Introducing BEVs can offer many benefits such as improvements to the working environment, reductions in ventilation costs, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. However, they also present new challenges for mine operators regarding infrastructure requirements, and maintenance and operating constraints.
This guideline intends to provide recommended practices and a holistic discussion about the benefits, drawbacks, and planning needed to design for and implement battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in existing and new underground mines. This guideline can also be used to help provide a path forward for OEM, battery manufacturer, and charger manufacturer research and development efforts. This guideline aims to strike an appropriate balance between standardization and innovation by providing key considerations, questions to ask, and guidance on where to look for further information.
This project is led by The Electric Mine Working Group.
This version expands on the first two versions of this guideline, which were developed in partnership with Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC). Key additions include further information on fire safety, improved navigation and structure, and new content on automated connection interfaces.
This guideline is now published! Thank you to all the volunteers who contributed to this valuable tool for the industry as BEV technology grows and evolves. Read it here. You can contribute to the guideline’s adoption by sharing it with others in your company, sharing your experiences, and participating in further work on this topic.
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