Sandvik, a Sweden-based mine equipment manufacturer, has partnered with LKAB to trial a TH550B battery-electric truck and LH518B battery-electric loader at the Malmberget underground mine.

The companies will work together for a 12-month collaborative trial of the third-generation battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) as part of LKAB's project to set a new world standard for sustainable underground mining.

Sandvik said the loader and truck have been "designed from the ground up entirely around their battery systems and electric drivelines" to leverage battery system possibilities fully.

"Both the loader and truck feature Sandvik's patented self-swapping battery system, including the AutoSwap and AutoConnect functions, improving equipment availability and safety," the company said.

"In less than six minutes, the equipment disconnects and puts down a depleted battery, trams to pick up a new one and automatically connects while the operator controls the swapping without leaving the equipment cabin, all without the need for overhead cranes, forklifts, or significant changes to mine infrastructure."

The trial will take place under a broader collaboration project with ABB, Combitech, and Epiroc that aims to "develop a new global standard for mining at a depth that is safe, carbon-dioxide-free and cost-effective," LKAB said.

Per Brannman, mine manager of the Malmberget underground mine, said trials such as this are essential for its efforts to move to carbon-free equipment in its mines.

"Battery-electric and autonomous equipment will undoubtedly play a vital role in ensuring improved productivity and safety in LKAB's mines in the years and decades ahead," Brannman explained.