BATTERY AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES
These machines will allow Aramine to address a larger segment of the underground mining market, operating in galleries with cross-sections typically ranging from 3 × 3 m to 4 × 4 m, according to Melkonian.
He added:“ From the beginning, Aramine’ s objective has not been to remain limited to a narrow-vein niche. The strategy has been to first establish a complete product range for gallery sections below 3.5 × 3.5 m, then progressively scale up as the company’ s presence in the market strengthens.
“ Ultimately, the goal is to develop a comprehensive and innovative product line that actively contributes to the transformation of the underground mining industry.”
These new machines will retain the Quick Replacement System( QRS) for battery swapping as it has clearly demonstrated its value in supporting the introduction of battery-electric equipment underground, Melkonian said.“ The concept is based on a simple and highly reliable design that ensures operational continuity through rapid energy module exchange and no fixed infrastructure in the mine.”
He added on QRS:“ From the outset, the energy module replacement cycle was conceived with automation in mind, which means the system can also be readily integrated into autonomous operating scenarios. This approach allows mines to maintain productivity without being constrained by fixed battery autonomy limits, while keeping operations simple, efficient and scalable.”
And in terms of a broader equipment offering, Melkonian talked up the potential for the incorporation of electric utility machines.“ This allows the mine to eliminate fuel transportation underground and to optimise its ventilation infrastructure for an entirely electric fleet,” he said.
“ With this vision in mind, we are already collaborating with suppliers of shotcreting and emulsion charging equipment to convert their machines using our batteryelectric system. This approach enables us to progressively extend electrification across a broader range of underground applications while maintaining compatibility and operational efficiency within the mining fleet.”
Battery and cable combo
Scaling is a critical safety operation in underground mining, with loose rock and unstable ground conditions needing to be addressed to ensure safe working conditions for subsequent activities.
With the new PScale 8-TE, Paus says it is taking the next step in the electrification of underground mining.
The battery-electric scaler is powered by an 800 V high-voltage system combined with an integrated cable drum to connect to mine power for autonomous scaling, while charging during cabled operation at the face. At its core is an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with NMC chemistry to guarantee high energy density with a compact footprint, according to the company.
The Paus thermal management system ensures that the battery package can be operated within an ambient temperature range of-20 ° C up to + 50 ° C. The active cooling and heating system provides consistent high performance under changing ambient temperatures and increases the battery lifetime as well as enhancing operational safety. The battery pack has a minimum lifetime of 3,000 loading cycles and can be replaced easily with new battery packs, Paus claims.
To maximise operational flexibility and minimise charging time, the PScale 8-TE is equipped with a 100 m cable drum and an onboard charging system. During operation, the battery can be charged up to 90 % within 45 minutes, allowing for a consistently full battery capacity to operate the scaler whenever needed. In addition, energy is recovered during regenerative braking on declines, reducing energy loss and brake wear.
Ultra-safe, high-power traction
3ME Technology recently announced it was collaborating on the development of a next‐generation ≤1,000 VDC liquid‐cooled LTO SCiB™ traction battery system with Toshiba Australia( Toshiba International Corporation- Oceania).
The system is purpose‐engineered for non-defence related high‐power, heavy‐duty mobile applications across mining, construction, maritime and other sectors, 3ME says.
The collaboration is already well advanced, with engineering, testing and integration activities underway. Together, the partnership combines Toshiba’ s SCiB cell chemistry with 3ME Technology’ s Australian battery system engineering.
At the core of the system is Toshiba’ s SCiB LTO cell technology, recognised for its exceptional safety, ultra‐long cycle life, rapid charge capability and outstanding thermal stability, 3ME says.
SCiB cells have undergone extensive evaluation at 3ME Technology’ s BEASTLABS ® facility, purpose‐built to validate high‐power cells and battery systems under extreme duty cycles typical of mining and heavy mobile equipment. Testing confirmed SCiB as an excellent fit for applications requiring extremely high cycle life, very high charge and discharge rates, intrinsic safety and thermal stability and reliable performance in rugged environments.
The new system integrates SCiB cells into 3ME’ s BladeVOLT ® architecture, delivering, the companies claim, ruggedised, mine‐ready enclosures; proven liquid cooling and thermal management; embedded functional safety( ASIL‐aligned); high‐power distribution capability; and an intelligent battery management system for high‐reliability fleets.
“ Adding SCiB to BladeVOLT reinforces the platform’ s cell‐agnostic design philosophy, expanding available chemistries and enabling operators to select the optimal solution for specific duty cycles, power demands and safety requirements,” 3ME says. In a mining context, the companies have already got their eyes on hybrid and fully-electric platforms for large underground mining vehicles and surface mining support equipment, among others.
3ME Technology recently announced it was collaborating on the development of a next‐generation ≤1,000 VDC liquid‐cooled LTO SCiB traction battery system with Toshiba Australia
66 International Mining | APRIL 2026