At the beginning of June, proof-of-concept trials using Epiroc and Volvo equipment were held at Epiroc's Kvarntorp underground test mine and SweRock's Atle quarry in Sweden.

Tony Sprague, group manager for technology and innovation at Newcrest Mining Australia, said they wanted to see what could be achieved with a combination of Epiroc's Häggloader continuous loading system and Scooptram ST18 18-tonne loader, both for underground operations, together with Volvo trucks.

He noted that with Häggloader, Epiroc has "a unique system of loading that has not been widely utilised into the global mining industry, and Newcrest is keen to help change this".

The next phase of the project involves further collaboration with Epiroc and Volvo to make the system more productive and efficient.

"As mines are getting deeper, and with escalating energy and haulage costs, mining companies must be constantly on the lookout for better ways to work," Sprague added.

"Newcrest is setting a rapid pace of technology and innovation change to improve our mining operations. Without the collaborative support from our selected partners, we will not move fast enough, or be as successful. And we select our partners based on their attitude and culture towards innovation."