The Journey Towards Underground Electrification

Deep beneath the earth’s surface, where the noise of diesel engines reverberates through tunnels and the air is filled with exhaust fumes, a quiet revolution is taking place. The underground mining industry, long- associated with heavy machinery and large diesel engines, is transforming into something cleaner, quieter, less polluting, and sustainable. The transition to fully electric machinery is already in progress.

Introducing the benefits of underground electrification

In the heart of the mine, fully electric drill rigs are using precise movements to perforate the ground, without the release of emissions or the roar of diesel engines. Moreover, the power required for this process is now being supplied by modern batteries, often Li-Ion, or by direct grid connection. Similarly, all-electric explosive charging rigs are already inprogressing the next phase of development, performing explosives charging.

The latest of these machines is not only fully electric, but also fitted with robotics to perform the explosives charging semi-autonomously with robotic arms. No longer is it necessary for miners to manually handle explosives at the front of the tunnel face. With advanced automation and robotics, human exposure to risk can be minimised, demonstrating a significant leap forward in terms of both safety and efficiency.

The shift towards fully electric mining machinery extends far beyond drilling and explosives charging. The largest underground machinery is pushing the limits of what modern battery and electrification technologies can achieve, hauling rock and ore out of the mine cost effectively, quietly, and emission-free – a testament to what Li-Ion batteries can achieve today. Combined with autonomous driving systems, these machines are up-to-date with high-tech solutions. All of a sudden, mining machinery is pioneering the adoption of the latest and greatest technologies.

 

This is a preview of an article that was originally published in the September 2025 issue of Global Mining Review. Subscribe to Global Mining Review for free to read this article in full and many more here.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/special-reports/07112025/the-journey-towards-underground-electrification/