Sweden-based mining equipment supplier Epiroc now offers its customers conversion kits designed to transition loaders from diesel-powered to battery-electric driven.

The company said the new offering, which has already secured an order from a customer in Canada, will speed up the mining industry's shift to an emissions-free future.

It claimed battery conversions are already underway, with its Sccoptram ST1030 loader being the first vehicle to undergo the transition.

Evolution Mining earlier this year ordered the conversion of two diesel-powered Scooptram ST1030 machines for use at its gold mine in Red Lake, Ontario, Canada.

The conversion involves removing the diesel engine, adding the battery and changing to an electric driveline. The result is the same or higher performance level as diesel machines with all the added benefits of battery technology.

Helena Hedblom, Epiroc's president and chief executive officer, described converting diesel machines to battery-electric as a "smart and cost-efficient alternative" for mining companies.

"It will be an important part as we together continue the drive toward emissions-free operations," Hedblom explained.