As outlined by IM in February, New Gold’s New Afton block cave gold and copper mine in British Columbia is introducing a battery electric fleet as an important step in its C-zone development and greenhouse gas reduction targets. The two trucks are 50 t class battery electric Z50 machines from Sandvik-owned Artisan Vehicles. The LHD is an 18 t Sandvik LH518B, one of the first in North America and globally, while the bolter is also a new model – the Sandvik DS412ie. The company told IM: “We will see what positive results that may be achieved with the overall objective of adding more electric/battery pack equipment. C-zone will have a charging network.”

Sandvik today confirmed that the LH518B is now on its way from the factory in Camarillo, California to the Canadian minesite, and said that it is the first, with another machine to be trialled at Kirkland Lake Gold’s Fosterville underground mine in Victoria, Australia. The company says the loader features not only Sandvik’s signature AutoSwap technology, but also the brand new AutoConnect technology to allow an operator to complete a battery swap without leaving the cabin.

“What stands out most is the smooth and quiet operation,” says New Afton Mine Manager Peter Prochotsky. “The refined design of Sandvik LH518B is impressive for a first generation machine and we’re excited to add this battery electric loader to our fleet.”

The C-zone block cave zone is located approximately 550 m below Lift 1. Development towards the C-zone is underway with production planned to commence with the first of 143 planned drawbells in July 2023. The C-zone block cave will be producing from 2023-2029. Ore segregation is planned to improve mill grades while a second crusher and underground conveyor system extension for materials handling is to be installed.