Feasibility of Using Electric Trucks in Deep Metal Mines

Abstract

Diesel-powered equipment is a backbone of modern underground metal mining. Despite its numerous advantages, emissions of exhaust gases and heat constitute a serious concern with regards to ventilation and its cost, particularly in deep mines. Moreover, regulations concerning the use of diesel engines underground become more and more stringent and restrictive. In these circumstances, electric truck haulage may provide an interesting solution to alleviate at least some of these problems. This paper focuses on a feasibility of using battery- and trolley-powered electric trucks as alternative to diesel ones in deep metal mines. It presents basic technical parameters and operational features of both types of electric trucks. Based on the information available from technical literature, manufacturers and end users of electric trucks, the authors review and discuss technical, operational and practical aspects (including health and safety issues) of electric and diesel drivetrains in different mine scenarios (mining methods, production volume, mine life, etc.). Cost aspects are also briefly covered. Based on that, it is concluded that although nowadays electric trucks are far from being a universal solution for underground metal mines, in some conditions they have a potential to be quite competitive with regard to diesel-powered equipment. The paper provides some recommendations over potentially interesting scenarios, where electric trucks may become a viable alternative to conventional diesel equipment.