Sandvik to Deploy Battery-Swap Mining Rigs at Eldorado Gold

Eldorado Gold is advancing its sustainability goals with a new order for ten fully electric mining machines from Sandvik. These assets are specifically designed to reduce emissions at the mine site. The equipment utilizes a battery-swap system, allowing vehicles to operate continuously without long charging delays. Scheduled for deployment later this year, this initiative marks a significant shift toward green mining technology. The collaboration between the Canadian mining firm and the equipment manufacturer underscores the industry's commitment to environmental stewardship. This project will likely serve as a practical example of how large-scale mining operations can integrate electric vehicles into their fleets effectively.

The collaboration between Eldorado Gold and Sandvik represents a pivotal moment in mining electrification. By securing ten fully electric assets, the mining firm is demonstrating a concrete commitment to reducing its environmental impact. Sandvik, recognized for its expertise in mining technology, is providing the hardware necessary to facilitate this transition. The order includes a mix of electric haul trucks and loaders tailored for underground operations.

Key aspects of this partnership include:

• The acquisition of ten distinct electric units
• Deployment scheduled for the current year
• A focus on fully electric, zero-emission machinery

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize mining fleets and adhere to stricter environmental standards. The move away from diesel-powered equipment helps improve air quality underground and reduces the mine's overall carbon footprint.

Central to this deployment is the battery-swap technology. Unlike standard electric vehicles that require plug-in charging, these mining rigs are designed for rapid battery exchange. This approach solves one of the biggest challenges in heavy equipment electrification: downtime. Traditional charging can halt operations for hours, but swapping a battery takes only minutes.

Benefits of the battery-swap system include:

• Continuous Operation: Vehicles can return to work almost immediately after a swap.
• Flexibility: Operations are not tied to charging station locations or availability.
• Efficiency: Maximizes the utilization rate of expensive mining equipment.

By utilizing this technology, Eldorado Gold ensures that productivity remains high while still leveraging the benefits of electric power. This operational model is becoming increasingly popular in heavy industry as it bridges the gap between sustainability goals and production targets.

Decarbonization is the primary driver behind Eldorado Gold's new investment. The mining sector faces increasing pressure to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to fully electric equipment is a direct response to these challenges. The ten new assets from Sandvik will eliminate tailpipe emissions at the point of use.

The environmental benefits extend beyond just emissions reduction:

• Reduced heat generation underground, improving working conditions.
• Lower noise levels compared to diesel engines.
• Decreased reliance on fossil fuels.

This project serves as a practical application of green technology in a resource-intensive industry. It highlights how strategic investments in equipment can lead to tangible environmental improvements. As the deployment date approaches later this year, the industry will be watching closely to measure the success of this electric transition.

The Eldorado Gold and Sandvik deal may signal a broader trend within the mining industry. As technology matures, fully electric fleets are becoming a viable option for major mining operations. The success of this deployment could encourage other firms to follow suit, accelerating the adoption of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) globally.

Future implications include:

• Increased demand for battery-swap infrastructure.
• Standardization of electric mining equipment.
• Further innovation in battery density and longevity.

Ultimately, this initiative positions Eldorado Gold as a forward-thinking leader in the resources sector. By adopting Sandvik's advanced technology, they are not only improving their current operations but also paving the way for a more sustainable future in mining.