Battery-powered electric mining vehicles are proven to be an increasingly-favoured and attractive solution for sustainable operations. Many mine sites are switching from diesel to electric powered vehicles. The switch to electric results in less vehicle maintenance, a cleaner working environment and reduced underground ventilation costs. The use of conventional diesel powered vehicles underground places additional demands on ventilation, as poor ventilation can expose personnel to adverse health issues including black lung or cancer.
Switching to electric vehicles reduces or eliminates airborne diesel particulates and exhaust emissions, and therefore reduces underground air dilution which improves safety and saves on ventilation costs.
However, as with any new technology endeavour, the associated risks of such a transition are not always maturely understood, risk-assessed and controlled.
