AngloGold Ashanti’s Sunrise Dam gold mine has welcomed the largest battery-electric underground mining truck to its site for tests.
The Western Australian mine is playing host to a world-first trial of the Sandvik TH665B in a third-party agreement between AngloGold Ashanti, Sandvik and Barminco.
The TH665B is expected to be up to 25 per cent faster than regular diesel trucks on a 1:7 ramp and will produce zero diesel emissions underground while generating 80 per cent less heat.
“As a business we are focused on how we can support our clients to decarbonise their mines and trialling equipment to support this is a critical part of our strategy,” Perenti (Barminco’s parent company) head of electrification and technology Darren Kwok said.
“Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) not only have the potential to lower carbon emissions, they can also improve the underground environment for mine workers and boost the efficiency of operations. We’re extremely pleased that the first Sandvik TH665B to be built has come to Sunrise Dam for real world trials with us and AngloGold Ashanti.
“With the longer haul ramps and the harsh Australian operating conditions, it will be put to the test. We’re looking forward to trialing the Sandvik TH665B and putting it through its paces.”
The TH665B made its Australian debut at the World Mining Congress in Brisbane in June this year. Sandvik business line manager for load and haul Andrew Dawson said Sandvik is pleased to be working with AngloGold Ashanti and Barminco.
“The data that we gain from seeing the prototype interacting with Australian conditions will be invaluable as Sandvik continues to develop its battery-electric range and as the Sandvik TH665B moves into commercial production phase,” Dawson said.