Eldorado Gold, a Canadian mining firm, has taken a significant stride towards decarbonizing its operations with a substantial order of ten fully electric equipment assets from Sandvik. This order, placed just before the Christmas break, is valued at approximately SEK 160 million (around $17 million USD). The move follows Eldorado’s initial purchase of two battery electric Sandvik haul trucks last year, indicating a positive experience with the initial units. The company is now expanding its electric fleet from two to twelve units, demonstrating a clear commitment to enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability in its mining operations.
The new electric trucks are set to be deployed at Eldorado Gold’s Lamaque gold mine in Val-d’Or, Québec, beginning in 2026, with the final units arriving in early 2027. While the specific models of the trucks have not been officially disclosed, industry speculation points towards Sandvik’s TH550B electric haul truck. This robust vehicle boasts a payload capacity of 50,000 kg, making it a formidable alternative to diesel trucks. The TH550B is equipped with a substantial 354 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack, designed for several hours of sustained operation under heavy load. Additionally, it features Sandvik’s rapid AutoSwap battery-swapping technology, which allows for quick battery changes to maximize uptime and maintain productivity across long or back-to-back shifts.
Mats Eriksson, President of the business area Mining at Sandvik, expressed pride in expanding the partnership with Eldorado Gold. He stated, “Sandvik BEVs have proven their capability underground at Lamaque, and this order confirms the strength of our battery-electric offering. We are proud to expand our partnership with Eldorado Gold and support their strategy to strengthen efficiency, safety and sustainability in their mining operations.”
This development is part of a broader trend in the mining industry towards electrification and decarbonization. The adoption of battery-electric haul trucks like Sandvik’s is a clear example of a self-propagating feedback loop, where the cleaner the mining industry becomes, the more equipment it needs, and the greater the demand for the raw materials supplied by these very mines. This trend is likely to shape the future of the mining sector, driving innovation and investment in sustainable technologies.
The implications of Eldorado Gold’s decision extend beyond its own operations. It sets a precedent for other mining companies to follow suit, potentially accelerating the transition to electric equipment across the industry. This shift could lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, improved working conditions for miners, and a more sustainable future for the mining sector. As the industry continues to evolve, the role of electric equipment is expected to become increasingly prominent, shaping the development of mining operations worldwide.