We're taking the next step towards a carbon-dioxide-free mine.

Battery-powered machinery from Epiroc will be tested in conjunction with the innovation project which LKAB is running in collaboration with ABB, Combitech, Epiroc and Sandvik, aimed at setting a new world standard for sustainable mining.

'We are working concurrently along several tracks in all of our operations to eventually phase out diesel engines. We are testing the capacity of battery-powered and electric vehicles and determining how remote-control equipment performs as compared to manually operated machinery. But the tests must not jeopardize current and future deliveries to our steel-industry customers. The decisions we take with respect to the choice of equipment must not only contribute to higher productivity but, above all, also a more sustainable mine and a safer work environment,' says Anita Oraha Wardi, project manager for autonomous, smart and carbon-dioxide-free machinery at LKAB.

There are many advantages with battery-powered machinery. Zero carbon-dioxide emissions benefit the climate, improve air quality in the mine and support LKAB's ambition to realize carbon-dioxide-free processes and products. In addition, battery-powered vehicles are quieter. Oil consumption will also be reduced, since we will eliminate diesel engines, which require both fuel and regular oil changes.

New infrastructure is needed

But battery-powered vehicles also place entirely new demands on underground infrastructure. Among other things, in the Konsuln test mine in Kiruna, construction manager Joakim Stalnacke and his colleagues have made space for charging stations and prepared areas where a crane can change batteries on vehicles.

We're taking the next step towards a carbon-dioxide-free mine. Battery-powered machinery from Epiroc will be tested in conjunction with the innovation project which LKAB is running in collaboration with ABB, Combitech, Epiroc and Sandvik, aimed at setting a new world standard for sustainable mining.

'We are working concurrently along several tracks in all of our operations to eventually phase out diesel engines. We are testing the capacity of battery-powered and electric vehicles and determining how remote-control equipment performs as compared to manually operated machinery. But the tests must not jeopardize current and future deliveries to our steel-industry customers. The decisions we take with respect to the choice of equipment must not only contribute to higher productivity but, above all, also a more sustainable mine and a safer work environment,' says Anita Oraha Wardi, project manager for autonomous, smart and carbon-dioxide-free machinery at LKAB.

There are many advantages with battery-powered machinery. Zero carbon-dioxide emissions benefit the climate, improve air quality in the mine and support LKAB's ambition to realize carbon-dioxide-free processes and products. In addition, battery-powered vehicles are quieter. Oil consumption will also be reduced, since we will eliminate diesel engines, which require both fuel and regular oil changes.

New infrastructure is needed

But battery-powered vehicles also place entirely new demands on underground infrastructure. Among other things, in the Konsuln test mine in Kiruna, construction manager Joakim Stalnacke and his colleagues have made space for charging stations and prepared areas where a crane can change batteries on vehicles.

FACTS: An Epiroc Minetruck MT42-Battery with a payload of 42 tonnes will be delivered during autumn 2021. During the first quarter of 2022 an additional Minetruck MT42-Battery and a Scooptram ST14-Battery loader with a 14-tonne payload will be delivered. All vehicles will be tested at LKAB in Kiruna.

Contact:

Tel: +46 771-760 000

Fax: +46 771-760 001

Email: info@lkab.com

(C) 2021 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire