Sandvik, a global leader in mining technology, is accelerating the shift toward electrification with its advanced Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) solutions and in-house battery manufacturing capabilities. Beyond producing electric mining equipment, the company is pioneering efforts in battery development, life-cycle management, and secondary applications—establishing itself as a holistic force in the battery value chain.
According to Tommi Valkonen, New Technology Strategy Manager for Sandvik’s Load & Haul Division, BEVs are a key focus area for the company’s future. “Our focus is on accelerating the integration of new technologies, which could mean finding better battery chemistries or other technologies that improve our electric offering,” Valkonen noted.
Five hours at a time
Sandvik uses lithium-ion battery cells with LFP technology as the basis for their batteries. The current complete battery systems on trucks and loaders have a 410 kWh capacity, which is sufficient for 3–5 hours of work between charges. On the other hand, the 121 kWh capacity of the entire battery system on an underground drill rig is sufficient for 4–6 kilometers of driving up a mining ramp.
“Our deployed BEV fleets have demonstrated clear advantages in both productivity and environmental performance,” Valkonen notes. “And having those in-house capabilities has allowed us to, for example, add 36 percent more capacity between subsequent battery module design generations.”
Secondary applications
With equipment operational lifespans of 5−6 years and batteries typically requiring one replacement during this period, Sandvik takes a proactive approach to life-cycle management.
In the lithium-ion battery industry, batteries are typically considered to be at end-of-life at 80 percent capacity. However, mining operations present unique opportunities to utilize this remaining capacity. Sandvik batteries from high-consumption vehicles, such as trucks, can be repurposed for equipment with lower energy requirements, such as loaders, or be integrated into stationary energy storage systems, supporting site infrastructure such as lighting and charging stations.
End-of-life management
When batteries reach the end of their operational life, Sandvik ensures responsible recycling through regional partnerships. While China currently dominates recycling capabilities, initiatives are underway to develop facilities in North America, Europe and elsewhere, creating a more efficient network.
Digital innovation supports these efforts through battery passports – tracking systems that monitor life-cycle data and ownership. “This technology enables immediate access to battery usage history and performance metrics through QR code scanning, for example,” says Valkonen.
We are proud to be at the forefront of enabling the fully electric mine of the future.
“As pioneers in mining electrification, we are committed to driving this transformation through continued innovation.”
Steps in the battery value chain
1. Raw material extraction: Mining of lithium, cobalt, nickel, iron ore and other battery materials.
2. Material refinement: Processing for battery production.
3. Cell manufacturing: Battery cell production.
4. System integration: Assembly into battery systems.
5. Primary use: Vehicles and mining equipment.
6. Secondary use: Energy storage solutions.
7. Recycling: Material recovery and reuse.
