ELECTRIFICATION
“ The best solution to supply electricity to remote operations depends largely on the geographical context of the mine ”
MCKINSEY
These dump trucks could be fully charged with 400kW of electricity in just 90 seconds – 100-times faster than standard lithiumion batteries . The SuperBattery also has an extended lifespan , lasting for around 50,000 cycles compared to 4,000 for lithium-ion .
The key challenges of electric mining Electrifying mines is challenging but has the potential to generate considerable value . Here are the key challenges :
Large capital expenditures requirements . The costs for implementing the power infrastructure for electrifying the iron ore industry alone could reach US $ 45 billion . This will surely mean that new sources of capital ( such as green bonds ) will be needed .
Large infrastructure improvements . Mines will need to upgrade grid connections , build on-site networks , and install or contract renewable-power capacity .
BEV technological challenges . Battery technologies need to achieve higher density , lower costs , faster charging rates , and larger scale to make electric equipment competitive .
McKinsey says that adapting the operations to a new type of technology
7-11 GWh
Additional electricity needed per metric ton of iron ore
20-30 TWh
Additional electricity needed to electrify global iron ore mining
Equivalent to
7-11 GWh
of Australia ' s annual electricity consumption
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