In Kiruna, Sweden, assessments are ongoing to set a brand new world customary for sustainable mining. Within the course of to realize this, LKAB has ordered battery-electric autos from Epiroc to be examined for future carbon dioxide-free operations.

The newly ordered gear, Scooptram ST14 Battery and Minetruck MT42 Battery machines, can be used each in LKAB’s most important mine for manufacturing and within the Konsuln take a look at mine, a testbed that’s created in LKAB´s underground mines.

The order comes because of the SUM (Sustainable Underground Mining) collaborative mission the place taking part firms have shaped an alliance to realize the aim of setting a brand new world customary for sustainable mining at nice depths. The companions are working collectively to seek out new strategies and smarter options for mining operations of the longer term.
 
“Our aim is to develop clever, extremely productive and CO2-free machine programs,” says Niklas Fors, Senior Mission Supervisor World Strategic Tasks and Alliances at Epiroc. “We’re proud to ship the world’s greenest machines to LKAB. What we’re creating makes a distinction not just for underground operations, however for the planet as such”.
 
“LKAB is not any stranger to electrical machines in mining,” says Thomas Kammerby, Senior Mission Chief at LKAB. “LHD´s have been working electrically (cable powered) for fairly some years. LKAB is striving to eradicate the usage of fossil-based fuels as quickly as potential and is due to this fact pushing to start out testing options to primarily diesel engines. Since LKAB at all times prioritizes “security first” it’s crucial that we participate within the growth work round battery machines to grasp all points of e.g. logistics, efficiency, dealing with of fireplace hazards.”

Thomas Kammerby continues: “The alliance setup gives early entry to battery machines and permits us to check a number of functions in a managed style offering excessive confidence relating to the design of future CO2-free mining.”
 
As well as, LKAB has ordered Epiroc’s BaaS (Batteries as a Service) answer for the ordered battery machines. With Batteries as a Service, Epiroc works straight with the client to outline a battery plan that fits the wants of their operation. The lifespan is assured and the battery standing is fastidiously monitored to make sure predictive upkeep with decreased downtime. If a buyer desires to extend or lower their capability, they’ll modify their plan and the service can be tailor-made to satisfy their necessities. The order can be delivered throughout 2021.