Historic strategies focused on maximising production volumes during mining boom- bust cycles saw established process inefficiencies, with many operations adopting cost-cutting measures as the cycle turned. The recent upturn in the mineral demand, following the post- 2013 decline, has seen increased spending from mining companies largely due to growth markets such as electric vehicles. At present this a precursor to the industry's capacity to innovate opposed to a re-focus on maximising volume as perceived productivity.

 

Indeed investing in innovation through technology, costs upfront and takes time. In the case of mining this is essential in establishing longevity in productivity gains. Leading equipment manufacturers Komatsu, Caterpillar and Hitachi have had notable success in the role out of autonomous haulage systems, with economic and safety benefits identified as primary drivers and noted increase in productivity up to 30% in some operations.

 

As times change in face of countries and industries making ambitious commitments to phase out use of diesel and petrol- fuelled motor vehicles. Is it the case that these commitments are now extending to the industries that need it the most? The electrification of mining vehicles has an interesting role to play as mines age and operations continue to extract lower ore grades at deeper levels, a recent mine project feasibility featured in the report outlines reductions in capital and operational expenditure costs due to a reduction in ventilation/ cooling requirements of these machines up to 20% and 25% respectively. As the mining industry continues this focus on increased productivity, efficiency and improved safety, feasibility figures such as these can go some way to justify the profitability of a project.

 

The proliferation of electric mining equipment whether loaders or trucks will depend not only on the vehicles themselves but enabling and associated technologies. Advancements in Li-ion battery technology in terms of electric range, energy and power capacity will continue to lead a reduction in the cost of battery packs used in electric mining vehicles making the technology more viable. With companies Atlas Copco, Sandvik, BYD, Komatsu and Caterpillar currently in testing phase of different electric loader and truck concepts.

 

This report provides an analysis of key market players, equipment models and technology preferences of electric vehicles in mining, examining leading battery, motor and charger manufacturers. Evaluating questions such as which Li ion battery chemistries and manufacturers will dominate the industrial vehicles market? With which charging solutions? Will fast charging or slow charging prevail and to what power rating 50kW, 150kW, 300kW? The report also provides scope on trends in types of industrial vehicle motors (ASM, PSM, SRM) and case studies on the operational and duty cycle performance of electric mining equipment.

 

The report also provides a detailed overview of automation technologies in mining operations, addressing enabling technologies used in autonomous trucks; sensors (LIDAR, Radar, Ultrasound, Cameras), sensor fusion and system-on-chip, connectivity and software technologies.

 

Through primary research, technology insights, and an impressive resource base, IDTechEx has put together a unique report that details all of the above and includes ten year forecasts from 2018 through 2028 for mobile electric mining equipment and autonomous truck over the next decade.

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