Electric Mining Machines Growth 'will Drive Battery Demand'

The global battery market for mining equipment is poised for expansion, according to a new report from IDTechEx, a market research firm specialising in emerging technology analysis.

The report reveals that large mining excavators, which typically weigh more than 10 tonnes, currently generate nearly half of all emissions from mining machinery. This makes them a primary target for electrification efforts in the mining sector.

IDTechEx's research indicates that mining companies must evaluate multiple factors when considering electric equipment options. The report says charging infrastructure installation at mine sites remains a critical concern for operators. Mining companies must assess whether electric machines can complete a full working shift on one charge, the report continues.

Battery requirements vary significantly between different types of mining equipment, according to the data. The report states that vehicles such as tractors utilise approximately 50% more energy per hour compared to other equipment types. This means they require larger battery capacity than mining light vehicles.

Mining equipment faces NMC battery charging issues

Current battery technologies deployed in mining machines include lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), chemistries that manufacturers have adapted from the automotive sector. However, the report suggests new battery types may prove more suitable for mining applications.

The transition to electric machines presents several technical challenges for mining companies. IDTechEx says mining equipment requires faster charging capabilities than electric cars to minimise operational downtime. This creates a conflict between charging speed and energy density in current battery technologies.

Mining equipment manufacturers are exploring new battery chemistries to address these issues. The report says lithium titanate batteries could provide a solution, as they potentially offer more than 10,000 charging cycles before replacement. This compares to the approximately 5,000 cycles available from current NMC and LFP technologies.

Solid-state batteries 'show underground mining promise'

Safety considerations drive development of new battery technologies for mining equipment. The report's authors say solid-state batteries may provide enhanced safety features. This could prove crucial for machines operating in confined spaces, such as underground loaders or mini excavators.

Manufacturing challenges exist in producing solid-state batteries for mining applications. IDTechEx explains that creating sufficiently thin electrolytes of adequate quality presents difficulties. Maintaining proper connections between electrolytes and electrodes also remains problematic.

Regional variations exist in battery chemistry adoption across the mining sector. The report reveals that European and North American manufacturers predominantly use NMC batteries. Chinese manufacturers typically opt for LFP chemistry. Future technologies under consideration include silicon anode, solid-state, and sodium-ion batteries.

Mining 'must balance power against safety'

The report outlines how the mining industry must balance power requirements against safety considerations. It states that underground mining operations face particular challenges due to confined spaces and ventilation requirements. Battery-powered equipment could reduce ventilation needs in underground mines, the report continues.

Mining companies must also consider the environmental impact of battery production and disposal. The report explains that end-of-life planning for large-scale batteries remains a developing field. This creates both challenges and opportunities for mining companies, as many battery materials require mineral extraction.

"The mining industry's transition to electric machines will require careful evaluation of multiple battery chemistries," says Dr Richard Collins, Technology Analyst at IDTechEx. "No single solution currently meets all the sector's requirements for power, longevity and safety."

E-machines safety drives solid-state development

Safety considerations, meanwhile, are driving development of new battery technologies for construction equipment. The report's authors say solid-state batteries may provide enhanced safety features. This could prove crucial for machines operating in confined spaces, such as underground loaders or mini excavators.

Manufacturing challenges exist in producing solid-state batteries. IDTechEx explains that creating sufficiently thin electrolytes of adequate quality presents difficulties. Maintaining proper connections between electrolytes and electrodes also remains problematic.

Regional variations also exist in battery chemistry adoption. The report reveals that European and North American manufacturers predominantly use NMC batteries. Chinese manufacturers typically opt for LFP chemistry. Future technologies under consideration include silicon anode, solid-state, and sodium-ion batteries.

"The construction industry's transition to electric machines will require careful evaluation of multiple battery chemistries," says Dr Richard Collins, Technology Analyst at IDTechEx. "No single solution currently meets all the sector's requirements for power, longevity and safety."