Global mining services provider Perenti and Sandvik have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL 2024 to collaborate on the development of advanced diesel-electric equipment for underground mining. This partnership aims to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and productivity in underground operations.
Under the agreement, the two companies will work together to optimize underground diesel-electric loaders and trucks. Leveraging Perenti’s leading underground mining business, Barminco, the collaboration will focus on improving operations and generating valuable insights to refine Sandvik’s diesel-electric technology.
The initial phase involves creating a shared vision for optimizing Sandvik’s diesel-electric machines to meet Perenti’s specific requirements. Perenti will contribute to machine design and provide feedback during various testing stages, including pre-factory testing, operational testing, and trial testing.
Diesel-electric mining equipment is increasingly recognized in the industry as a cleaner, more sustainable, and reliable alternative, avoiding the structural changes needed for fully electric operations.
Last year, Sandvik announced its commitment to developing a diesel-electric range of underground loaders and trucks to complement its leading battery-electric offerings. This decision followed the demonstration of Sandvik’s Toro™ diesel-electric truck to customers during a technology workshop in Turku, Finland, in 2022.
