“I think electrification is going to be one of the biggest technology shifts that we have seen in the mining industry in a very long time,” says Henrik Ager, president of business area Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “We are the leaders in electric equipment for underground mining, with the widest and most advanced product offering in the market, and over the coming years I see electrification in mining picking up pace significantly.”
The increasing demand for electric underground mining equipment is underpinned by several factors, and with a total cost of ownership that is today already at least on a par with comparable diesel equipment. Electric equipment offers better productivity, an emission-free working environment, less noise and vibration and a significant cost saving potential in areas such as ventilation.
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions expects to have an electric offering covering all underground applications by 2022.
Sandvik showcased its commitment to an electrified mining future MINExpo in Las Vegas earlier this month where several new products were launched, headlined by a new battery-electric truck, Sandvik TH550B.The new truck, which has a 50-ton payload capacity, combines Sandvik’s extensive experience in mining equipment design and manufacturing with innovative battery technology and electric drivelines. The proprietary battery swapping technology, AutoSwap, helps minimize new infrastructure, and makes it easy to implement the high performance truck in any suitable underground hard rock operation.
Other products introduced at exhibition included Sandvik DS412iE, a highly automated and productive battery-electric powered rock bolter for underground mining and tunneling applications, and the battery-assisted loader Toro LH514BE, a cable-electric loader boosted with battery technology and compatible with AutoMine mining automation system.
Sandvik is also launching a series of films to highlight the significant benefits of electrification in underground mining, such as clean air, and the ongoing exceptional developments in technology and innovation. To experience the films, podcasts and articles go to www.home.Sandvik/electric.
