Sandvik has announced a US$32 million sale of diesel underground mining equipment in Peru a day after Swedish rival Epiroc confirmed a circa-$10 million order for battery-electric machines from a Canadian copper producer.
Compania de Minas Buenaventura will use the Sandvik loaders and drills at its El Brocal, Yumpag and Uchucchacua mines. Deliveries are due to start in the third quarter this year.
In Canada, Hudbay Minerals will deploy battery-electric versions of Epiroc’s Boomer M20 SG face drilling rig and ST18 SG and ST14 SG loaders, plus a Minetruck MT42 hauler, at the Lalor gold, copper, zinc and silver mine in Manitoba.
Hudbay Minerals has run a battery-powered Epiroc loader for about two years. The new machines will be delivered over the next few months.
“We are happy to support Hudbay Minerals as it takes its next step on its electrification journey,” Epiroc CEO Helena Hedblom said.
“There are clear benefits to our customers that invest in electrical equipment. It improves the health of the employees, saves ventilation costs and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, our battery-powered equipment also outperforms the productivity of corresponding diesel equipment.”
Hudbay Manitoba vice president Rob Carter said the BEV purchases were a “logical and responsible choice”.
Epiroc says 39 mine sites worldwide have ordered mine BEVs.
