Underground mine Electrification Viability and Implementation Study

This video provides details about a collaborative feasibility study conducted by IGO, Perenti, and ABB regarding the transition to electric vehicle fleets in underground mining. Using the Cosmos Nickel Operation as a case study, the report highlights how battery electric vehicles (BEVs) can reduce carbon emissions, lower ventilation costs, and improve worker health and safety by eliminating diesel exhaust. It examines various charging infrastructures, such as battery swapping for heavy loaders and opportunistic charging for ancillary light vehicles. While the specific mine was placed in maintenance for economic reasons, the findings confirm that an electrified fleet is technically viable and nearly cost-competitive with traditional diesel operations. However, the study notes that long equipment lead times present a significant hurdle for rapid implementation. Ultimately, the text serves as a strategic roadmap for decarbonising industrial mining through advanced automation and electrification.