Volvo Trucks and Boliden collaborate on deployment of underground electric trucks for mining

Rhea-AI Summary

Volvo Trucks collaborates with mining company Boliden to introduce battery-electric trucks for underground transport, marking a significant step towards sustainable mining.

Starting in 2023, Boliden aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030, and the use of these electric trucks could decrease emissions by over 25% at the Kankberg mine. The initial Volvo FH Electric truck will transport equipment underground. This partnership enhances Volvo's electric truck offerings, aligning with their goal to achieve 50% electric sales by 2030.

Positive

• Collaboration with Boliden could lead to a reduction of CO2 emissions by over 25% at Kankberg mine.
• Initiative aligns with Volvo's goal of 50% electric truck sales by 2030.
• Electric trucks improve workplace safety and lower noise levels.

Negative

• None.

Volvo Trucks and mining company Boliden now joining forces to implement electric truck transport in underground environments.

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Swedish mining group Boliden is becoming one of the first in the world to start using battery-electric trucks for heavy underground transport starting 2023. In mining environments, the electric trucks can deliver several big advantages – including no exhaust emissions, a safer workplace, and quieter working conditions.

The mining industry is today going through a period of rapid change, with many players shifting to more sustainable production methods to provide metals with a lower climate footprint. Just like in many other mines, exhaust gases from diesel vehicles are responsible for the majority of the carbon dioxide emissions from Boliden's mines. The company is committed to reducing its CO2 emissions by 40 percent by 2030*, and for Boliden to achieve its climate goals, electrification of transport will play a critical role.

The new cooperation agreement between Boliden and Volvo Trucks means that two heavy, electric Volvo trucks will be used in Boliden's Kankberg mine, outside Skellefteå in northern Sweden. If all trucks in the mine were to be electric, the CO2 emissions from the mine could be reduced by more than 25 percent.

"This is an exciting collaboration in an environment with very tough demands; steep slopes, heavy loads and humid air that wears on the vehicles," says Jessica Lindholm, project manager at Volvo Trucks. "The collaboration with Boliden will give us valuable knowledge about the performance of electric trucks when driven underground, and provide answers to questions about how the driveline and batteries are affected. Reduced carbon dioxide emissions for mining transport also means that we, indirectly, will reduce our own CO2 emissions, because the mining industry's raw materials are used in our trucks."

The first truck to serve the Kankberg mine, a Volvo FH Electric, will be used to transport rock bolts and other equipment down into the mine and will be put into service in 2023. Based on the experience with the first truck, another Volvo FH Electric will later be put into operation and used for underground transport of rock and ore.

"We see the collaboration with Volvo as a fantastic opportunity to push the electric technology forward and at the same time learn how to adapt our operations for a transition to fossil-free underground transport. A major benefit of the trucks is that they will contribute to a more sustainable mine, both in terms of emissions and also the working environment for our employees", comments Dennis Forslund, project manager at Boliden. "In addition, the total amount of energy consumed in the mine will be lower as electric drive is more energy efficient than a diesel engine, and it is possible to capture the electricity regenerated during engine braking on downhill slopes."

Volvo Trucks offers the industry's widest range of electric trucks, with six electric truck models in series production, and is the market leader in heavy electric trucks in Europe and the USA. The company's electric trucks can cover many different transport needs, ranging from urban distribution and refuse disposal to regional transport and construction traffic. Volvo's goal is that 50% of its new trucks sold in 2030 should be electric.

About Boliden
Boliden is a metals company with a focus on sustainable development. Its roots are Nordic, the market global. The core competence lies within the fields of exploration, mining, smelting and metal recycling. Boliden has around 6,000 employees and annual sales of approximately SEK 85 billion. The share is listed in the Large Cap segment on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm.

*Scope 1 and 2, compared to 2021

March 21, 2023

For further information, please contact:
Jan Strandhede
Media Relations Director, Volvo Trucks
jan.strandhede@volvo.com
+46 31 3233715, +46 765 533715 

Press images and films are available in the Volvo Trucks image and film gallery at http://images.volvotrucks.com/

Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,300 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2022 approximately 145,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks' work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/39/3737536/1929187.pdf	230321-volvo-group-volvo-trucks-and-boliden-collaborate-on-deployment-of-underground-electric-trucks-for-mining-en
https://news.cision.com/ab-volvo/i/volvotrucks-230321,c3158079	VolvoTrucks 230321

 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/volvo-trucks-and-boliden-collaborate-on-deployment-of-underground-electric-trucks-for-mining-301777010.html

SOURCE AB Volvo

FAQ

What is the collaboration between Volvo Trucks and Boliden about?

Volvo Trucks and Boliden are collaborating to implement battery-electric trucks for underground transport in mining, starting in 2023.

How much can CO2 emissions be reduced at Boliden's Kankberg mine?

The use of electric trucks could reduce CO2 emissions by over 25% at Boliden's Kankberg mine.

What is the target for Volvo Trucks' electric truck sales by 2030?

Volvo Trucks aims for 50% of its new trucks sold to be electric by 2030.

When will the first electric truck be deployed in Boliden's mine?

The first Volvo FH Electric truck is set to be deployed in 2023.

What benefits do electric trucks provide in mining environments?

Electric trucks offer no exhaust emissions, increased workplace safety, and quieter operating conditions.