Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions says it has secured an order for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from BHP for the Jansen potash project, in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Jansen Stage 1 is being designed with a focus on sustainability and technology and the battery-electric loaders will be used in the most advanced potash mine in the world.
BHP has ordered 10 underground battery electric loaders along with 1 electric tethered loader for use at the Jansen Potash Project located approximately 140 km east of Saskatoon in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada.
The Jansen project has the potential to be the largest potash-producing mine in the world with an anticipated initial capacity of 4.35 Mt of potash per annum, the mine is expected to operate up to 100 years and first production for the project is targeted for calendar year 2027.
“Electric mining equipment is essential to meeting our goals to reduce emissions, improve productivity and most importantly protect the health of our employees underground. Jansen will have the lowest carbon emissions per tonne of product produced compared to any potash mine operating today in Saskatchewan,” said Simon Thomas, President Potash.
Delivery of the battery electric loaders and other equipment is scheduled during 2023 through till 2025.
“We are excited to partner with BHP and proud to contribute to the sustainability and productivity of this project. Sandvik electric loaders have been designed to best utilise innovative technology of its battery pack and electric driveline, and maximise the capabilities of our battery technology,” says Alex Willows – Business Line Manager for Sandvik Canada.
Sandvik battery electric equipment it says is designed to be adaptable to underground mining. Infrastructure needs are minimal, and reduce the needs for overhead cranes or other heavy handling equipment.
The order follows an earlier mining systems contract announced February 2022 valued at approximately SEK 2 billion (about US$216 million) for a a delivery period of equipment commencing in the third quarter of 2023 and extending to 2026. This includes a fleet of cable connected electric MF460 borer miners developed as part of a Sandvik-BHP collaboration over a number of years.