Atlas Copco’s new B-Air compressor is helping the mining industry meet its need for powerful, portable air.
There’s a new low-carbon partner in town, and it’s ready to transform how the mining industry thinks about air compressors.
Atlas Copco has now introduced the B-Air 185-12 to the sector, tipped as the world’s first mobile screw compressor powered by a battery.
“The B-Air 185-12 presents a great solution for the Australian mining sector given the industries increased focus on sustainability and operational efficiency,” Atlas CEA brand leader David Buttigieg said.
“With zero local emissions and significantly reduced noise levels, it directly addresses stringent environmental and OHS, particularly in enclosed or sensitive areas.”
The B-Air has been designed with autonomy at the forefront to ensure it can keep running for at least one full shift in typical conditions. This also enables a mine to move and run the B-Air wherever it’s needed.
Other key features of the B-Air include its efficient design and less parts to guarantee extra durability and peace of mind for operators. Extended intervals between regular maintenance also means operators save on operating costs.
“The enhanced reliability and reduced maintenance burden, compared to diesel units, contributes to a lower total cost of ownership and increased uptime, making the B-Air 185-12 a highly suitable and practical choice for Australian mining operations,” Buttigieg said.
Built to perform in the often-harsh conditions of the Australian mine industry, the B-Air is designed to get the most of its battery. The battery pack is contained in a liquid-cooled triple enclosure for the highest protection.
“The B-Air 185-12’s ‘built to last’ philosophy and extended service intervals offer significant operational advantages,” Buttigieg said.
“The triple-enclosed, liquid-cooled battery pack and the overall rugged construction are critical for ensuring durability in the face of dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures often encountered on mine sites.”
The B-Air is also equipped with PACE, an electronic pressure control system that adjusts it output depending on the requirements. While a regular compressor is limited to a certain pressure and flow rate, the B-Air can be used for a variety of applications, including running as a handheld tool, for sandblasting, or for cable blowing.
At the core of the B-Air is the variable speed drive (VSD) permanent magnet motor which helps achieve the exceptional efficiency Atlas Copco air compressors are known for. This combination means the B-Air is up to 70 per cent more energy efficient than a traditional diesel driver mobile compressor.
Both the motor and NEOS Xtreme inverter are unique Atlas Copco designs that have been specifically developed to thrive in the harshest and most challenging mining environments.
The motor is also sealed from water and dust to further deliver consistent and dependable performance and ensure uninterrupted operations.
This feature appeared in the June 2025 issue of Australian Mining.
