Considerations for the transition towards EVs in mining

Arsalan Anwar, technical and mine expansion manager at Pakistan’s Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company discusses the technical and economic constraints of adopting electric vehicles in mining.

Several mines around the world are leading the way in adopting electric vehicles (EVs) to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.For example, industry giants such as BHP and Rio Tinto are collaborating with Komatsu and Caterpillar on trial operations to accelerate the deployment of battery-electric haul trucks across their operations.

Nouveau Monde’s Matawinie graphite mine in Quebec, Canada, plans to use 12 electric trucks to save more than 80,000l of diesel per year, with a corresponding reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Similarly, BHP is collaborating with Caterpillar and Komatsu to trial battery-electric haul trucks in its Pilbara iron ore operations in Australia to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net zero by 2050.These initiatives reflect a growing commitment within the mining industry to embrace cleaner technologies and reduce their environmental footprint.

In Asia and notably in China, the electric mining dump truck industry is rapidly evolving, driven by an objective to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability in mining operations. Leading Chinese manufacturers such as Tonly, Lingong Heavy Machinery (LGMG), and XCMG are playing a key role in this transformation.
In Indonesia, Vale is testing 100% electric 72t trucks at its Sorowako mine. These innovations are pivotal in promoting greener mining practices and reducing the environmental impacts of the industry.In Pakistan, SECMC is the first mining company to incorporate EVs into its practices. The entity has been operating a fleet of over 200 diesel units with a payload capacity ranging between 60t and 90t. This has significantly impacted costs, with fuel typically contributing 30%-50% of operational expenditures. SECMC has introduced four EV trucks on trial operations to assess the performance of these vehicles in terms of load profile, power consumption, reverse charging and vehicular impact amid harsh weather conditions (above 50°C).The commercialisation of electric mining trucks is also underway by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). All the major OEMs are investing heavily in creating prototypes and testing their performance under the demanding environments of mining operations such as adverse temperatures, heavy loads, and rough terrains. Additionally, commercial-scale mines are also implementing rigorous safety protocols and environmental management systems to ensure sustainable and responsible mining practices.