vendors , many of which were influenced by the

Charge

On

Innovation

uptick in the number of mine electrification

Challenge ,

a

global

stories featured .

initiative for technology

Sure , we have a vested interest – International

innovators

to

develop

Mining Events produces The Electric Mine Conference , with the latest iteration taking place in Tucson , Arizona , on May 23-25 – but it is clear to everyone in the sector that this is the fastest evolving mining technology space around , hence the reason we cover it extensively .

The news has moved from trials of batteryelectric equipment underground with conceptual

concepts for large-scale haul truck electrification systems to help dramatically cut emissions from surface mine operations . Included within this challenge was what once seemed to be the impossible task of supplying 400 kW hours of electricity to a truck during each haul cycle , while being able to provide battery charging , or both propulsion and

studies

for

integrating

these

electrified

battery charging to said trucks .

machines into mixed fleets , to a race to become the world ’ s first all-electric underground mine , to testing of large battery haul trucks and FCEVs on surface in a matter of years .

The accelerated uptake of these solutions from the mining company fraternity has been astounding , aided by the perfect storm of increased stakeholder expectations around GHG emissions and responsible operations ; relatively high commodity prices and , as a result , higher free cash flow ; and an unloosening of the shackles that once restricted technology developments across the mining sector .

Collaboration between vendors , suppliers and mining companies has also accelerated action in this area .

This innovative streak is on show throughout this issue of International Mining and , in particular , the Battery and Electric Machines feature , starting on page 32 .

Those leading the electrification race are looking to augment this technology platform with other advanced functions the industry is demanding at their mines to improve the operating environment and optimise production processes .

In the underground space , automation and digitalisation are being incorporated into the electrification mix to produce what is likely to be the most productive loading equipment ever seen , boasting higher power and increased

Leveraging solutions developed for other industries , as well as advancements in battery cell technology , the industry is expecting to see many battery charging solutions for open-pit mines come to the fore before the end of the decade . Many of these solutions are focused on automating this process too .

At the same time , the in-pit crushing and conveying market is becoming that much more competitive , with vendors presenting new flexible and agile technologies that have an improved return on investment when factoring in both productivity and sustainability metrics . These solutions are also automated .

When it comes to the supply chain behind this equipment , more companies are choosing to source materials that have either been recycled or produced through low carbon intensity routes , furthering the green credentials of the products equipment makers are producing and those the mining companies are consuming .

Solution providers just keep adding layers to this electrification platform .

This evolution is not likely to , overnight , remove the clean diesel solutions that have been part and parcel of the automated mining landscape for several years thanks to strict regulations in the EU and North America , among others , but it is allowing mining companies to consider all the options when putting out fleet tenders today for deliveries in future years .

control

along

with

advanced

monitoring

Long may this speed of innovation and uptake

solutions . On surface , automated charging solutions for battery trucks are being drawn up by numerous

continue !

Daniel Gleeson Editor daniel @ im-mining . com