Of key importance in the transition to a “greener and cleaner” world economy is ensuring the production and refinement of battery metals is conducted in a manner that aligns with this thinking. To that end, mining companies continue to seek out means of reducing their dependence on fossil fuels in the extraction, comminution, and refining processes. Where open pit and underground mines are concerned, this is typically being achieved through “electrification”, i.e., replacing diesel-powered equipment with equipment that derives its power from electricity.
Electric equipment has been a core component of modern mines for many generations. Historically this meant machinery such as belt conveyors, shovels/draglines, and rock drills. More recently, “going electric” at a mine often implies replacing diesel haul trucks and loaders with battery-electric variants or the implementation of in-pit crushing & conveying (IPCC) systems.
One of the ways in which SRK assists mining companies with their net zero pledges is by conducting analysis on mobile equipment that relies on battery-electric technology for power, rather than internal combustion engines. While fixed materials handling equipment can be used to transport broken material, mobile equipment is predominantly employed at both surface and underground mines to move ore and waste. While the numbers will vary depending on the size and geography of the mine, as well as the commodity being mined, diesel-powered mining vehicles are typically a significant contributor to the Scope 1 emissions at a given site.
As with our personal commuter vehicles, not all battery-electric mining equipment is created equal. For example, consider an underground haulage truck that may be sourced from either of two original equipment manufacturers. While the nominal payload capacity may be the same regardless of the equipment make, the trucks may differ in the size and number of traction and auxiliary motors, battery charging or changing methodology, and battery chemistry. This is a rapidly changing field and remaining up to date with the latest technology and trends is crucial. SRK works with clients to determine the best options available based on productivity and cost criteria, both at existing mine sites and greenfields projects.
Employing emission-free equipment at a mine is only one half of the equation, though; to be truly net zero requires the power source to be “clean” as well. Hydro, solar, and wind sources are currently in use at various sites worldwide with alternatives such as small modular reactors (nuclear) emerging. The extraction of battery metals can ultimately have a very circular pathway, as the refined materials are key components in mining EVs and the aforementioned renewable energy technology. Not only will the mines of the present (and future) play a large role in the battery metals story, but so will the equipment operated therein.
