Sparking change: Barminco’s electric vehicle trials illuminate the future of mining
As part of our commitment to driving sustainability initiatives and improving performance across our business, Barminco has initiated the trial and deployment of several electric machines. They are the result of investment in relationships with industry bodies, OEMs, mine owners and leading service providers.
From light vehicles through to the largest battery-powered underground haul truck on the market, Barminco are investing in environmentally conscious and modern mining practices for the future.
Head of Mining Electrification and Technology, Darren Kwok said that these large class machines are our workhorses and represent the size class we use at the majority of our sites. “As a contractor, we have a wealth of productivity data from diesel machines. This is another element of data for us to gather, make detailed comparisons, and be in a good position to bring these machines to new and existing projects,” he said.
Sandvik’s record-breaking TH665B Haul Truck recently arrived at AngloGold Ashanti’s Sunrise Dam operations and its trial was officially launched by representatives from Barminco, AngloGold Ashanti and Sandvik on 14 September.
While some equipment has been delivered to site for a trial period, other pieces – such as the Sandvik DL442iE Long Hole Drill – have been purchased and commissioned to fulfill operational requirements via an all-electric machine. The front-end of this machine is consistent with the updated 422i series, with the electric drive train replacing the diesel motor for tramming.
In the case of the BME L120H Integrated Tool Carriers, Barminco worked with local electric conversion manufacturer Batt Mobile Equipment to redesign and retrofit ITCs to operate electrically. To do this, the rear-end of the machine was modified heavily to accept an electric engine, battery module and associated parts in lieu of the large diesel motor.
Barminco is currently involved in several trials across IGO and AngloGold Ashanti’s operations in Western Australia. Trials will continue into next year, with new and varied machines arriving and being tested thoroughly – examining the performance and operational requirements to support the modern fleet. Data collected during these trials will be assessed and form a data driven electrification strategy, optimisation and feasibility – enabling the mines of the future.
“As a business we are focused on how we can support our clients to decarbonise their mines and trialling equipment to support this is a critical part of our strategy. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) not only have the potential to lower carbon emissions, they can also improve the underground environment for mine workers and boost the efficiency of operations,” Darren said.
Previous trials:
Bortana EV trial trial @ IGO Ltd’s Nova operations – April 2020
Normet MC 650 Charge Rig Trial @ IGO Ltd’s Nova operations – March 2021
Current trials:
MacLean SS5 Shotcreter @ AngloGold Ashanti’s Sunrise Dam operations (June-Sept trial)
Sandvik TH665B Truck @ AngloGold Ashanti’s Sunrise Dam operations (Sept -Mar ’24 trial)
Current deployments:
V1 Zero Ute single cab @ IGO Ltd’s Nova operations (on site, purchased 2022)
V1 Zero Ute dual cab @ IGO Ltd’s Nova operations (on site, purchased 2023)
Sandvik DL422iE Long Hole Drill @ IGO Ltd’s Nova operations (on site Aug, purchased)
Volvo/BME L120H Integrated Tool Carrier @ IGO Ltd’s Nova operations (on site Sept, purchased)
Volvo/BME L120H Integrated Tool Carrier @ IGO Ltd’s Cosmos operations (on site Sept, purchased)
Future deployments:
ZERO V2 Ute @ IGO Ltd’s Nova operations
Sandvik LH518B Loader @ IGO Ltd’s Nova operations (delivered Aug ’24, purchased)
