Glencore, Newcrest & Vale back BluVein’s mining vehicle tech

Share
All-star line-up including Glencore, Newcrest and Vale to back BluVein’s proposed mining vehicle technology as project advances industry sustainability

When seven of the largest global mining companies come together to fund a project, you know it’s bound to turn some heads. BluVein’s “next-generation trolley-charging technology” designed for heavy mining vehicles is the promising project in question set to receive financial assistance from some of the biggest names in the business. 

Currently advancing with its final system development and technology demonstration plans in Brisbane, Australia, BluVein’s project is hoping to provide the foundations required for the future of battery-electric vehicles used within the mining industry to make them lighter, more efficient, and able to utilise new and advanced technologies. 

Currently, four mining vehicle manufacturers have agreed to adopt the innovative controls, and game-changing hardware integration into their own company vehicles as major mining powerhouses such as Vale, AngloGold Ashanti, Newcrest, and Glencore all join the project as partners, with more expected to invest in the near future. 

Mining vehicle technology holds the potential to innovate underground efficiency

As a joint endeavour between Australian engineering company Olitek and infrastructure business EVIAS, BluVein plans to adapt EVIAS’s original charging technology to suit electrified public highways that could potentially benefit the future of mining vehicle operations. By applying the technology to existing mining vehicles, future operations would, in theory, become more efficient due to the lighter battery-electric transportation connected to the mine site grid via an ingress protection-rated slotted rail system. This would  result in eliminating the risk of exposed voltage conductors and ensuring electrical regulations in underground mines are successfully met. 

The electric motors are powered, and on-board batteries charged, by an installed power distribution unit and new Hammer™ technology. BluVein hopes its mining vehicle project, created specifically with the harsh mining environments in mind, will enable other companies to bypass battery swapping and the need to procure heavier batteries required for the successful operation of the sector’s largest diesel-powered machinery. Ultimately, this would reduce emissions and decrease the industry’s carbon footprint. 

An all-star line-up for a project with an impressive outlook for success

The big names involved include:

Although the technology has been flagged for immediate use in underground mines, the company hasn’t ruled out the possibility it could be applied to transportation used in open-pit and quarrying activities and operations. With installation expected to be trialled sometime next year, and the project set to be managed by the Canadian Mining Innovation Council, BluVein’s exciting new mining vehicle tech looks to be a win for the entire sector.

Share

Featured Articles

Intel Ridding its Supply Chain of Conflict Minerals

Intel first began to work towards responsibly sourced conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries about 12 years

IEF on 'Paradox' of Mining's Role in Quest for Clean Energy

International Energy Forum says mining is the 'paradox' at heart of quest for clean energy but recognises the industry is addressing sustainability issues

ABB Reduces its Industrial e-Waste Impact

Leading global engineering company ABB – with strong mining presence – cuts industrial e-waste by promoting reuse and recycling in a push for circularity

Mining Automation Drives Efficiency and Safety Gains

Digital Mining

New Schneider SBS Energy Solution for Mining Sector

Smart Mining

Mining Conflicts Hit Communities As Battery Demand Soars

Sustainability