Electric Trucks Roll Into Mongolia's Mines

In Mongolia, a new kind of truck is making its debut at the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine. These aren't your average vehicles; they're electric haul trucks that use a unique battery-swapping system. This trial is a big deal because it's the first time these trucks are being used in surface mining operations. The project is a team effort between Rio Tinto and China's State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) Qiyuan. They've set up a fleet of eight massive trucks, each weighing in at 91 tonnes. Along with these trucks, they've installed 13 batteries, a battery swapping station, a static charger, and all the necessary infrastructure to make this trial a success. So, how does this battery-swapping technology work? It's pretty straightforward. Instead of waiting around for a truck to charge, the battery can be swapped out in less than seven minutes. This quick turnaround means less downtime and more efficient operations. It's a smart way to keep things moving and reduce emissions. The trucks will be put to work on tasks like tailings dam construction and topsoil transportation. This hands-on experience will give Rio Tinto valuable insights into operating and maintaining a complete battery electric truck and swap charging system.Ben Woffenden, Rio Tinto's General Manager of Global Equipment and Diesel Transition, highlighted the importance of this trial. He mentioned that partnerships like this one are crucial for advancing low-emission haulage alternatives. By working with companies like SPIC Qiyuan and Tonly, Rio Tinto can quickly identify and adopt cost-effective innovations that support operational excellence and decarbonisation goals. Mr. Guo Peng, General Manager of Qiyuan Green Power, also shared his thoughts. He expressed pride in partnering with Rio Tinto and emphasized the potential of battery-swap solutions in reducing emissions and enhancing operational efficiency. The collaboration aims to explore broader prospects for the mining industry's low-carbon transition. This trial will run through the end of 2026. The data collected will help Rio Tinto identify opportunities for wider adoption of this low-emission technology. With a global fleet of 700 haul trucks, including about 100 small or medium class vehicles, there's significant potential for scaling up this technology.