Rana Gruber has selected Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions to supply a fleet of 19 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), including trucks, loaders and drills, for its iron ore operations in Storforshei in northern Norway (Figure 3). The agreement underpins Rana Gruber\u2019s aim to operate the world\u2019s first carbon-free iron ore mine by the end of 2025.<\/p>\n
Sandvik\u2019s second-largest battery-electric mining fleet to date will include six Sandvik TH550B trucks, five Sandvik LH518B loaders, four Sandvik DL422iE longhole drills, two Sandvik DS412iE mechanical bolters and two Sandvik DD422iE jumbos. Delivery of the equipment has begun during first quarter of 2023 and is planned to continue through 2024. Sandvik will also provide on-site service support and batteries.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re proud that our mining operations already have among the industry\u2019s lowest CO2<\/sub> footprints but we have even higher ambitions to completely eliminate our carbon emissions,\u201d said Gunnar Moe, Chief Executive Officer of Rana Gruber. \u201cWe have a crystal-clear decarbonization strategy. When we announced our 2025 goal in 2020, many did not believe it would be possible, but we\u2019re taking another major step forward partnering with Sandvik to implement a battery-electric fleet that will improve our work environment and reduce our operational costs. Most importantly, BEVs will help us achieve our ambitious goals for carbon-free mining.\u201d<\/p>\n Moe said Sandvik\u2019s philosophy around batteries and approach to battery safety was an important factor in Rana Gruber\u2019s selection process.<\/p>\n Established in 1964, Rana Gruber produces approximately 1.8 Mt\/a of iron ore concentrates from its five deposits in Norway\u2019s Dunderland Valley. Its resource base includes more than 440 Mt of iron ore.<\/p>\n Sandvik has supplied underground equipment to Rana Gruber for more than 25 years. The companies signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen their partnership in November 2021. Trans4Mine, Sandvik\u2019s in-house consultancy, conducted studies and simulations to advise Rana Gruber on BEV fleet requirements, charging station locations and other mining cycle optimizations, resulting in a letter of intent in November 2022.<\/p>\n \u201cBEVs have demonstrated their power to reduce a mining operation\u2019s carbon footprint,\u201d said Mats Eriksson, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. \u201cRana Gruber is a pioneer in the mining electrification shift in Europe, and we look forward to supporting their battery-electric transition.\u201d<\/p>\n