presents multiple challenges , and has the following recommendations for a successful transition to electric .
Before the actual implementation of electric equipment :
• Adapt the mine planning and the operations planning to the new equipment – eg . location of charging stations , design of ramps and haulage ways
• Funding the investment for equipment and infrastructure
• Build the infrastructure at site ( access to electricity , transmission , charging )
• Obtain access to the equipment , in a scenario where most companies are competing for a limited supply of electric mining equipment
Image : Sandvik Mining
When implementing and operating electric equipment :
• Upskill the operators and maintainers to adapt to the new type of equipment
• Adapt the operational strategy ( eg . dispatch logic with energy management , rotation of crew during charging downtime )
• Adapt the maintenance strategy ( eg . inventory of parts , batteries , maintenance of chargers , power infrastructure )
While those challenges may seem a barrier right now , the potential gains mean the effort ( and expense ) will be worthwhile . Those opportunities are :
Operational expenditure . Electrification could reduce energy costs by as much as 70 % and reduce maintenance costs for mobile equipment by around 30 %.
Operational improvements . Electric equipment could allow for steeper ramp designs , lower stripping ratios , faster cycle times , and less-frequent breakdowns . CO2 emissions reduction . A fully electrified mine with renewable power could have a carbon footprint that is 80 % lower . As well as being good for the environment , this could also avoid carbon taxes and capture potential greenproduct premiums .
As well as those benefits , McKinsey points to improved working conditions , especially in underground mines ( for instance less noise , vibration , better air quality ).
In the longer term , mine operators could redesign the mine , adapting to hauling in declines , steeper ramps potentially leading to lower stripping ratios . There would also be lower infrastructure requirements for ventilation in underground mines . miningdigital . com 41