Hitachi Energy, LKAB and Scania take the next step in electrifying mining operations in Malmberget, Sweden
Hitachi Energy, LKAB and Scania are joining forces to accelerate the electrification of mining operations with autonomous pantograph-down charging solution for electric trucks in an underground mine in Malmberget, Sweden. The project combines LKAB’s experience in mining operations, Scania’s electric heavy-duty vehicles and Hitachi Energy’s expertise in electrification and charging infrastructure to integrate electric transport and automated high-power charging into day-to-day mining operations.
Hitachi Energy’s Grid-eMotion® Fleet charging solution has been configured for the underground mining environment, with a fixed overhead pantograph that automatically connects to the truck for charging. Installed 1,250 m below ground at LKAB’s Malmberget mine, the system will deliver more than 400 kW of charging power, enabling trucks to recharge within minutes during operational stops. With no manual connection or additional ground space required, charging can be integrated directly into the mining operation.
For LKAB, the project represents another step towards electrified and increasingly automated mining operations, while providing valuable experience for the development of the mine of the future.
“To continue mining at great depths in the future, we need to keep developing both technology and ways of working. This initiative is an important step towards a more electrified and automated mine. It also gives us valuable experience as we continue to develop our operations in Malmberget.”
Magnus Abrahamsson, Mine Manager at LKAB in Malmberget
“Electrification is transforming some of industry’s most demanding operations, and mining is a powerful example. Moving heavy-duty transport away from diesel is a fundamental step toward more sustainable mining. Together with LKAB and Scania, we are showing how electric vehicles and automated high-power charging can be integrated into real underground operations, helping accelerate the transition to the next generation of more electrified and automated mines.”
Marco Berardi, Head of Grid & Power Quality Solutions and Service at Hitachi Energy
In Malmberget, Sweden, Scania Pilot Partner is working with LKAB to test electric transport solutions for mining operations. Pantograph charging is part of the broader trial and contributes to the understanding of how the different parts of the solution work together.
“The purpose of Scania Pilot Partner is to learn and develop together with our customers. By testing in real-world operations, we gain a better understanding of their needs and of how new solutions can work together as a complete system. The collaboration with LKAB and Hitachi Energy is an important step in this work.”
Tony Sandberg, Head of Scania Pilot Partner
The first truck is currently being adapted for the new charging system, with commissioning planned for spring 2027. The project will be Hitachi Energy’s first reference installation for charging solutions in the mining segment and will provide experience that can support the electrification of heavy-duty transport applications in mining and other industries.
The delivery builds on a long-standing collaboration between Hitachi Energy and LKAB focused on electrifying and future-proofing mining operations.
Further information:
Hitachi Energy Ltd.
www.hitachienergy.com
