A mining services company became one of the industry’s first to transition away from fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
Mineral Resources (MinRes) recently ordered Toyota Hilux electric vehicle conversions for multiple mine sites.
The proponent claimed each ute’s diesel-powered drivetrain would be replaced with a 99 kilowatt per hour battery, delivering a 380km maximum range. This is promised to decarbonise its Koolyanobbing iron ore mine and other Western Australian operations.
The batteries, manufactured by Gold Coast-based MEVCO and US-headquartered SEA Electric, take less than 60 minutes to recharge to 80 per cent capacity when using fast DC technology. They are also touted to have a 10-year lifespan and come with a five year factory warranty.
The vehicles emit no noise, fumes, heat or vibrations making them safe for underground environments.
The first batch will be delivered sometime in April 2023.
The employer previously introduced electric light trucks and electric road trains to help meet its 2050 net zero target. It also announced a new 2.1 megawatt solar array and battery system at the Wonmunna Project to meet 30 per cent of the site’s energy needs.
“MEVCO electric utes are just one of the many ways we are driving towards net zero and an exciting step in our decarbonisation journey,” MinRes mining services CEO Mike Grey said in a public statement.
“Battery technologies are key to a clean energy future and MinRes is playing a significant role in achieving this global goal. As the world races towards decarbonisation we are part of the journey because it is not just good business but the right thing to do.”
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