OZ Minerals, Janus Electric and Qube are aiming for a world-first battery-electric haulage trial. The goal is to use battery-electric trucks for heavy haulage across the long distances and harsh terrains of Australia.
The trial will take place at Port Augusta in South Australia. This location is approximately 300 km from Adelaide. The trial is self-funded and expected to begin late 2022.
The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of OZ Minerals, Andrew Cole, says that the trial is an example of the mining industry is working towards a better way of doing things.
“OZ Minerals has aspirations to emit zero Scope 1 emissions and strive to systematically reduce Scope 2 and 3 emissions across our value chain. We also aim to work closely with our stakeholders to create mutual value by building each other’s capability and capacity. Finally we aim to deliver the activities along our value chain to enable our local stakeholder aspirations for generations to come,” he said.
“This battery-electric trial is one of the ways we are progressing towards bringing our Decarbonisation Roadmap to life.”
A battery charging station in support of the trial will commence construction May 2022. It has an estimated competition date of August 2022.
The efficiency of the battery charging station is expected to match a traditional refuelling station. The team is excited at this leap forward in battery operated heavy mining vehicles.
“The Janus Electric vision is to use our breakthrough battery technology to create a 100 per cent carbon zero solution for electrifying Australia’s road transport fleet,” he said.
“Part of our mission is to work with companies that take a similar approach to innovation and renewable energy. Our partnership with Qube and OZ Minerals to deliver Vision Electric signals our joint commitment to invest time and capital into delivering a carbon-neutral transport network.
“Vision Electric will see the world’s largest electric truck put through its paces. This will occur over a 12-month trial under some of the harshest conditions in the world.”