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Hitachi Energy, LKAB and Scania are joining forces to drive the electrification of mining operations with an autonomous charging solution with a downward pantograph for electric trucks at LKAB’s mine in Malmberget. The project combines LKAB’s experience in mining, Scania’s electric heavy-duty vehicles and Hitachi Energy’s expertise in electrification and charging infrastructure to integrate electric transport and automated high-power charging into daily mining operations.
Electrification of heavy transport is an important part of reducing the mining industry’s dependence on fossil fuels. Hitachi Energy’s Grid-eMotion® Fleet charging solution has been adapted for the underground mining environment, with a fixed, overhead pantograph that automatically connects to the truck for charging. The system will be installed at a depth of 1,250 m in LKAB’s mine in Malmberget and will deliver over 400 kW of charging power, making it possible to charge the trucks in a few minutes during regular breaks. Since no manual connection or additional land area is needed, the charging can be integrated directly into the mining operations.
For LKAB, the project represents another step towards electrified and increasingly automated mining, while at the same time providing valuable experience for the development of the mine of the future. “In order to be able to conduct mining at great depths in the future as well, we need to continue to develop both technology and working methods. This investment is an important step towards a more electrified and automated mine. At the same time, it gives us valuable experience as we continue to develop the operations in Malmberget,” said Magnus Abrahamsson, Mine Manager at LKAB in Malmberget.
“The transition to fully electrified mining requires close collaboration between different industries. Together with LKAB and Scania, we show how leading technology, innovation and strong partnerships can accelerate the energy transition. By combining autonomous charging infrastructure with electric mining vehicles, we are helping to pave the way for a safer, more productive and sustainable future for the mining industry,” said Tobias Hansson, CEO of Hitachi Energy in Sweden.
In Malmberget, Scania Pilot Partner collaborates with LKAB to evaluate electric transport solutions for mining. The pantograph charge is part of the broader experiment and contributes to the understanding of how the different parts of the solution work together.
“The purpose of Scania Pilot Partner is to learn and develop together with our customers. By testing in real operation, we gain a better understanding of the needs and of how new solutions can work as a whole. The collaboration with LKAB and Hitachi Energy is an important step in that work,” said Tony Sandberg, Head of Scania Pilot Partner.
The first truck is now being adapted for the new charging system, with planned commissioning in spring 2027. The project will be Hitachi Energy’s first global reference facility for charging solutions in the mining segment and will provide experience that can support the electrification of heavy transport in the mining and other industries. The delivery builds on a long-standing collaboration between Hitachi Energy and LKAB with a focus on electrifying and future-proofing mining operations.
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