Electrification in mining: safety, lower costs, and reduced emissions
18 NOVEMBER 2025
The mining industry is undergoing a shift from diesel-powered machines to electric alternatives. With increasing pressure to reduce emissions, improve working conditions, and lower operating costs, battery-electric equipment is becoming a practical solution for underground operations.
Why go electric in mining?
The shift to electric mining equipment is being driven by both external pressures and the need to solve long-standing operational challenges. Electrification offers clear solutions to key issues:
- Reducing emissions and meeting regulatory demands
Mining companies face growing pressure to decarbonize. Electrification eliminates diesel emissions, supporting compliance with stricter environmental standards and improving the carbon footprint of extracted materials.
- Improving health, safety, and underground working conditions
Diesel-powered machines emit harmful gases, heat, and noise, which negatively affect air quality and require extensive ventilation. Electric machines create a cleaner, quieter, and safer work environment, with reduced fire risk and lower temperatures.
- Lowering operating and energy costs
Lowering the energy use by reducing ventilation demands is an important cost saver for mine operators. Further on, fuel and maintenance expenses are also large cost drivers in mining. Battery-electric vehicles reduce these costs significantly. Electric systems also simplify maintenance and extend equipment lifespans.
According to McKinsey, energy cost savings of 40% to 70% are achievable in mining through electrification.
Better air quality and cost savings
Let’s go a bit deeper into one of the drivers above, the health and safety improvements. Underground mines rely on machines like drill rigs, loaders, and mine trucks. Traditionally powered by diesel, these machines generate emissions, heat, and noise, all of which require extensive ventilation to manage. Electrification changes that. By switching to battery-electric equipment, ventilation needs are significantly reduced, lowering energy costs. Air quality improves, along with lower temperatures and noise levels. Deeper mining becomes more feasible, as electric machines eliminate the challenge of ventilating diesel emissions at depth. This results in a better business case and a safer, more efficient working environment.
Safer mines through electric powertrains
Safety is a critical factor in mining. Reducing the risk of fire, particularly in confined underground environments, is one of the key advantages of electric powertrains. Battery systems must also be able to withstand harsh conditions, including high vibration, impact, dust, and heat. Scania’s Core battery system is built with these requirements in mind. It is modular, robust, and designed for demanding industrial use.
Real world usage of Epiroc battery electric equipment in mining
Epiroc, a world leading productivity partner for mining and infrastructure industries, has been operating battery-electric machines with this technology since 2018, now present on all major continents. These include battery-electric loaders such as the Scooptram ST14 SG, drill rigs like the Boomer M20 SG, and mine trucks including the Minetruck MT42 SG. The BEV equipment unlock features such as higher productivity, positive impact on ventilation, and improve health, work environment and safety conditions for operators.
Reducing the carbon impact of mines
Electrification also improves the carbon footprint of the mine and ultimately the materials being extracted. Case studies in some of the largest mines globally have shown that diesel-powered mining vehicles can account for up to 80% of the mine’s direct emissions, depending on geography and commodity (ICMM). Changing this equipment to battery-powered vehicles, charged by clean energy, can therefore significantly reduce the total direct emissions generated at a mine site. A positive outcome for the entire value chain, and ultimately, the planet.
Batteries from Scania made for mining
Scania’s Core Series batteries are specifically developed for electric loaders and other off-road vehicles operating in mining. Mining was the first segment we started to electrify, hence we have extensive knowledge within mining. Our batteries offer a balance of high power, energy density, and rugged design, making them well-suited for heavy-duty applications in mining.
The Core 800 features 97 kWh of installed energy, a nominal voltage of 691 V, and advanced liquid cooling, along with Scania’s proprietary battery management system, for optimal performance and safety. It’s little sister, the Core 700, is rated at 85 kWh and 605 V nominal voltage. Both 700 and 800 are built to resist vibration, dust, harsh working conditions, and are, of course, CE and UN certified.
Fast-charging capability reaching 10% to 80% state of charge in just 46 minutes helps minimize downtime in a demanding environment like mine, while compact dimensions (834×554×835 mm and 834×554×930 mm) support flexible installation across a range of vehicle platforms.
Battery-electric machines in use in new and existing mines
Battery-electric machines are already being used in mines worldwide, and many of the 3800 products we delivered are currently in operation underground. They reduce emissions, improve safety, and lower operating costs. For new mines, going fully electric from day one is increasingly common. For existing mines, retrofitting and phased transitions are viable strategies.
As mentioned above, Scania’s Core battery system is developed to meet the operational demands of mining environments and support the shift to cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective operations underground.
Are you looking to electrify your industrial machinery? Read more about the Core here.
