Engineering company Sandvik in February announced that it is introducing the largest-capacity battery-electric truck for underground mining.

With an unrivalled 65 t payload capacity, the Sandvik TH665B prototype is completing factory testing in California, in the US.

Finalisation of the trial agreement with mining services provider Barminco and gold miner AngloGold Ashanti Australia will soon see the truck trialled at the Sunrise Dam gold mine to prove its viability in a long ramp haulage application before commercial production of Sandvik TH665B is expected to start in late 2023.

Following the introduction of the Sandvik TH550B 50-t battery-electric vehicle (BEV) at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL 2021 last September, Sandvik is continuing to execute on its BEV strategy.

The company is doing this by expanding its line of battery-electric trucks and loaders to include both larger and smaller size classes. Sandvik TH665B is engineered to improve productivity, sustainability and cost efficiency in bulk mining operations.

“With more than 50 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of underground mining equipment, we’re proud to continue to lead the way in helping customers embrace more sustainable solutions,” said Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions president Henrik Ager.

“Our 65 t battery-electric truck is our latest development in helping mass hard rock miners and contractors to make the shift towards more productive, emission-free mining.”

Sandvik TH665B blends proven Sandvik design and advanced technology built around electric drivelines and battery systems. Owing to an extremely efficient electric driveline, a fully loaded Sandvik TH665B is expected to be up to 30% faster on a 1:7 ramp than a comparable conventional diesel underground truck.

Each of the truck’s four wheels is equipped with independent drives, resulting in a simpler driveline, improved overall efficiency and maximum power output. The Sandvik TH665B electric drivetrain delivers 640 kW of continuous power, enabling high acceleration and fast ramp speeds.

The truck is equipped with Sandvik’s patented self-swapping system, including the AutoSwap and AutoConnect functions, which enables quick and easy battery swap in a matter of minutes, and without any major infrastructure like overhead cranes or other heavy handling equipment.

Sandvik TH665B also features a new battery lifting system for improved reliability. Sandvik has redesigned the battery cage design to improve serviceability, enabling battery module changes without a need to remove the battery packs from the cage for service.

The new truck operator cabin uses the same design as the industry leading cabin of Sandvik’s Toro TH663i underground truck. The cabin offers premium operator ergonomics with a significant number of adjustment possibilities to facilitate a comfortable operating environment.

The central oscillation frame design results in stability, and front axle suspension ensures a smooth ride on rough roads. The Sandvik TH665B cabin is equipped with joystick steering, large touchscreen colour display and the newest control system, providing easy access to equipment data.