Agnico Eagle celebrates Québec’s first battery-electric loader
Agnico Eagle Mines has welcomed Québec’s first all-electric Sandvik LH518B underground loader to the LaRonde mining complex’s LZ5 mine. A one-year trial, part of Agnico Eagle Mines’ commitment to carbon neutrality for 2050, will make it possible to assess the technology’s potential for its operations around the world.
Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are gaining popularity across the industry and Agnico Eagle is testing Sandvik LH518B loaders at the LZ5 mine in Québec and the Fosterville mine in Australia. According to Agnico Eagle, the Sandvik BEV stands out for its high load capacity of 18 tonnes.
“Innovation is an important value at Agnico Eagle, so we are proud to contribute to this evolution,” said Luc Girard, superintendent of mining operations at the LZ5 mine. “However, we are in the very beginning of the process, so everything remains to be developed. We are acting like pioneers.”
Sandvik LH518B has dimensions equivalent to the 14-metric-tonne size class, enabling it to fit in a 4.5-by-4.5-meter tunnel. Its ground-up design, powerful electric motors and innovative electric driveline result in a compact size with higher payload capacity and increased visibility. AutoSwap technology minimizes infrastructure needs. Sandvik BEVs do not require overhead cranes or forklifts to hoist or move batteries.
Agnico Eagle and Sandvik maintain a strong partnership to successfully introduce the new technology. During the one-year trial, the LZ5 team will assess loader performance to evaluate possible implementation at Agnico Eagle’s other mines around the world. The teams from LZ5, Fosterville and Sandvik will share their experiences and knowledge when it comes to training plans and mechanical and electrical maintenance for the loaders.
“By developing and delivering battery technology that meets the demanding needs of operating underground, we hope we can support Agnico Eagle’s journey towards net-zero emissions during the coming years,” said Mats Eriksson, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.
Mississauga, Canada, October 31, 2022
For more information, please contact:
Alex Willows
Business Line Manager – Load and Haul
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Email: alex.willows@sandvik.com
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Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a global, high-tech engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining and infrastructure industries. We are at the forefront of digitalization and focus on optimizing our customers’ processes. Our world-leading offering includes equipment, tools, services and digital solutions for machining, mining, rock excavation and rock processing. In 2021 the Group had approximately 39,000 employees and revenues of about 86 billion SEK in about 150 countries within continuing operations.
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, parts, service, digital solutions and sustainability-driving technologies for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling and quarrying. In 2021, sales were approximately 41.4 billion SEK with about 15,500 employees.