Sandvik and Byrnecut Partner to Develop Diesel-Electric Mining Equipment
Mining equipment maker Sandvik has announced a partnership with contract miner Byrnecut to develop diesel-electric loaders and trucks aimed at enhancing sustainability and productivity in underground mining operations.
This initiative, formalized at The Electric Mine 2024 conference in Perth, Australia, will tailor equipment to Byrnecut’s specific requirements and optimize its underground activities.
Pat Boniwell, Managing Director of Byrnecut Australia, stated, “Diesel-electric equipment combines the low-maintenance benefits of electric machines with the flexibility of diesel.
Our long-standing association with Sandvik allows us to provide input and feedback that will shape the new Sandvik diesel-electric range, benefiting our customers.”
Diesel-electric machinery offers several advantages over traditional diesel-powered equipment, such as the absence of a torque converter, fewer rotating parts, and a more flexible design. These features contribute to reduced maintenance needs and operational costs while maintaining high availability.
Initially, the partnership will focus on establishing a shared vision for optimizing Sandvik’s diesel-electric machines to meet Byrnecut’s operational needs.
Byrnecut will contribute to the design process and offer feedback during various testing stages, including pre-factory, operational, and trial phases.
Mats Eriksson, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, commented, “We have extensive expertise in both battery-electric and conventional diesel technology within Sandvik, and we believe combining this expertise will lead to new productive solutions for our customers.”
Byrnecut is also exploring different technologies and leveraging innovations to improve safety, reduce costs, and increase productivity and sustainability.
Boniwell noted, “The transition to battery-electric will likely be gradual, with electric, diesel, and potentially diesel-electric machines operating side by side in the meantime.”
Last year, Sandvik introduced AutoMine for Underground Drills, a tele-remote solution for mining operations, further demonstrating its commitment to advancing mining technology.
