Sandvik wins its largest ever BEV fleet order

South32 (ASX: S32) has ordered 22 battery-electric vehicles from Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions as part of a 42 strong underground equipment fleet.

The fleet will be delivered to South32’s greenfield Hermosa critical minerals project in the US.

Sandvik’s president Mats Eriksson said that the company is proud to contribute to an increased supply of critical minerals and support the continued electrification and decarbonisation of the resource sector.

“Lower fuel expenses and maintenance costs coupled with longer equipment lifespan will enable a more efficient, economical and sustainable operation at Hermosa,” he said.

South32’s Hermosa site, located in Arizona, is anticipated to become a globally significant producer of the critical minerals manganese and zinc.

First production from the site is expected in 2027 and the operation has the potential to develop into a multi-decade project.

South32 is designing Hermosa to be the company’s first ‘next generation mine’ that will harness automation and technology to drive efficiency, minimise environmental impact and move the company closer to net-zero operations.

Soutch32 Hermosa president Pat Risner said that technology and innovation are an essential part of the company’s continued improvement in safety, performance and emission reduction.

“We’re committed to sustainable development of the resources at Hermosa, which we’re designing as a small footprint underground mine with dry-stack tailings and reduced water consumption to minimise environmental impact,” he said.

“A battery-electric underground equipment fleet supports our ambition for Hermosa to set a new standard for sustainable mining.

“Sandvik BEVs will meet our safety, reliability, range and capability requirements.”

South32’s BEV order includes six bolters, five development drills, four long hole drills, four loaders and three trucks.

The order also included 20 pieces of conventional equipment, though, several of these units may ultimately be manufactured and delivered as BEVs.

The fleet is expected to be delivered in late 2026 and will continue through to 2030.