The mining industry is evolving faster than ever, shaped by new technologies, data-driven insights and the growing demand for safer, more sustainable operations. To remain competitive and deliver lasting value, mining companies must embrace continuous improvement and invest in digital tools that enhance efficiency, productivity and environmental performance.

Perenti is committed to this transformation, embedding technological innovation across every part of its business. From advanced simulation platforms to mine planning software and battery-electric fleet trials, we are aligning our services with shifting market needs, while providing clients with solutions that are practical, scalable and future-ready.

Pioneering electrification equipment trials

Perenti’s commitment to technological advancement extends beyond digital platforms to the electrification of mining fleet. Between 2023 and 2024, we partnered with Sandvik and AngloGold Ashanti to conduct the first underground trial of the TH665B battery-electric haul truck at Sunrise Dam gold mine in Australia.

Over the course of the trial, the truck moved more than 50,000 tonnes of material, consuming 360,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity through a battery-swap model. This displaced approximately 120,000 litres of diesel and avoided 106 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Beyond emissions reductions, the trial also highlighted operational benefits, including reduced noise, improved heat management and lower ventilation demand.

The project also provided invaluable lessons in areas such as operator onboarding, high-voltage safety training, maintenance planning and infrastructure placement. These learnings are now embedded in our internal deployment guidelines, ensuring that future battery-electric projects benefit from this pioneering work.

By trialling, refining and sharing insights from early deployments, we are helping to shape the industry’s transition to low-emission, high-efficiency mining operations.

Making fully electrified mine a reality

Facing mounting societal pressure for cleaner operations and stricter regulations aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions, the mining industry is actively seeking ways to decarbonise. We are leading the way in mine electrification in Australia with a proven track record of multiple electric vehicle trials and a full underground mine electrification study.

The technical process of completing an electrification study is different to undertaking a pre-feasibility study for a mine with a standard diesel fleet and requires new thinking and re-evaluation of commonly accepted mining practices for diesel equipment.

The three key focus points of the Study were:

• Can a BEV mining fleet replace an existing diesel fleet and maintain the required productivities?
• What cost delta would be associated with the transition to ‘and operation of’ this all-electric fleet?
• How long would it take and what would be required to transition an operating mine from fully diesel to fully BEV without impacting operations?

You can learn more and download the results of the fully electric mine study from our technology page.

Smarter planning with idoba and Orelogy

Our digital and technology businesses, idoba and Orelogy, sit at the forefront of this transformation. Together, they combine decades of mining expertise with advanced software and data science capability to help clients plan, schedule and operate mines more effectively.

Orelogy’s mine planning and cost modelling solutions are trusted across the industry to optimise scheduling, fleet selection and haulage routes. By integrating these proven capabilities with idoba’s emerging technologies, we offer a seamless pathway from feasibility through to operational excellence. This integrated approach reduces uncertainty, improves productivity and creates clear insights that support smarter, faster decision making.

Transforming underground mining efficiency

A major milestone in 2025 was the launch of idoba.sim, a next-generation simulation platform designed to optimise underground mining operations. Unlike traditional planning studies that can take weeks or months, idoba.sim allows engineers and operational teams to build and run realistic simulations in minutes.

By creating a digital twin of mine roads, stopes and headings and applying real-time equipment and traffic rules, the platform uses agent-based modelling (ABM) to reveal how individual pieces of equipment interact in confined spaces. These detailed simulations allow us to identify bottlenecks, monitor utilisation and test scheduling scenarios – all without disrupting live operations.

As part of its first deployment, idoba.sim was trialled at Australia’s Cowal underground gold mine operated by Barminco. The trial successfully modelled a 12-hour underground shift, where the system demonstrated its ability to replicate complex mine networks with multiple trucks and loaders. Feedback from Barminco helped refine the platform ahead of its release, ensuring its value in real-world environments.

Available via subscription, idoba.sim includes ongoing updates and coaching, making it accessible to both engineers and operators without specialist training. With built-in support for electrification and sustainable practices, idoba.sim is already helping clients increase ore flow, reduce capital spend and align teams around shared goals.

The path ahead

Technological advancement in mining continues to accelerate, with new solutions emerging from both direct and adjacent industries. At Perenti, we see this as an opportunity, not a challenge. By investing in digital innovation, electrification, automation and advanced planning tools, we are equipping our clients to navigate an increasingly complex operating environment.

Our commitment to continuous improvement is underpinned by our people, who collaborate across business units, technology partners and client sites to deliver practical, forward-looking solutions. Whether it is through simulation platforms like idoba.sim, planning tools from Orelogy, or electrification trials, we remain focused on one goal: creating safer, more efficient and more sustainable outcomes for our clients and communities.

The future of mining is already taking shape – and we are proud to be leading the way.