The Australian mining industry is facing a significant push towards electrification, driven by environmental regulations and growing demands for sustainability. As part of the Federal Government’s reformed Safeguard Mechanism, mining companies emitting more than 100,000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent per year must buy Australian carbon credit units (ACCUs) to offset their carbon footprint. The cost of these credits is set to rise, placing additional pressure on the industry to reduce emissions.
To meet these challenges, mining companies are turning to electrification. Companies like Epiroc are at the forefront, offering innovative solutions to support the decarbonisation of Australian mining. Through electrification, mining operations can not only reduce their carbon emissions but also improve productivity and safety.
Epiroc’s Electrification Solutions
Epiroc’s electrification offerings are designed to meet the evolving needs of the mining sector. The company’s portfolio includes battery-electric drill rigs, loaders, trucks, and associated infrastructure. Epiroc offers new machines and retrofit options, allowing mining operators to convert diesel-powered equipment into electric vehicles.
For example, the Scooptram ST14 SG electric loader can decrease energy consumption by up to 75% compared to its diesel counterparts. This efficiency is a key factor in making the transition to electric machines financially viable for many operators. Epiroc’s ability to retrofit machines with battery capability helps mining companies avoid the high costs associated with purchasing entirely new equipment.
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Overcoming the Barriers to Electrification
While the benefits of electrification are clear, the transition is not without its hurdles. Epiroc works closely with its customers to understand their challenges in adopting electric machinery. By identifying the barriers early on, the company can develop tailored solutions that allow companies to move towards electrification without sacrificing productivity.
Karl Van Mourik, Epiroc Australia’s electrification support lead, explains the importance of flexibility in this process. “Customers have different strategies around their electrification journey, and it’s important for Epiroc to be able to come up with an agile solution that isn’t just about supplying a new machine,” he said.
For example, some mines may not yet have the infrastructure to support fully electric machines but could integrate a battery-electric vehicle as part of a long-term plan. In such cases, retrofitting a diesel vehicle in the future might be the most cost-effective option.
The Benefits of Electric Vehicles
BEVs or Battery-electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in underground mining operations because they enhance productivity and safety. Unlike diesel-powered vehicles, BEVs produce fewer pollutants, reducing the impact on both the environment and the health of workers.
“Battery-electric vehicles typically have a higher speed-on-grade because of the efficiency of electric motors and less loss incurred through the drivetrain,” Van Mourik said. This efficiency translates into improved productivity, particularly for mining trucks that are integrated into existing fleet cycles.
Electric trucks also provide a solution for mines that are facing environmental challenges. “An electric truck provides a solution for any mine that has a problem with heat, diesel particulates, noise, vibration, or other environmental factors that are affecting their working group,” Van Mourik added.
Expanding the Electric Drill Range
In addition to its electric vehicles, Epiroc has expanded its range of electric drill rigs for surface mining. The new electric Pit Viper rotary blast hole drill rigs, such as the PV231 E and PV235 E, are designed to meet the demands of modern mining operations. These drills have advanced automation features and smart technologies that enhance operational safety and productivity.
Epiroc also showcased its first down-the-hole SmartROC D65 battery-electric drill rig at MINExpo 2024. This drill is capable of drilling high-quality blast holes with precision, contributing to improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact in surface mining operations.
Epiroc’s Support for the Transition
For many mining companies, the process of transitioning to electric machinery can be daunting. However, Epiroc offers a range of support services to ease the shift. One such service is the Batteries as a Service (BaaS) program, which removes the upfront capital costs of batteries and instead offers them as an operational expense. Epiroc takes full responsibility for the maintenance, upgrades, and certification of the batteries, ensuring that mining companies can focus on operations while Epiroc handles the technology.
“The service is done by us,” Van Mourik said. “We’ll ensure that you’ve always got the latest technology because, as we own the battery, we’ll do all the updates for you as battery technologies improve.”
The Future of Electrification in Australian Mining
While the Australian mining industry has been slower in adopting electrification compared to other sectors, experts believe the pace will pick up soon. Hans Hilden, Epiroc’s product manager for drilling solutions, believes that once more mining companies experience the benefits of electric technologies, the industry will quickly embrace the change.
“Once we get more proven customer cases, it can open the door for electric technologies to become more accepted in Australia and in mining as well,” Hilden said.
With a century of innovation and expertise behind them, Epiroc is well-positioned to support the Australian mining sector in its electrification journey. As the industry faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions, the adoption of electric machinery will play a key role in helping mining companies achieve their sustainability goals.
Conclusion
The electrification of the Australian mining sector is not without its challenges, but the benefits—both environmental and economic—are undeniable. With the support of companies like Epiroc, mining operations can transition to electric machinery and infrastructure, boosting productivity, improving worker safety, and meeting stringent emissions targets. As more companies make the switch, electrification will become an increasingly integral part of the mining industry’s future.
