Significance of Electric Machinery and Digital Innovations in the Mining Industry

Metals and Mining Review | Friday, August 26, 2022

Innovations in electric and battery-powered mining equipment enable global mining corporations to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and carbon emissions.

FREMONT, CA: The global mining sector is under increasing pressure from regulators, investors, and consumers to reduce carbon emissions from operations. Most of the industry's major companies are establishing ambitious goals to achieve CO2 emission reductions in the shortest possible time. Electrification is rapidly becoming a major technology transition in mining, and the increased use of digitalization and automation is a critical avenue. Significant cost reductions and a cleaner profile compel more businesses to pursue electrification.

Batteries and electrical energy

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Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are the primary choice for long-term operational transport infrastructure, and digital advancements in monitoring, maintenance, worker safety, digital twinning, and so on enable mines to verify their zero carbon credentials. Without unpleasant diesel exhaust gases and the heat generated by such powered equipment, mines would not require incredibly costly ventilation and cooling systems. Current lithium-ion batteries utilize an electrolyte primarily composed of ethylene carbonate. Although the electrolyte is intended to provide stability to the anode and cathode, it is combustible and poses a risk of battery fires and harmful gas emissions.

More effective batteries

Advancements in high-performance batteries will facilitate increased automation and electrification of mines, making extraction more accessible and less expensive while maintaining ore grades and bolstering the growth of the electrical equipment market and, consequently, the market for battery-powered mining equipment. Mining machines that utilize onboard and remote data analytics and statistical techniques to anticipate equipment health and generate just-in-time maintenance schedules are being developed.

Evaluation of mining operations

Almost every component of underground and open-pit mining operations is analyzed to determine whether electricity can replace fossil fuels to power all operations. It is already widely acknowledged that battery and electric power minimize greenhouse gas emissions, but other significant advantages exist. Compared to diesel-powered equipment, battery- or electric-powered machines require less ventilation, significantly reducing ventilation expenses.

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