BATTERY AND ELECTRIC MACHINES
This testing is part of an existing MoU between the two companies for pilot testing on the slotted electric rail system from BluVein, signed in 2022. At that time, the company said the collaboration provided Epiroc with the opportunity to extend focus beyond its own fleet and produce a dynamic charging solution which suited the needs of mixed fleet customers.
Anders Hedqvist, Head of Strategic Projects at Epiroc’ s underground division, said the company still held the same opinion today, referring to the BluVein1 system as a“ modern trolley system” that provides the company with different mining customer electrification options.
“ We know electrification is the efficient way to decarbonise mining and we’ re aware that battery-only options may not suit every application,” he said.“ In terms of trolley, we don’ t believe in only one solution; we are an OEM offering agnostic solutions, so the BluVein1 system gives us optionality when considering customers’ infrastructure and enabling mixed fleet operations.
“ We also potentially see the dynamic charging concept of BluVein1 offering a‘ hybrid’ option whereby the slotted rail could be installed on the ramp, for instance, as opposed to covering the entire underground production area.”
Where the Minetruck MT42 converted truck is viewed as the“ verification platform”, Hedqvist and Epiroc view the system as being applicable for all large trucks.
BluVein itself says the“ 1.5 MW-plus” charging capacity means it is the only OEM-agnostic dynamic charging technology capable of powering 60-plus-tonne underground haul trucks. This is important in a market like Australia that relies on these higher payload vehicles to keep up productivity levels.
Equally important is the safety element in a highly regulated market like Australia, with Oliver saying the Ingress Protection rated touch-proof conductors, plus electrical protection and earthing systems, were deemed vital by many of the companies BluVein has so far engaged with.
MacLean leveraging UG BEV nous for surface offering
MacLean Engineering has also previously engaged with BluVein on BluVein1 developments, with the Canada-based company envisaging the benefits that its production support machines could receive from such a system.
In the BEV space, the company established its EV Series some 10 years ago, having since sold and commissioned over 100 of these underground BEVs, logging 500,000-plus operating hours in the process.
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The ML5 Multi-Lift is designed to provide a safe, certified elevated work platform for the installation of services up to 6.5 m heights with a safe working load of 2,260 kg, MacLean says
Now, the company is looking to leverage this decade of experience underground to create EVs for the surface mining sector around the globe.
The inaugural model for this new division is the GR8 EV Surface Grader. MacLean has already announced its first customer, a collaboration with Fortescue that was announced at MINExpo 2024, in support of Fortescue’ s industry leading Real Zero 2030 decarbonisation strategy for its iron ore operations in Western Australia.
MacLean says it plans to develop additional products to complement the GR8 and help the global surface mining sector accelerate its decarbonisation timelines for ancillary equipment.
Back underground, meanwhile, MacLean recently opened the sales book for its ML5 Multi-Lift BEV in Australia.
The ML5 Multi-Lift is designed to provide a safe, certified elevated work platform for the installation of services up to 6.5 m heights with a safe working load of 2,260 kg. The product suite is a purpose-built alternative to the use of integrated tool carriers in underground operations across Australia.
An ISO coupler on the boom allows for interchangeability of baskets and attachments, depending on job requirements. Notably, the ML5 work basket duplicates the cab controls, with joysticks and the HMI safely positioned in the basket, providing complete machine control.
The company showcased the platform to a select group of customers at its Perth branch in Wangara around a year ago, allowing this key group a chance to see the first battery-electric ML5 to arrive in-country before it got deployed for trials at the AARP in Western Australia.
Following this testing, the battery-electric version is now fitted with a third generation 134 kWh battery, plus a new drive motor, Jari Tuorila, Vice-President, Australasia, says.
Aramine proving out BEV performance
Aramine is another pioneer in the BEV space, having built on its narrow-vein and low-profile niche with a battery-electric portfolio that continues to grow.
Some 13 mining sites across five continents are currently using its batterypowered machines, the company told IM recently, with 48 units of its 1.4-t payload L140B miniLoader and 4.6 t-payload L440B loader manufactured.
“ Our machines are operating in a wide range of challenging environments, from 4,000 m above sea level to deep and hot underground conditions,” it added.“ Furthermore, our order books for 2025 and 2026 are already full for these two models, demonstrating their proven performance in the most demanding mining conditions.”
The L440B, the latest in the company’ s line of BEVs, is a more efficient, more powerful and more intuitive machine than the diesel equivalent, according to Aramine, which added that a 5-t-payload option is also being worked on.
Aramine offers a“ plug and charge” solution for these vehicles using a“ quick replacement system”. The energy module at the rear of the machine, housing the batteries and the charger, can be“ hotswapped” in less than 10 minutes, it claims. Charging the battery is now quicker than filling the fuel tank, it says, with a machine equipped with two energy modules able to operate without interruption.
International Mining | MAY 2025