South32 Chooses Sandvik for Largest Battery-Electric Mining Fleet in Critical Minerals Project

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has secured its largest battery-electric vehicle (BEV) order to date, marking a significant advancement in the transition toward sustainable mining operations. The order comes from globally diversified mining company South32, which is developing the Hermosa Project in Arizona — a next-generation underground mine focused on producing critical minerals like zinc and manganese.

A Landmark Order: 22 Battery-Electric Vehicles for Underground Mining

The Hermosa Project will receive 22 battery-electric units from Sandvik as part of a broader 42-unit underground equipment fleet. This delivery, confirmed in Q2 2025, includes:

• 6 Sandvik DS412iE bolters
• 5 Sandvik DD422iE development drills
• 4 Sandvik DL422iE longhole drills
• 4 Toro® LH518iB loaders
• 3 Toro® TH665iB trucks (AutoMine®-ready for autonomous operation)

In addition, South32 has ordered 20 conventional underground machines, with the possibility of converting some to BEV models in the future. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2026 and continue through 2030.

Why This Battery-Electric Fleet Matters

The shift to battery-electric vehicles is more than just a technological upgrade — it’s a strategic move toward reducing carbon emissions, lowering fuel and ventilation costs, and enhancing underground working conditions. According to Sandvik, their BEVs offer:

• Zero underground diesel emissions
• Lower operating and maintenance costs
• Longer equipment lifespan
• Improved safety and productivity

“Sandvik BEVs will help contribute to an increased supply of critical minerals, supporting the continued electrification of society and global green transition,” said Mats Eriksson, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.

Hermosa: A Next-Gen Mining Project with Global Impact

Located in southern Arizona’s Patagonia Mountains, the Hermosa Project is set to become the only advanced U.S. mine capable of producing both battery-grade manganese and zinc — two federally recognized critical minerals.

South32’s Hermosa site is designed to be a multi-decade operation featuring:

• A zinc-lead-silver deposit
• A battery-grade manganese deposit
• Extensive exploration potential for copper, silver, and polymetallic minerals

“This is the only zinc deposit of its size discovered in the last decade, and only 6% of zinc is currently mined in the U.S.,” noted Pat Risner, President of South32 Hermosa. “Zinc is essential for wind turbines, solar panels, and transmission systems.”

Designing a Sustainable Mine: Technology, Automation, and Dry-Stack Tailings

South32 is positioning Hermosa as its first “next-generation mine,” built with automation, digital systems, and minimal environmental impact in mind. The underground operation will feature:

• Battery-electric fleets for zero-emission hauling
• Dry-stack tailings to reduce water use and environmental risk
• A compact underground design to minimize surface disturbance
• Automation systems like AutoMine® for enhanced efficiency

“We’re committed to sustainable development and targeting net-zero operational emissions,” said Risner. “The battery-electric fleet supports our ambition for Hermosa to set a new benchmark in mining sustainability.”

Key Takeaways for the Mining Industry

• Electrification of mining fleets is rapidly becoming standard in new underground operations.
• Battery-electric vehicles reduce environmental impact while improving safety and total cost of ownership.
• Projects like Hermosa show how critical mineral supply chains can be reshaped with clean technology.
• Equipment manufacturers like Sandvik are playing a pivotal role in the mining sector’s decarbonization.

This summary is based on the original article by International Mining. Read the full article here: Link