Sandvik, a Swedish multinational company, has recently deployed two fully autonomous Toro LH518iB battery-electric underground loaders at the New Gold Inc. New Afton mine in British Columbia, Canada. These revolutionary 18-ton loaders have been in service since mid-November in a designated test area of the mine’s “Lift 1” footwall and are soon expected to be moved to the “C-Zone” for regular service by the beginning of the new year.
According to Sandvik, these loaders mark a significant milestone for Canadian mining as they are North America’s first fully automated battery-electric loaders. The introduction of these loaders highlights the potential of automation and electrification in mining. The addition of these new heavy loaders at New Afton’s operations will enhance cycle times and reduce heat, noise, and greenhouse gas emissions at the block cave mine, which is currently the only one of its kind in Canada.
From drilling and rigging to heavy haul solutions, companies like Sandvik are proving that electric equipment is more than capable of handling the demanding tasks of the mining industry. The rising demand for essential minerals like nickel, lithium, and phosphates, coupled with the environmental benefits of electrification, is driving the adoption of electric mining machines. Additionally, the ongoing operator shortage in the industry is increasing the demand for autonomous technology in these machines.
The combination of these factors is accelerating the rate at which traditional mining equipment is becoming obsolete. Many companies are exploring the conversion of existing vehicles to electric or hydrogen power, while the general trend suggests that more new equipment will be purchased more frequently in the coming years. Furthermore, the trend towards autonomous technology in mining equipment is expected to continue to grow.
The outlook for electric and autonomous mining equipment is promising, with the increasing demand for electric vehicles driving the need for more mines and equipment. The future of electric mining looks bright, with companies like Sandvik leading the way in innovation and sustainability.
For more information on the market outlook for electric and autonomous mining equipment, check out the embedded episode of Quick Charge below. Stay tuned for more updates on the future of electric mining and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
