The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
Metal Tech News - January 15, 2025
Following the successful deployment of the first fully battery-electric underground trolley system in Boliden's Kristineberg mine, ABB and Epiroc are assessing their collective offerings.
Trolley assist is expected to improve productivity, efficiency, and air quality in underground mines.
To bring the electric mine of the future one step closer to reality, global mining equipment manufacturer Epiroc and electrification technology leader ABB have joined forces to develop a trolley system to assist ore-laden haul trucks on their climb out of the depths of underground mines.
"The decarbonization of mine haulage fleets is becoming increasingly pressing as we look towards 2030 sustainability goals," said Max Luedtke, global business line manager for mining at ABB Process Industries. "We must encourage collaboration across the industry to speed up the change needed, and Epiroc is aligned with this approach."
Trolley assist systems provide climate and productivity benefits to mining operations by towing fully loaded haul trucks as they climb to Earth's surface. For diesel haul trucks, this electric-powered assistance significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and speeds the climb during the most energy-intensive and slowest segment of its circuit.
For battery-electric haul trucks, trolley assist offers the added advantage of charging the onboard battery during uphill climbs, extending range and operational efficiency.
While trolleys are becoming more popular in surface mines, the installation of these emissions-reducing and productivity-boosting systems in underground mines has proven to be more challenging.
Building on the success of installing the world's first fully battery-electric truck underground trolley system at Boliden's Kristineberg mine in northern Sweden, ABB and Epiroc have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on carrying out a comprehensive feasibility assessment of an underground trolley assist solution that benefits from the strengths of both companies.
"We are excited to deepen our partnership with ABB by developing a strategic roadmap for sustainable, innovative mining, beginning with the decarbonization of mining truck fleets, expanding on the trolley system to meet the wider needs of the industry with the target set to increase both safety and productivity," said Wayne Symes, president of Epiroc's Underground division.
Trolley assist is expected to improve productivity, efficiency, and air quality in underground mines.
While the confines of an underground mine pose unique challenges for designing and installing a trolley system, the benefits of overcoming these challenges are multiplied in the subterranean environment. Enabling the efficient implementation of battery-electric haul trucks would eliminate diesel exhaust and substantially lower the need for energy-intensive ventilation in underground mines.
ABB, Boliden, and Epiroc brought together their electrification, mining, and equipment manufacturing expertise into the installation of an 800-meter-long trolley assist test track that tows battery-powered Epiroc trucks up a 13% incline at Boliden's Kristineberg mine.
"Seeing the industry's first battery-electric truck trolley system live is not only the result of a collaborative achievement with Boliden and Epiroc, but it is truly an industry milestone," Luedtke said last April.
With this trial demonstrating the potential of underground trolley assist, coupled with global mining companies increasingly seeking zero-emission solutions to meet their climate goals, ABB and Epiroc are accelerating their efforts on this front.
"We must encourage collaboration across the industry to speed up the change needed, and Epiroc is aligned with this approach," said Ludke.
Based on interviews with 412 mining experts from around the globe, ABB found that 76% of global mining companies believe that the electrification of mining fleets offers significant sustainability and efficiency benefits.
Additionally, 42% of the mining companies interviewed for the Swedish electrification company's "Mining's Moment" report plan to invest in haulage fleet decarbonization by 2026.
However, the technologies needed to electrify the mines of the not-so-distant future are still in the early stages of development. ABB, which has been electrifying mines for more than 130 years, is a technology provider uniquely qualified to partner with equipment manufacturers and mining companies to accelerate the industry's ambitious energy transition goals.
"We know from our recent Mining's Moment report that 71% of mining companies agreed that successful partnerships are key to gaining momentum in the energy transition," Ludke continued. "Technology players demonstrating a strong commitment to open standards and asset interoperability facilitate these efforts, so we look forward to discovering what else we can achieve with Epiroc and the wider industry."
With more than 16 years of covering mining, Shane is renowned for his insights and and in-depth analysis of mining, mineral exploration and technology metals.
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