Tag Archives: MEVCO

MEVCO to bring Rivian R1T pick up truck to global mining sector

MEVCO (Mining Electric Vehicle Company) has entered an exclusive global partnership with Rivian Automotive, Inc to provide electric vehicles to the mining, mining services and mining equipment industries. MEVCO specialises in providing sustainable and efficient electric vehicle fleets solutions to the mining industry.

This collaboration signals a new standard for responsible and forward-thinking mining practices, and is a catalyst for positive change in the mining landscape, the companies say.

Matt Cahir, CEO of MEVCO, said: “The Rivian R1T is widely acclaimed for its on and off-road capabilities, and its robust design and adaptability make it the ideal candidate to meet the many challenges mining presents. The integration of Rivian’s technology with MEVCO’s proven track record in mining-specific electric vehicles is poised to yield a fleet that exceeds the requirements of the most demanding operators.

“The shift to electric solutions extends beyond environmental and financial advantages. It is about fostering a safer, healthier environment for mine operators, particularly in subterranean settings where the elimination of tailpipe emissions is paramount. The Rivian R1T, in terms of safety and off-road capabilities, stands unparalleled.

“We have already seen strong support for the Rivian product, as well as the infrastructure MEVCO is building to support the rollout.”

The Rivian R1T is the only pick up truck – electric or otherwise – in the USA to earn the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), according to MEVCO.

Dagan Mishoulam, Rivian’s VP of Strategy, said: “Our fleet offering is better known for our commercial vans, so its great to see our R1 vehicles being incorporated into MEVCO’s fleet. We’re delighted they are electrifying their fleet with us, and we’re excited to help them reduce tailpipe emissions.”

MEVCO will not only customise the Rivan R1T to mining specifications, allowing them to operate in the harshest of conditions in both surface and underground mines, but also will support mines on charging infrastructure, maintenance and workflows.

Mineral Resources, MEVCO agree on battery-electric Toyota HiLux utility vehicle deliveries

Mineral Resources says it will be the first miner in Western Australia to take delivery of Australia-engineered battery-electric Toyota HiLux utility vehicles for its mine site operations.

The investment, it says, is a demonstration of MinRes’ commitment to decarbonise its mining operations in Western Australia, which includes two of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium mines.

MinRes placed the order with mining industry vehicle supplier and global systems integrator MEVCO, which recently announced a partnership with SEA Electric to electrify Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser utes.

From its factory in Melbourne, SEA Electric is converting the vehicles from diesel-powered engines to all-electric using its SEA-Drive power-system.

The HiLux utility vehicles purchased by MinRes will be fitted with an 88 kWh battery that provides a range of up to 380 km and can be charged up to 80% in less than one hour, according to the company. The mine site-ready electric vehicles also produce no noise, fumes, heat or vibrations.

A demonstration model arrived in Perth, Western Australia, this week and MinRes is expected to take delivery of the first batch of electric vehicles in April.

MinRes, which is committed to net zero emissions by 2050, will use the electric utility vehicles at its various mine operations across Western Australia, including at the Koolyanobbing iron ore mine in the Yilgarn.

The addition of the electric utility vehicles comes two years after MinRes took delivery of the first all-electric light truck to roll off the SEA Electric production line.

MinRes is cutting emissions at its mining operations through a variety of technologies, including plans to transition road trains at its Onslow Iron project from diesel to electric.

At the Wonmunna iron ore project in the Pilbara, a 2.1 MW solar array and battery system is also being installed that will provide 30% of the site’s energy requirements.

MinRes Chief Executive Officer, Mining Services, Mike Grey, said: “MinRes has a plan to transition to a low-carbon future and cutting our reliance on diesel is central to achieving this goal. Our MEVCO electric utes are just one of the many ways we’re driving towards net zero and an exciting step in our decarbonisation journey.

MEVCO Chief Executive Officer, Matt Cahir, added: “While many companies talk about decarbonisation, MinRes is actually doing it. Partnering with one of the leading innovators in the mining industry is testimony to the MEVCO HiLux ute.

“MinRes is a company that is at the forefront of innovation and understands how that culture attracts and keeps the best mining talent in the industry. We are excited to be part of MinRes’ decarbonisation journey.”