Mining solutions provider Sandvik forecasts strong momentum for electric mining equipment over the coming decade and anticipates that it could account for more than half of its equipment sales to the underground mining sector by 2030.

This market growth is expected to accelerate on the back of operators proving the technology’s potential through customer testing, becoming an important part of “every” large contract discussion already, during the next two to three years, the manufacturer states.

The increasing demand for electric underground mining equipment is underpinned by several factors, inlcuding a total cost of ownership that is currently already at least on a par with comparable diesel equipment, Sandvik states.

As such, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions expects to have an electric offering covering all underground applications by 2022.

“I think electrification is going to be one of the biggest technology shifts that we have seen in the mining industry in a very long time," says Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions president Henrik Ager.

The company says that electric equipment offers better productivity, an emission-free working environment, less noise and vibration and a significant cost saving potential in areas such as ventilation.

In addition, Sandvik is also launching a series of films to highlight the significant benefits of electrification in underground mining, such as clean air and the ongoing exceptional developments in technology and innovation.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Meanwhile, Sandvik’s commitment to an electrified mining future was showcased at the 2021 MINExpo International, held in Las Vegas from September 13 to 15, where several new products were launched. These were headlined by a new battery-electric truck – the Sandvik TH550B.

The vehicle is the latest addition to Sandvik’s fast expanding battery-electric equipment offering, further strengthening the company's position as a leading supplier of battery-electric vehicles for underground mining.

This truck, which has a 50-t payload capacity, combines Sandvik’s experience in mining equipment design and manufacturing, with innovative battery technology and electric drivelines.

The Sandvik TH550B’s proprietary battery-swapping technology – AutoSwap – helps reduce new infrastructure, and makes it easy to implement the high-performing truck in any suitable underground hard-rock operation.

Further, other products introduced at the exhibition included the Sandvik DS412iE – an automated battery-electric-powered rock bolter for underground mining and tunnelling applications, and the battery-assisted loader – Toro LH514BE – a cable-electric loader boosted with battery technology and compatible with the AutoMine mining automation system.