Several mines around the world lead a way to adopt electric vehicles (EV) to improve sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
For example, industry giants such as BHP and Rio Tinto collaborate with Komatsu and Caterpillar in test operations to speed up the deployment of battery electric transport trucks in their operations.
Graphite Matawinie Monde Monde Monda Master in Quebec, Canada, plans to use 12 electric trucks to save more than 80,000 l diesel a year, with a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Similarly, BHP collaborates with Caterpillar and Komatsu to rehearse battery electric transport trucks in his pilbara iron ore operations in Australia to reduce carbon emissions and get zero clean by 2050.
These initiatives reflect increasing commitment to the mining industry to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce their environmental footprint.
In Asia and especially in China, the electric mining ball truck industry is evolving rapidly, driven by a goal of reducing emissions and improving sustainability in mining operations. Major Chinese manufacturers such as Tonly, Lingong Heavy Machinery (LGMG) and XCMG play a key role in this transformation.
In Indonesia, Vale is testing 100% electric trucks in its Sorowako mine. These innovations are essential for promoting more ecological mining practices and reducing the environmental impacts of the industry.
In Pakistan, SecMC is the first mining company in the country to incorporate EV into its practices. The entity has been operating a fleet of more than 200 diesel units with a useful load capacity ranging from 60 to 90t. This has significantly affected the costs, and the fuel normally contributed to 30% -50% of the operational expenses. SecMC has introduced four EV trucks in test operations to evaluate the performance of these vehicles in terms of loading, energy consumption, reverse load and vehicular impact in the middle of harsh weather conditions (above 50 ° C).
The marketing of electric mining trucks is also underway by the manufacturers of original equipment (OEM). All OEM main manufacturers are very investigating prototypes and performing their performance in the demanding environments of mining operations such as adverse temperatures, heavy loads and rough land. In addition, commercial mines are also implementing rigorous safety protocols and environmental management systems to secure sustainable and responsible mining practices.
The transition to electric mining ball trucks has several advantages and challenges.
Transportation road gradient: One of the main restrictions for the EVs in mining is the selection of adequate routes, as the performance of the battery may vary. In conditions loaded on a descent, ranging from 6% to 8%, the truck requires loading every few days. The operation of EV -charged mining ball trucks in drop gradients saves significant energy, more than 90%. However, for deeper mines with uploaded rise conditions with gradients greater than 5%, multiple battery exchanges are needed throughout the day to maintain optimum performance, creating delays and delays. Some companies are integrating trolley systems with EVS to face this challenge, while others work with the exchange of batteries.
Range limitations: Currently, battery technology may not withstand long -distance and resistance mining requirements. The loading and duration of the battery can affect operational efficiency. However, continued advances in battery technology, such as configuring Megawatt load stations (MCS), can reduce load time. A 400 kilowatts (kWh) battery is usually loaded in 90 minutes, but with the introduction of new technologies, the load time is reduced to 12kWh/min.
High pair: Unlike traditional internal combustion engines, EV provides a maximum torque instantly, leading to a powerful and soft acceleration. This instantaneous pair availability will improve the performance and efficiency of mining operations, especially in demanding conditions.
Loading Infrastructure: Loading infrastructure is a challenge, especially in remote mining places. However, solutions such as renewable energy sources, mobile cargo units and battery exchange stations are explored to overcome these barriers.
Stability of the grid: Increased demand for electricity to collect an EV truck fleet can narrow the local electricity network, which can cause instability and interruptions. The integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind energy, with energy storage systems can help stabilize the network. In situ renewable energy generation can reduce confidence in the network and provide a source of sustainable energy for EV loading.
Room time: Weather conditions affect battery performance, with cold temperatures that reduce high capacity and heat causing overheating. Advances in thermal management of battery and waterproofing will help address these problems.
Saving cost and efficiency: Electric trucks can significantly reduce operating costs compared to diesel trucks. The EV regenerative braking system recovers during the descent operations, causing substantial savings. This energy recovery can reduce operating costs by reducing the frequency and cost of recharging. The EVs also have fewer moving parts than diesel trucks, leading to minor maintenance costs. Includes savings in engine oil, filters and other consumables.
Capital Expenditure and Operation: The EVs may require double the capital expense of diesel trucks, when the cost of purchasing trucks, the installation of the loading infrastructure and the configuration of the load/recharge stations of batteries are considered. On the other hand, EV trucks have fewer moving pieces and require less maintenance/repair, contributing to a 20-30% reduction in operational spending during the lifetime of the vehicle with a return period of 4-5 years. Integrating the EV trucks in our fleet, we can improve the availability of our trucks, guaranteeing smoother and more efficient mining operations.
Energy consumption: As stated above, the EV’s energy consumption depends on a number of factors such as road gradients, temperature and site conditions. However, the power rate plays a crucial role in the EV’s economy. With a reduction in renewable rates and recent developments in battery energy storage system technologies, EVs can be a competitive alternative to diesel trucks. In addition, there could be savings of up to 30% -40% in terms of fuel consumption if the conditions of the site are adequate for EV.
A typical diesel truck consumes 0.8L – 1.2L of fuel per bank cubic meter (BCM) of waste, and each liter of diesel emits 2.6 kg of co₂. From this, the total transport emissions of 100,000 bcm of waste would be 312 tonnes a day. Integrating EV of zero emissions into our fleet, we can significantly reduce these emissions. This change will also contribute to cleaner and sustainable mining operations.
Many mining operations are treating aging equipment to be removed. The transition to the EV trucks provides an excellent opportunity to replace the obsolete machinery with modern, efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives. This will not only improve operational efficiency, but also guarantee compliance with evolutionary environmental regulations. In addition, the change to electric ball trucks offers an economic opportunity.
By reducing operational expenses and improving the availability and efficiency of mining operations, EV trucks offer a viable path for industry.
As the global market is aimed at sustainability, the early adoption of EVS will guarantee long -term viability and competitiveness. Companies that delay this transition can deal with higher regulatory costs and pressures in the future.
About the author: Arsalan Anwar is manager – Technical and mines expansion to Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company. It is responsible for developing and implementing short, intermediate and long -term strategies that support operational growth.
“Considerations for the transition to Evs in Mining” was originally created and published Mining technologya brand of Globaldata property.
The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informative purposes. It is not intended to achieve the tips on which you must trust, and we do not give any representation, guarantee or guarantee, whether it is express or implicit of its accuracy or integrity. You need to obtain professional or specialized advice before taking or abstaining from any action based on the content of our site.
