Mining equipment maker Sandvik has announced a partnership with contract miner Byrnecut to develop diesel-electric loaders and trucks.
The goal is to enhance sustainability and productivity in underground mining operations.
This initiative, which was formalised at The Electric Mine 2024 conference in Perth, Australia, seeks to tailor equipment to Byrnecut's specific requirements and optimise its underground activities.
Byrnecut Australia managing director Pat Boniwell said: “Diesel-electric equipment has a proven ability to combine the low-maintenance benefits of electric machines with the flexibility of diesel.
“We have a long association with Sandvik and we’re pleased to be providing input and feedback that will help shape the new Sandvik diesel-electric range. We’re also looking forward to passing the benefits of this collaboration on to our customers.”
Diesel-electric machinery offers several advantages over traditional diesel-powered equipment, including the absence of a torque converter, fewer rotating parts, and a more flexible design.
These features contribute to reduced maintenance needs and operational costs while maintaining high availability.
Initially, the alliance will see the partners establishing a shared vision for the optimisation of diesel-electric machines owned by Sandvik to meet Byrnecut's operational needs.
Byrnecut will then contribute to the design process and offer feedback during various stages of testing, including pre-factory, operational, and trial phases.
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions president Mats Eriksson said: “We have extensive expertise in both battery-electric and conventional diesel technology within Sandvik, and we believe combining this expertise will lead to new productive solutions for our customers.
Byrnecut is also exploring different technologies and leveraging innovations to improve safety, reduce costs, and increase productivity and sustainability.
Boniwell said: “It’s likely the transition to battery-electric will be a gradual process with both electric, diesel and potentially diesel-electric machines operating side by side in the meantime.”
Last year, Sandvik introduced AutoMine for Underground Drills, a tele-remote solution for mining operations.
