Sweden-based Epiroc has secured a contract from mining contractor Byrnecut to deliver underground mining trucks for the Kathleen Valley lithium mine in Western Australia.

Under the contract, which is valued at around Skr130m ($11.90m), Epiroc will deliver a fleet of Minetruck MT65 S haulers.

These mining trucks will feature Epiroc’s telematics system, Certiq, which allows operators to have intelligent real-time monitoring of machine performance and productivity.

Epiroc will also provide parts and service support including service technicians on site.

The company plans to commence delivery of the trucks soon and will continue in 2024 and 2025.   

Epiroc Underground division president Sami Niiranen said: “The newly updated Epiroc Minetruck MT65 S is a top-of-the-line machine designed with a focus on safety, productivity, energy efficiency and operator comfort.

“We look forward to continue working together with Byrnecut to make their mining operations successful.”

Currently under development, the Kathleen Valley mine is expected to produce lithium and tantalum. It is scheduled to be commissioned in mid-2024. 

Epiroc president and CEO Helena Hedblom said: “We are excited to contribute to the success of the new Kathleen Valley mine, where the production of lithium, especially, will support the acceleration of the transformation to a low-carbon society.”

Designed to ensure energy efficiency with reduced fuel consumption, the Minetruck MT65 S underground mine truck has load capacity of 65 tonnes.

In August 2023, Byrnecut Australia secured a A$1bn ($644m) contract from Liontown Resources to undertake underground mining services at the Kathleen Valley project.

Under the four-year contract, Byrnecut is responsible for providing a full suite of mining services for underground operations.

The Kathleen Valley high-grade lithium-tantalum project is estimated to hold mineral resources of 156 million tonnes at 1.4% Li₂O and 130 parts per million Ta₂O₅.