SPOTLIGHT: Battery and Electric Vehicles | Page 14

BATTERY AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES

OEM trucks while completing rebuilds for our business, existing clients and broader markets.”

In 2024, Thiess entered a Memorandum of Understanding with FLANDERS to focus on delivery of diesel-mechanical hybrid retrofits as a current cost-effective emissions reduction solution. In 2025, Thiess and FLANDERS progressed their mechanical hybrid retrofit initiative, completing key elements of installation planning, risk assessment, compliance reviews and detailed trial design.

Together in 2025, Thiess and FLANDERS developed a trial to test this technology in New South Wales. They aim to collaboratively install the hybrid kit in 2026, then to run it for a trial period to validate asset performance and product viability. Pending successful trial outcomes, the team propose to implement the technology on a full production circuit of trucks in Queensland to demonstrate industry benefits.

Pre-trial modelling indicates fuel consumption and emissions should be reduced by approximately 16 %, equating to 360 tCO 2-e saved per year per 230-t-class truck. Additionally, the technology should provide an increase in maximum speed and acceleration. Under suitable project conditions this should result in improved cycle times.

Thiess said:“ The aim is to provide this bridging technology to our customers until a full battery-electric solution becomes commercially available.”

MT66 S eDrive trial

Underground, Epiroc is currently engaged in a trial of its own in Western Australia.

Gold Fields’ Granny Smith gold mine in the eastern Goldfields welcomed Epiroc’ s Minetruck MT66 S eDrive to Wallaby recently for a six-month performance trial – with Epiroc specialists on site throughout the program.

The 66 t diesel-electric haul truck combines the best of two worlds: batteryelectric like acceleration and efficiency with the practicality of a diesel engine, Grant Hancock, Granny Smith Mining Manager, says. The new electric drivetrain and smart controls deliver 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.

Hancock adds:“ Over the trial, we’ ll benchmark cycle times, availability, fuel use, ventilation indicators and operator feedback, sharing results as they land. This is a practical step towards safer, cleaner, more productive underground haulage at Gold Fields.”

The Minetruck MT66 S eDrive, nicknamed‘ Matilda’, has a redesigned lightweight frame, combined with a John Deere 18-litre Stage V engine. 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.

In Canada, Discovery Silver recently added a new Epiroc Minetruck MT42 SG battery-electric haul truck to its Hoyle Pond mine in Ontario, Canada, as part of its ongoing plans to invest in a long and successful future for its Porcupine operations in and near Timmins.

The company said:“ With a 42-tonne payload and faster ramp speeds, the MT42 supports improved cycle times and higher production rates. Equally important, the MT42 produces zero carbon emissions which helps minimise ventilation requirements and can reduce heat in the mine.”

The Minetruck MT42 SG is Epiroc’ s largest battery-electric underground haul truck. Purpose-built for ramp haulage in demanding underground conditions, the MT42 SG delivers enhanced productivity while significantly reducing diesel emissions, operational noise and heat generation, Epiroc says.