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Don’t waste on waste Modec Connect Solution When failure is not an option Preparing for the heat: protecting workers from heat-related risks Smart Crushing, adapted to you HIGHLUX Smart Solar Lighting Broons combination roller is ideal for mining operations Stope bollards Steuler expands your horizons Shaping the future with aerial and underground LiDAR Engineering solutions for field applications The future of electric lifting Speed Queen Australia’s first fluorite project Securing ‘ex-China’ graphite supply Smart mining, shared Country Mining Matters Glencore’s Ulan Coal Complex: Shaping the future underground Is Dutch Disease still plaguing Australia? Australia must focus on fluorine Good, old-fashioned hard yakka Australia’s slice of silica AIMEX 2025: South Australia stakes its claim in global mining AEGC2025: Shaping the future of geoscience in Perth The Australian Mining Review November 2025 Edition

The future of electric lifting

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Making every move count

The logistics industry is facing unprecedented challenges with evolving sustainability and productivity expectations. Adapting to the evolving world is crucial to future-proofing operations — electrification is pivotal to this.

Kalmar is driving sustainable material handling at the cutting edge of this transformation in an industry where safety and efficiency are paramount.

The Kalmar heavy electric forklift with tyre handler attachment offers a purpose-built solution for the Australian mining sector. The machine is engineered directly from the factory to comply with the stringent Mining Design Guidelines (MDG) 15 and MDG 41, ensuring it is prepared for the unique operational demands of mining sites from the moment it is deployed.

The MDG 15 and MDG 41 guidelines address critical safety issues, with MDG 15 focusing on reducing risks from mobile plant operations and MDG 41 providing best practices for fluid power systems.

The Kalmar ECG 250-12’s design includes factory-integrated features that meet these guidelines, providing a comprehensive approach to risk mitigation. A notable example is its three-zone fire suppression system, which meets the requirements of AS5062.

  • Zone 1 handles the driveline and hydraulic system with a fluorine-free agent
  • Zone 2 uses gas suppression for the battery distribution boxes
  • Zone 3 is a water deluge system designed to flood the battery assembly in the event of a thermal runaway

Ergonomics and user safety are central to the machine’s design. The operator’s cabin is configured for superior visibility and features a quiet, smooth electric driveline that reduces noise and vibration, minimising driver fatigue and enhancing control.

Productivity in extreme conditions is maintained through the standard-fitted Thermal Management System. This system keeps the battery core temperature between 25-30°C, ensuring optimal performance even when external temperatures range from -30°C to 40°C. The system can also be linked to the cabin’s climate control to reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling by 5%, further improving overall efficiency.

For heavy-duty operations, the machine’s capabilities are significant. It can be used as a standard forklift or fitted with a heavy-duty tyre handler. When equipped with the Cascade 100K integral tyre handler, the machine has a rated capacity of 10,500kg at a 2,800mm load centre. This attachment is capable of handling all known off-the-road (OTR) wheel and tyre assemblies.

The forklift’s Li-ion battery solutions, with capacities up to 392kWh, enable it to operate for a full shift, with the possibility of extended use through opportunity charging. The Battery Monitoring System ensures efficient power usage by continuously managing performance and redirecting recovered energy from the regenerative brake system back into the battery packs.

The Kalmar heavy electric forklift offers a robust, safe and efficient solution that is purpose-built to the specific needs of the Australian mining industry. Its factory-direct MDG compliance and array of safety and ergonomic features make it a suitable choice for modern mining operations focused on productivity and operator well-being.

A sustainable shift

These forklifts represent a significant step towards sustainability for the Australian mining sector by offering a solution that combines heavy-duty performance with eco-efficiency. This machine is designed to produce zero carbon emissions at the source, making it a cleaner and safer option for operations.

Zero emissions and lower environmental impact

Kalmar’s electric forklifts are a key component in reducing the environmental footprint of mining operations as they do not produce carbon emissions. For companies aiming to further reduce their carbon footprint, the forklifts can be charged using green energy sources where available. This offers a path to an even lower environmental impact, aligning with global sustainability goals.

The path to a cleaner and quieter workplace

In addition to environmental benefits, the electric forklift improves the work environment on-site. The electric driveline is extremely quiet and smooth, which significantly reduces cabin noise and vibrations for the driver. This not only enhances driver comfort but also helps in creating a quieter work environment, which can benefit overall site safety and communication.

The machine’s thermal management system, a standard feature, keeps the core battery temperature optimal in extreme weather conditions and helps to reduce the energy required for cabin heating or air conditioning by 5%. This demonstrates how the forklift’s design is not only focused on power and productivity but also on the eco-efficiency of all its systems.