Oyu Tolgoi’s underground operations are charging ahead with an expanding battery-electric fleet, with Epiroc, Normet and Sandvik units now on site and ready to transform the way they work.
In finding better ways to decarbonise its business in line with its “Creating Prosperity Together” strategy, Oyu Tolgoi LLC is leveraging new battery-electric technology from several of its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners, with an underground battery-electric vehicle (BEV) fleet size swelling to more than 14 units by the end of 2024.
Located in the heart of the Southern Gobi (Umnugovi province) in Mongolia, Oyu Tolgoi represents a strategic partnership between Rio Tinto and the Government of Mongolia. Oyu Tolgoi aims to be a partner in the nation’s prosperity by creating a world-leading, safe and sustainable copper business.
The Oyu Tolgoi underground operation has been an early adopter of BEV technology, alongside Rio Tinto’s Kennecott underground operations in the US. Together, these sites have been trialling BEV solutions from various OEMs since 2022.
Oyu Tolgoi’s trials included the Normet UTIMEC MF100 SD battery-electric material handling truck and the Normet UTILIFT MF540 SD battery-electric scissor truck, both featuring on-board and off-board charging capabilities. At Kennecott, trials focused on battery swap technology featuring the Sandvik LH518B, a 18-tonne battery-electric loader and Sandvik TH550B, a 50-tonne battery-electric haul truck.
After working closely with Rio Tinto’s OEM partners to ensure the machines and charging infrastructure meet the company’s stringent operating and safety standards, the operations team put the machines into action. Since this occurred, key performance metrics have been met and encouraging operator feedback has been received, the company reports.
Oyu Tolgoi is now leveraging the success and learnings from these trials and pushing forward with an ongoing transition of Normet diesel ancillary equipment. It has also committed to further studies and trials in the exploration of BEV transition for underground drills, loaders and trucks.
These trials highlight Rio Tinto’s commitment to reducing emissions through advanced technologies, it says. Integration of a BEV fleet into underground operations will play an essential role towards achieving the company’s emission reduction targets. This initiative will enhance mine safety and support the future of sustainable mining.
Some of the new state of the art battery-electric equipment that will shortly be in full operation (if not already) includes two Epiroc Boltec E10 battery-electric bolters (one pictured below on the right), five additional smart drive BEVs from Normet including Spraymecs (one pictured below on the left), Charmecs and a Transmixer, along with a Sandvik DS412iE battery-electric bolter, a Sandvik TH550B haul truck and the latest Sandvik LH518iB 18-tonne loader. The load and haul machines – which have now arrived on site – will complement the development operations, with the LH518iB being the largest of the Oyu Tolgoi underground loader fleet.
At the same time, the operation is working to ensure the mine’s existing energy infrastructure can support the electrification of its entire mobile equipment fleet.
The Oyu Tolgoi underground technology team has already conducted initial energy studies for the Hugo North Lift 1 caving operation and is now developing strategies to further integrate additional BEV technology into the mine.
Oyu Tolgoi, which began shipping products to customers from its open-pit operations in July 2013, is managed by Rio Tinto. Committed to finding better ways to deliver the materials the world needs, Rio Tinto is combining its drive for continuous improvement, global expertise and innovative technologies. Oyu Tolgoi is not just setting a benchmark as one of the world’s most advanced mining operations, it is also delivering enduring value to Mongolia’s mining industry, the nation and the host communities. “Creating Prosperity. Together,” the company says.
