Russian nickel and palladium producer Nornickel plans to trial two battery electric vehicles from Finnish mining equipment manufacturer Normet in Arctic conditions.

Nornickel said it has purchased the Utimec MF 500 SD transmixer, and the Utimec MF 205 PER SD personnel transportation vehicles, for its Zapolyarny Mine, operated by Medvezhy Ruchey.

The pilot tests will take six months to assess the equipment endurance in the harsh Arctic environment, said the company.

The Utimec MF 500 SD is a transmixer for underground operations, with a high power output and a maximum speed of 20 km/h.

The Utimec MF 205 PER SD personnel carrier is designed for underground personnel transportation. It is a fully reversible 4WD with high traction capability and instant torque, noted the statement.

The battery charge is sufficient for the fully-loaded passenger carrier and transmixer to drive uphill for 10 km and 8 km, respectively. The equipment will be charged at CCS charging stations with only 40 minutes required to fully charge the battery.  

Employees of Finland's Normet provided classes and training for Zapolyarny Mine staff in the pre-trip check and operation of the battery electric vehicles.

Normet also last year entered India through an agreement with Hindustan Zinc would see the Finnish underground mining technology developer introduce its Normet SmartDrive modular BEV to the Indian producer's operations.