Boliden, one of Europe’s leading metal producers, will feature prominently at The Electric Mine 2026. The global mine electrification conference opens in Lisbon on May 5. It runs through May 7, 2026.
Boliden’s Rävliden mine in Sweden demonstrates near-zero emissions underground mining through advanced electrification. [International Mining]
The Swedish miner holds a Miner Partner sponsorship at the event. Boliden is scheduled to speak on Day 1 alongside Vale Base Metals. Both companies will present their company-wide electrification roadmaps and progress on decarbonisation targets.
The conference brings together mining companies, technology suppliers, and industry partners from across the world. It serves as a key platform for showcasing real-world advances in electric mining technology.
Rävliden: Sweden’s Most Electrified Underground Mine
At the heart of Boliden’s presentation is the Rävliden underground mine. Located in northern Sweden, Rävliden sits within the Kristineberg mining area in Västerbotten. The mine represents Boliden’s most ambitious electrification project to date.
Rävliden operates with a five-kilometre underground trolley system. The system connects battery-electric trucks to overhead catenary lines, allowing continuous charging on the uphill haul. This setup significantly reduces diesel dependency underground.
The mine uses four Epiroc Minetruck MT42 SG Trolley trucks. Three battery-electric Scooptram ST18 SG loaders also operate within the mine. Diesel consumption at Rävliden is expected to run 80% lower than at a conventional mine.
Battery-Electric Trolley System Sets Industry Benchmark
The Rävliden trolley infrastructure represents a technical milestone for underground mining. Boliden, Epiroc, and ABB collaborated over three years to bring the system to life. The project received funding from Vinnova, Sweden’s national innovation agency.
The five-kilometre line features three ABB substations. It is divided into six sections, which provides built-in redundancy. If one section experiences a fault, the rest of the line remains operational.
Truck speed increases from 9 km/h without trolley assistance to 13 km/h with it. The system also enables regenerative charging on the downhill return. This results in a productivity uplift of approximately 20 to 30% compared to diesel-powered operations.
Boliden and Komatsu to Present Joint Electrification Update
At the Lisbon conference, Boliden will deliver a joint presentation alongside Komatsu. The two companies have maintained close cooperation on mining electrification technologies. Their session will cover progress on integrating battery-trolley configurations into large-format haul trucks.
Boliden and Komatsu are advancing battery-trolley systems for next-generation mining haul trucks. [International mining]
Boliden’s Programme Manager for electrification, Peter Wallin, has noted the company’s unique position. Boliden holds real operational experience across both surface and underground trolley systems, as well as surface and underground battery deployments. Few mining companies globally can claim the same breadth of experience.
Wallin also confirmed that the battery-trolley configuration on a Komatsu truck is expected to reach operational status by the end of 2026. Boliden expects to be the first in the world to gain live operational experience with this combined system.
CEO Message: Rävliden Demonstrates What Is Possible
Peter Bergman, General Manager of the Boliden Area, spoke directly to the significance of the Rävliden project. “Over the past three years, we have worked in close collaboration with the ABB and Epiroc teams to bring the electric mine of the future one step closer,” Bergman said.
He added: “The most important thing for us is, of course, that the technology works in our own operations, but we also see added value that we, together with our partners, can drive technology development so that the system can be used in other mines. We are proud to have taken this concept to a live installation.”
The statement reflects Boliden’s broader position. The company views Rävliden not only as an internal milestone but also as a reference site for the global mining industry.
Peter Bergman, General Manager of Boliden, highlights Rävliden as a key step toward near-zero emissions mining through advanced electrification. [Norran]
Boliden Posts Strong Q1 2026 Financial Results Despite Garpenberg Setback
Boliden released its first-quarter 2026 results on April 28. The company reported operating profit, excluding process inventory revaluation, of SEK 4,432 million. This marks a 70% increase from SEK 2,599 million in the same period of 2025.
The results came despite a significant setback at the Garpenberg zinc mine. Abnormal seismic activity on March 14, 2026, forced a production halt. The incident triggered a SEK 700 million asset write-down and reduced the full-year milled volume guidance to 1.5 million tonnes, down from 3.7 million tonnes.
Stronger metal prices, particularly for gold, silver, and copper, offset much of the operational disruption. Free cash flow improved to SEK 1,673 million, compared to a negative SEK 1,869 million in Q1 2025.
Boliden’s Climate Targets Drive the Electrification Push
Boliden has committed to reducing its absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030. The company uses 2021 as its baseline year for that target. The Rävliden project sits at the core of this strategy.
The company aims to support Sweden’s broader industry goal of fossil-free mining by 2035. Rävliden, powered by green hydropower, directly advances that objective. The mine runs with no direct carbon emissions from haulage operations.
Beyond Rävliden, Boliden continues to expand its electric fleet across other sites. XCMG battery-electric trucks have been in operation at the Aitik open-pit mine since April 2025. Two Scania battery trucks for underground waste haulage are expected at Garpenberg in Q2 2026.
What to Expect at The Electric Mine 2026 in Lisbon
The Lisbon conference will feature case studies, panel discussions, and live equipment showcases. Major OEMs, including Komatsu, Sandvik, Epiroc, Normet, and ABB, will present in the central equipment area. Delegates will have direct access to new technology launches on the conference floor.
The Electric Mine 2026 in Lisbon will showcase global advancements in mining electrification and sustainability. [International Mining]
Boliden’s Day 1 keynote will set the tone for the three-day event. The session will cover the company-wide electrification strategy and measurable gains achieved through projects like Rävliden. Other featured miners include Codelco, Eldorado Gold, and BHP.
The conference also addresses broader industry challenges. Energy security concerns, battery safety, and the economics of trolley infrastructure remain central topics. Boliden’s operational data from Rävliden is expected to provide concrete benchmarks for the industry.
Rävliden Points Toward the Future of Underground Mining
Rävliden now stands as a working model for what fully electric underground mining can look like. The combination of trolley infrastructure, battery-electric loaders, and green power sources creates a near-zero emissions environment underground.
Boliden plans to expand lessons learned at Rävliden to future mine developments. The company continues to evaluate full automation alongside electrification. Together, these technologies could define the standard for new mines built in Sweden and beyond.
The Electric Mine 2026 in Lisbon gives Boliden a global audience to present these results. As one of the conference’s Day 1 headliners, the company will share operational data, cost findings, and lessons from commissioning one of the world’s most electrified mines.
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FAQS
Q1: What is Boliden presenting at The Electric Mine 2026?
A1: Boliden will showcase its Rävliden underground mine in Sweden, highlighting its near-zero emissions operations and advanced electrification systems.
Q2: Where and when is The Electric Mine 2026 taking place?
A2: The Electric Mine 2026 conference will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 5 to May 7, 2026.
Q3: What makes the Rävliden mine unique?
A3: Rävliden features a five-kilometre underground trolley system, battery-electric trucks, and loaders, reducing diesel use by up to 80% and enabling near-zero emissions mining.
Q4: Which companies collaborated on the Rävliden project?
A4: Boliden worked with ABB and Epiroc, and received support from Sweden’s innovation agency Vinnova to develop the electric mining system.
Q5: What technology is used in Rävliden’s operations?
A5: The mine uses battery-electric trucks, electric loaders, and a trolley system with overhead catenary lines for continuous charging and improved efficiency.
Q6: How does electrification impact mining productivity?
A6: The trolley-assisted system increases truck speeds and enables regenerative charging, boosting productivity by approximately 20–30% compared to diesel systems.
Q7: What are Boliden’s climate targets?
A7: Boliden aims to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030, with projects like Rävliden playing a central role.
Q8: What will Boliden discuss with Komatsu at the event?
A8: Boliden and Komatsu will present updates on integrating battery-trolley systems into large mining trucks, with operational deployment expected by late 2026.
Q9: How did Boliden perform financially in Q1 2026?
A9: Boliden reported a 70% increase in operating profit year-on-year, reaching SEK 4,432 million, despite disruptions at the Garpenberg mine.
Q10: Why is The Electric Mine conference important?
A10: The event brings together global mining leaders and technology providers to showcase advancements in electrification, sustainability, and mining innovation.
Disclaimer
This article is published by Colitco for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. The content is based on publicly available information and company disclosures, which are believed to be reliable but are not independently verified for accuracy or completeness. Readers should conduct their own research and seek advice from a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Colitco does not accept liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of this information and may have commercial relationships with companies mentioned in this article.
Sources
https://im-mining.com/2026/03/24/the-electric-mine-2026-electrification-commitment-on-show/
https://mining.com.au/boliden-to-unveil-newly-opened-swedish-operation-electric-mine/
Last modified: May 5, 2026
