MacLean Engineering is shaking up the mining industry with its bold foray into surface mining, launching a new division dedicated to battery electric vehicles (EVs). This move, announced on Feb. 27, is a significant expansion of the Collingwood, Ont.-based manufacturer’s portfolio, which has long been synonymous with reliable underground battery electric vehicles. The company is leveraging its 50 years of industry experience and a decade of EV success to tackle the surface mining sector, a market ripe for disruption.
David Jacques, MacLean’s vice-president of surface mining vehicles, underscored the strategic importance of this expansion. “As a company, we turned 50 in 2023 and in 2025 we are also celebrating our 10-year anniversary of our EV Series. Now we are making another decisive move towards providing EV for the surface mining sector around the globe,” he stated. This isn’t just about growth; it’s about leveraging MacLean’s proven expertise to drive innovation in a new arena.
The company’s first product in this new division is the GR8 EV surface grader, already secured by Fortescue, an Australian mining giant aiming to eliminate fossil fuels from its iron ore operations by 2030. This partnership is a testament to the growing demand for sustainable mining solutions and MacLean’s capability to deliver them. Fortescue’s ambitious goal aligns perfectly with MacLean’s vision, setting a precedent for other mining companies to follow suit.
MacLean’s entry into the surface mining sector is not just about introducing new products; it’s about challenging the status quo. The mining industry has long relied on diesel-powered equipment, but the environmental and economic costs are becoming increasingly untenable. MacLean’s EV solutions offer a viable alternative, promising reduced emissions, lower operating costs, and enhanced operational efficiency. This shift could catalyze a broader industry transformation, pushing other manufacturers to innovate and adapt.
The company’s strategic locations—headquarters in Collingwood, a sales and service centre in Sudbury, and a research and training facility in Lively—position it well to support its global customers. These facilities will be crucial in driving research, development, and training initiatives, ensuring that MacLean’s EV technology remains at the forefront of the industry.
MacLean’s expansion into surface mining EVs is more than just a business move; it’s a statement of intent. It signals a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and leadership in the mining sector. As MacLean rolls out additional machines, it will undoubtedly spark a wave of change, challenging traditional practices and inspiring others to embrace cleaner, more efficient technologies. This move could reshape the mining industry’s approach to sustainability, pushing it towards a greener, more technologically advanced future. The ripple effects of this news will be felt far and wide, from regulatory changes to shifts in consumer expectations, and could accelerate the global transition to electric vehicles in mining.
