Electric mobile equipment trials underway at Cannington

Technology and innovation play an important role in helping to improve safety and performance and reduce our emissions. That’s why Cannington is undertaking a trial of battery electric mobile equipment in underground environments, with the aim of reducing the use of petrol and diesel vehicles and equipment and their associated emissions.

Supported by the Innovation and Technology Development team and our Innovate32 program, two key trials have been underway at Cannington. One involves three battery-electric Bortana light utility vehicles and the other involves a Batt Mobile Equipment (BME) battery-electric BIT120 Integrated Tool Carrier, a type of loader.

It is still early days for battery-electric mobile equipment in underground mines, with considerable work ongoing in development, testing and integration. So, the Cannington team is testing the performance of the units to assess if they can meet safety, reliability, range and capability requirements in an underground operational setting.

Jayde Webb, Practice Lead Mining Technology, has been involved in the project from the outset and said electrification had some great benefits, including improved safety - particularly from the elimination of diesel particulate matter (diesel exhaust).

“Battery-electric vehicles have the potential to improve safety and performance when compared to diesel vehicles,” Jayde said.

“Diesel particulate matter can affect health with exposure over time and also generates heat, so eliminating it would improve the overall safety of underground mining operations.”

The Bortana light vehicle is a purpose-built battery-electric utility vehicle designed to handle the operating environment of underground mines. Designed and developed in Australia, it uses a chassis based on the design of the diesel-powered Agrale Marruá, battery technology from 3ME, and Bortana’s design and engineering expertise.

Two of these vehicles being trialled at Cannington are equipped for heavy duties and being used as Nippers/Service Crew vehicles, while the third is deployed as a supervisor’s vehicle.

Meanwhile, the BIT120 is BME’s second generation 20-tonne Integrated Tool Carrier and is an optimal production loader with zero diesel emissions, minimal noise, reduced vibrations and low heat output.

While the initial investment in electric mining vehicles may be higher than diesel, the potential for long-term cost savings is substantial.

“Lower maintenance costs, reduced fuel expenses, and longer vehicle lifespan will contribute to a more economically viable and sustainable mining operation,” Jayde said.

“Once the supply side hits the production at scale, we also expect the capital cost to soften.”

Trials like those underway at Cannington will help inform our next generation of mines including the Taylor deposit at Hermosa, and the future of our business.

Thanks to the teams involved in making these initiatives possible.