Intensification of development of battery electrical equipment in Oyu Tolgoi

Oyu Tolgoi’s underground operations are progressing with an expanded fleet of electric batteries, with Epiroc, Normet and Sandvik units now on site and ready to change the way they operate.

Finding better ways to decarbonize its business in line with its “Creating Prosperity Together” strategy, Oyu Tolgoi LLC is leveraging new battery electric technology from several of its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners, through an underground battery-powered vehicle ( BEV). ) The fleet size has swelled to more than 14 units by the end of 2024.

Located in the heart of South Gobi (Umnogovi Province) in Mongolia, Oyu Tolgoi represents a strategic partnership between Rio Tinto and the Government of Mongolia. Oyu Tolgoi aims to be a partner in the country’s prosperity by creating a world-leading, safe and sustainable copper business.

The Oyu Tolgoi underground operation was one of the first to adopt BEV technology, side by side Rio Tinto’s Kennecott operations are underground in the United States. Together, these sites have been trialling BEV solutions from various OEMs since 2022.

It included the trials of Oyu Tolgoi Normet UTIMEC MF100 SD battery electric material handling truck and the Normet UTILIFT MF540 SD battery-powered electric scissor truck, both of which feature on-board and off-board charging capabilities. At Kennecott, trials focused on battery swapping technology featuring the Sandvik LH518B, an 18-ton battery electric loader, and the Sandvik TH550B, a 50-ton battery electric hauler.

After working closely with Rio Tinto OEM partners to ensure the machines and charging infrastructure met the company’s stringent operational and safety standards, the operations team commissioned the machines. Since this happened, key performance metrics have been met and encouraging feedback has been received from operators, the company reported.

Oyu Tolgoi is now building on the success and lessons learned from these experiences and moving forward with the ongoing transformation of Normet diesel auxiliary equipment. It is also committed to conducting further studies and experiments in exploring the transition of battery electric vehicles (BEV) for excavators, loaders and underground trucks.

It says these trials highlight Rio Tinto’s commitment to reducing emissions through advanced technologies. Integrating the battery electric vehicle fleet into underground operations will play an integral role in achieving the company’s emissions reduction goals. This initiative will enhance mine safety and support a sustainable mining future.

Some of the latest new battery electric equipment that will be fully operational soon (if not already) includes two Epiroc Boltec E10 battery electric screwdrivers (one pictured below right), and five additional Normet smart BEVs including Spraymecs (one in Pictured below left), Charmecs and Transmixer, as well as a Sandvik DS412iE cordless electric hitch, and a Sandvik transport truck TH550B and the latest Sandvik LH518iB 18 ton loader. Loading and transporting machines – which have now arrived on site – will complete the development operations, with the LH518iB being the largest of Oyu Tolgoi’s underground loader fleet.

At the same time, the operation is ensuring that the mine’s existing energy infrastructure can support the electrification of the entire mobile equipment fleet.

Oyu Tolgoi’s underground technology team has already conducted preliminary energy studies for the Hugo North Lift 1 caving operation and is now developing strategies to further integrate additional BEV technology into the mine.

Oyu Tolgoi, which began shipping products to customers from its open operations in July 2013, is run by Rio Tinto. Committed to finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs, Rio Tinto combines its drive for continuous improvement with global expertise and innovative technologies. Oyu Tolgoi not only sets the standard as one of the most advanced mining operations in the world, but also provides lasting value to Mongolia’s mining industry, the nation and host communities. “Creating prosperity. Together,” the company says.