BATTERY AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Himesa states:“ We clearly see a huge positive impact when companies electrify and monitor their fleets. With this monitoring layer, operating cost savings start from day one through fuel cost elimination, higher productivity from more efficient machines and predictive maintenance that prevents unplanned downtime”
and 20-t payload truck, designed to operate in fully-electric mode across full production shifts and under conditions ranging from-10 ° C to + 40 ° C. These prototypes, created via a battery-electric drivetrain retrofit, allowed the company to validate performance, temperature behaviour and charging strategies in realistic mining conditions.
To support this shift, Himesa developed its own modular battery platform, incorporating LFP based designs optimised for safety, high cycle life and demanding industrial use cases The system builds on the team’ s extensive experience in energy solutions and is engineered for the demanding requirements of the mining sector, drawing on established expertise from successful projects in automated logistics, robotics and off-highway applications, Himesa notes.
Himesa told IM:“ Each battery chemistry has its pros and cons depending on the chosen application. But, in case of mining, there are four keys points that we take into account
•“ Safety / stability: LFP chemistry can work in a very wide range of temperatures with a very stable internal behaviour;
•“ Life: In mining, the battery’ s lifespan is very important and LFP-based batteries can outlast the machine itself;
•“ Energy: Other chemistries are more energy dense, but LFP is rapidly evolving and is getting close to other battery cells when it comes to this metric; and
•“ Cost: This LFP-based battery is probably the most cost-effective cell there is. When linked with the battery’ s life, the cost per cycle cost is an important factor for overall mining costs.”
Where electrification and Pegasus Mine converge is in operational intelligence: electrification reduces emissions and operational cost; battery modularity increases runtime consistency; and data – collected with or without connectivity – helps mines understand and optimise equipment use.
Himesa’ s modernisation philosophy,“ Re Machinery,” reflects the company’ s long standing commitment to refurbishing, adapting and extending the life of mining equipment. Its services range from mechanical and hydraulic overhaul to electrical conversions, component testing and engineering upgrades.
It states:“ The aim is to offer a viable alternative to full machine replacement while improving long-term performance and sustainability. Pegasus Mine complements this approach by providing a consistent
monitoring layer across both conventional and electrified machines.”
The company added:“ We clearly see a huge positive impact when companies electrify and monitor their fleets. With this monitoring layer, operating cost savings start from day one through fuel cost elimination, higher productivity from more efficient machines and predictive maintenance that prevents unplanned downtime.”
Himesa is due to present its latest electrification and digital monitoring developments at The Electric Mine 2026, in Lisbon, Portugal, where Pegasus Mine will take a central role. The company plans to demonstrate how offline capable telemetry, modular battery systems and electric conversions can operate as a coherent ecosystem rather than isolated technologies.
The company says:“ For Himesa, The Electric Mine 2026 is an opportunity to address real world constraints: limited infrastructure, harsh underground conditions and the challenge of bringing advanced digital systems into sites where connectivity is intermittent. Its goal is to highlight practical solutions designed for the true conditions of modern mining.”
SmartDrive offering continues growth
Normet’ s SmartDrive battery-electric machines are operating in underground mines across six continents, demonstrating a strong global footprint.
Over the past year, the SmartDrive range has been expanded with two new platforms: one at the compact end and one at the heavy-duty end, bringing batteryelectric capability across Normet’ s entire underground mining equipment line-up.
The XS-series is tailored for light logistics applications; the M-series is optimised for
The XS-series is tailored for light logistics applications; the M-series is optimised for process equipment such as explosives charging, spraying, lifting and installations; and the L-series is engineered for heavier transport and material handling tasks
International Mining | APRIL 2025