A global challenge has been launched by three of the world’s largest mining companies for technology innovators to develop concepts for new large-scale haul truck electrification systems to reduce the time required to charge large trucks and increase overall productivity.
BHP, Rio Tinto and Vale, the founding patrons of the Charge On Innovation Challenge, together with Austmine, Australia’s Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) industry body, are looking for innovations to deliver electricity to large battery-electric haul trucks quickly and efficiently.
The mining industry requires multi-megawatt scale fast-charging concepts capable of delivering around 400kWh to charge and propel a truck within the truck’s haul cycle of load, travel, dump, return and queue.
BHP Minerals Australia president Edgar Basto says he expects the challenge to stimulate innovative ideas, some of which “could be immediately applied to existing diesel-electric equipment and help fast-track implementation of longer-term solutions”.
Vale ferrous engineering director Carlos Mello says mine electrification requires considerable integration between mine planning and operations.
“We need to develop new charging solutions that can be incorporated into our operations in parallel to the development of battery trucks, to ensure we create a truly sustainable electric haulage system in all aspects – clean, competitive and flexible,” he said.
Rio Tinto Group executive safety, technical and projects Mark Davies says innovation is the key to decarbonisation and that “partnerships and collaborations [and industry-wide approach] can drive significant technological change”, potentially creating new jobs and opportunities for suppliers globally and locally.
The challenge demonstrates an emerging market for charging solutions in mining and is expected to attract interest from other resource companies that maintain substantial haul truck fleets.
Austmine chief executive Christine Gibbs Stewart says METS and mining companies are united on the challenge to reduce emissions across the supply chain.
“With 80% of METS companies supplying products and services outside mining, the challenge leverages the experience and innovation of industries in the automotive, battery makers, aerospace, defence and other sectors,” she said.
Expressions of interest open Tuesday 18 May and shortlisted candidates will be invited to pitch their concepts later this year.
