Mining Fleets Replacing Diesel with Electric: Report

Nov. 4, 2019

Fleet managers for underground mines are replacing diesel-powered construction equipment with electric machines, according to The Wall Street Journal. The publication cites several mines across the globe using electric haul trucks, drills, and loaders rather than diesel.

The article reports the mines are driven to make underground air more breathable, with some having a goal of eliminating all diesel-powered equipment.

Hurdles to the move, according to the article, are acquisition costs and battery technology. Mines are evaluating the move against the costs of the ventilation systems needed to keep tunnels safe. The article said up to 40 percent of a mine’s energy costs are tied to ventilation.

Read the article here. Registration required.

Source: The Wall Street Journal