UNDERGROUND LOAD AND HAUL
Komatsu’ s loader range spans from compact 3-7 t narrow-vein machines through mid-size units like the WX11 and WX15, up to high-capacity loaders in the 19-t payload tethered-electric class.“ This breadth enables operators to match equipment closely to mine geometry, production targets and infrastructure constraints,” Komatsu says.“ Narrow-vein operations benefit from compact machines with optimised manoeuvrability, while mid-seam and mass mining environments leverage higher payload loaders to maximise cycle efficiency and reduce cost per tonne.”
Komatsu also offers a range of low-profile loaders specifically engineered for PGM minerals and industrial minerals applications, designed to navigate confined spaces and challenging underground conditions. These products have continually evolved, like the recently upgraded WX06LP, benefiting from real-world customer feedback and ongoing optimisation to better meet the demands of underground mining operations.
The underground truck range similarly covers payloads from circa-16 t up to 45 t, including platforms for hard-rock operations as well as the SK-A30 ejector box truck designed for industrial minerals operations. The HX30( 30-t payload) and HX45( 45-t payload) models offer additional trainer seats in the operator compartment, while the HX35 is equipped with a bi-directional cabin to further enhance operator comfort. All trucks in this line-up feature oscillating articulations and are engineered for high production rates, focusing on safety, reliability and operator wellbeing.
Among the latest additions to Komatsu’ s low-profile portfolio are the newly released HX30LP truck and WX10LP loader, designed as a complementary partner pair for optimal performance in low-profile mining environments. The HX30LP truck delivers a 30-t payload capability within a compact, low-profile cabin height of 2 m, while the WX10LP loader provides a 10-t loading capacity with enhanced manoeuvrability and ground clearance tailored to confined headings.“ Together, these machines enable seamless load-and-haul cycles, allowing operators to maintain high productivity and safety standards even in the most challenging underground spaces,” Komatsu says.“ Their integrated features – such as advanced operator ergonomics, easy maintenance access and compatibility with electrified and automation-ready mine infrastructure – underscore Komatsu’ s commitment to purpose-built solutions for the evolving needs of the underground mining sector.”
Across both loaders and trucks, the emphasis is on delivering complete loadand-haul systems rather than individual machines. Breakout force, cycle speed, reliability and operator environment all combine to determine productivity outcomes, and modern designs increasingly integrate automation readiness, remote operation capability and digital performance monitoring, Komatsu adds.
It concluded:“ The combination of diesel, tethered-electric and battery-electric platforms provide customers with a flexible pathway for decarbonisation.”
Diesel-electric truck test
Gold Fields, in its recently released Sustainability Report 2025, confirmed plans to introduce a prototype Sandvik 66-tonne diesel-electric underground truck to its St Ives operation, in Western Australia, for pilot testing.
The trial will take place with support from the operations’“ business partner”, Gold Fields says, indicating its mining contractor Byrnecut will be involved.
It follows testing with the OEM that involved a Sandvik LH518B battery-electric loader at St Ives, which kicked off in late 2021.
In a case study within the report, Gold Fields stated:“ Building on our vast experience and collaborations within the mining value chain, we are framing our material movement decarbonisation journey around three key OEM partnerships and associated electric vehicle trials.”
The MT66 S eDrive combines batteryelectric like acceleration and efficiency with the practicality of a diesel engine, according to Epiroc
At its Agnew and Granny Smith mines, the company completed pilot studies of Caterpillar diesel-electric loaders( R2900 XEs), with these units now in full production. Site data confirms an average circa-35 % reduction in diesel burn compared with equivalent conventional diesel loaders, broadly in line with Caterpillar’ s original expectations, the company noted.“ This outcome validates diesel-electric loaders as a lower-emission, lower-fuel-use option and demonstrates clear potential for operating cost and total cost of ownership benefits
over time,” it added.
Gold Fields’ partnership with Epiroc, meanwhile, has progressed to the mobilisation of the MT66 S eDrive dieselelectric underground haul truck to Granny Smith, with a proof-of-concept pilot having now commenced.
The MT66 S eDrive combines batteryelectric like acceleration and efficiency with the practicality of a diesel engine, according to Epiroc, with the new electric drivetrain and smart controls delivering up to plus-11 % ramp speed, circa-7 % lower fuel use and improved air quality underground. Safety is built in, with automatic brake testing, hill descent assist, hill hold and SAHR brakes at all wheel ends.
According to Epiroc, the removal of a conventional mechanical driveline simplifies operation and reduces maintenance requirements, further lowering operating costs while enhancing reliability and availability.
Gold Fields says it has been closely involved in the design process of the MT66 S eDrive, providing input and agreeing key performance indicators focused on emissions reduction, fuel efficiency, performance, reliability and cost.“ As this is the first truck of its type produced by Epiroc, the trial is aimed at understanding technology readiness and establishing whether such trucks can ultimately replace
parts of our diesel fleet,” it said.
“ Outcomes will be reported once sufficient operating data have been gathered.”
Gold Fields says testing of the Sandvik 66-tonne diesel-electric underground truck will enable a side-by-side comparison of performance with the Epiroc MT66 S eDrive under similar conditions, complementing the battery-electric vehicle loader trial it ran several years ago.
It added:“ Together, these Sandvik pilots are designed to test reduced-emission
12 International Mining | JULY 2026