Electrifying Open Pits: The Challenges and Opportunities of Going Battery-Powered

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Sarah de Vries (Principal Consultant) is joined by Paul Lucey, Director at Project 412, to discuss the state of play for electrification in open pit haulage.

With a background spanning autonomy, AI, and future mining systems, Paul brings a clear-eyed perspective to the evolving technology landscape - from ultraclass battery-electric trucks and hybrids, to the infrastructure hurdles that come with ditching diesel.

Episode Highlights: 

0:04 – Introduction: Meet Sarah de Vries and Paul Lucey 0:45 – Battery-electric trucks: Are they ready for open pit mining? 1:29 – The real challenge: Charging infrastructure, not the trucks 3:00 – Why supporting infrastructure costs more than the trucks themselves 4:01 – What's happening with battery chemistries (LTO, LFP, NMC)? 4:22 – Can dynamic charging replace traditional trolley assist? 5:17 – Why relocatable charging systems might be the future 5:46 – Are diesel-electric hybrids a smarter near-term solution? 7:06 – Why 2027 is a critical milestone for implementation 8:11 – Why underground is ahead — and what’s holding open pits back 8:47 – Smart fleet management: the low-hanging fruit for emissions cuts 9:44 – Adding AI to your trucks: 7–15% efficiency gains 10:06 – Closing thoughts

Whether you're planning decarbonisation strategies, watching battery tech evolve, or just want to know where things really stand - this episode is packed with practical insight.

Contact: If you would like to contact either Sarah or Paul: contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com

More info: https://snowdenoptiro.com

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Who we are: Snowden Optiro is a resources consulting and advisory group that provides independent advice, consulting and training to mining and exploration companies, their advisors and investors.

We help mine developers to advance their projects, mining companies to improve their operations and their professionals, and investors to de-risk their investments by the provision of quality advice, training and software in the field of Mineral Resources and Mineral/Ore Reserves.

For training or consulting enquiries: training(at)snowdenoptiro.com contact(at)snowdenoptiro.com

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