Swedish mining equipment specialist Sandvik has secured its largest-ever battery electric vehicle (BEV) fleet order from Australian mining and metals company South32, including 22 all-electric vehicles.
The order, worth SEK 750 million ($A121 million), includes battery-electric trucks, loaders, bolters, development drills and longhole drills.
The underground mining equipment will be used at South32’s greenfield Hermosa critical minerals project in Arizona, USA, and the first deliveries are expected to be received beginning towards the end of 2026 and continuing through 2030.
Among the battery electric vehicles ordered are six Sandvik DS412iE bolters, used for reinforcing the surrounding rock; five Sandvik DD422iE development drills; four Sandvik DL422iE longhole drills designed for underground mass mining; four Toro LH518iB loaders with a carrying capacity of 18,000 kg and a bucket range of 7.0 – 9.1 m³; and three Toro TH665iB trucks.
Each of the electric units help to reduce noise, thermal load, and pollution while underground, minimising requirements for ventilation capacity while simultaneously making the working environment safer.
“Lower fuel expenses and maintenance costs coupled with longer equipment lifespan will enable a more efficient, economical and sustainable mining operation at Hermosa,” said Mats Eriksson, president of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.
Hermosa is currently the only advanced mine development project in the United States that could produce two federally designated critical minerals — manganese and zinc. Given that critical minerals is a recent pet-project of US President Donald Trump, ensuring sustainable operations of such mines sends an important message.
“Technology and innovation play an essential role in helping to improve safety and performance, and reduce our emissions,” said Pat Risner, president of South32 Hermosa.
“We’re committed to sustainable development of the resources at Hermosa, which we’re designing as a small footprint underground mine with dry-stack tailings and reduced water consumption to minimize environmental impact.
“A battery-electric underground equipment fleet supports our ambition for Hermosa to set a new standard for sustainable mining. Sandvik BEVs will meet our safety, reliability, range and capability requirements.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.