solution for driverless haul trucks it says is designed to enhance safety, reduce operational costs, and increase production predictability in the quarrying and mining sectors. As stated, Steer’ s autonomous trucks have accumulated more than 40,000 operating hours since 2022 and continue to expand across Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. https:// www. steer. no /
Salinen Austria benefits from ABEL smart pump technology
Salinen Austria AG is one of Europe’ s leading salt producers and since 2007, has been relying on hydraulically operated, quadrupleacting ABEL piston diaphragm pumps to reliably and pressure-stably convey highly abrasive backfill paste from the processing mountains that accumulate during brine cleaning. As ABEL pump technology had proven itself over many years, the company decided in 2021 to purchase another piston diaphragm pump to replace the ABEL HMQ pump previously in use.
With the new ABEL HMQ pump, Salinen Austria is also relying on state-of-the-art technology and digital innovation. Equipped with the ABEL Smart Pump Assistant, an AI-supported monitoring system, all relevant operating data of the pump is continuously recorded and analysed. The goal is maximum operational efficiency combined with optimised maintenance – right up to predictive maintenance. The digital service was contracted directly for ten years and offers the operator continuous transparency regarding the condition of the pump and its components.
ABEL:“ The evaluation of the operating data confirms the excellent condition of the system and impressively demonstrates how digital systems can contribute to increased efficiency. Thanks to the Smart Pump Assistant, maintenance intervals have been doubled. At the same time, unnecessary parts replacements have been avoided without compromising operational safety.” The result has been minimised maintenance costs and a noticeable reduction in resources needed. The data also serves as a valuable basis for decision-making for process optimisation measures within the production chain – a real added value for strategic development. https:// abelpumps. com / en /
Scania and LKAB level up electric trucks in mining operations
Scania and LKAB say they have deepened their collaboration to further electrify mining transport. A new, fully electric 8 × 4 heavy tipper with two steerable front axles – the first of its kind from Scania worldwide – has entered underground operations at LKAB’ s Malmberget iron ore mine in northern Sweden.
Nicknamed‘ Sleipner’, after Odin’ s legendary eight-legged horse, the vehicle symbolises strength, innovation and reliability. It is also the first Scania electric truck equipped with two steerable front axles, developed on the company’ s modular electric platform to deliver greater ability to carry heavy loads, and stability on challenging mine roads. A sturdy answer to a complex challenge.
“ If it performs as expected, we will have a fully fossil-free solution for transporting waste rock in truly demanding mining operations,” says Peter Gustavsson, Project Manager for Electrification of Mobile Machines at LKAB.
Given that LKAB transports more than 5 Mt of waste rock annually, the CO₂-savings will be significant, an example of what kind of impact Scania’ s practical solution has for a customer with high ambitions.
“ Partnerships like this are essential for learning and accelerating progress,” says Tony Sandberg, Head of Scania Pilot Partner.
Sleipner is designed for the utility and mining segment, transporting waste rock from a chute loading station to a backfilling site at Tingvallskulle – a route of approximately 5 km with an elevation gain of 250 m. Fully loaded, the truck weighs 60 t, of which 38 t is payload.
Powered by two MP20 battery packs with a total installed capacity of 416 kWh, and a 400 kW EM C 1-4 electric motor, the vehicle replaces its internal-combustion equivalent entirely. Scania says it demonstrates how its proven electric technology can now meet the extreme demands of heavy mining applications.
The new vehicle builds on the experience from the fully electric Scania 6 × 4 heavy tipper, which has been operating successfully at Malmberget since 2022. Together, the vehicles and customers willing to try innovative solutions, such as LKAB, collaborate closely with Scania to test and refine new electrified solutions in real-world conditions.
“ Each new truck we put into operation helps us and our customers understand how to scale electrification across the toughest environments. This vehicle is just the start of many more mining solutions to come,” Sandberg concludes. https:// www. scania. com /; https:// lkab. com / en /
8 International Mining | JANUARY 2026