The Onaping Depth Project, currently under construction and expected to come on-stream in 2023/24, is collaborating with EV-producers to ensure all parties are fully prepared for an all-electric mining operation.
Just a few years ago, Sudbury INO was at a point where without further investment, the site’s mines were expected to reach the end of their life cycle as early as 2023.
Onaping Depth held potential opportunity to extend Sudbury INO’s mine life; however, it demanded a commitment to innovation given the depth of the deposits.
At 2,600 metres deep, a major portion of the expected operating costs for the mine infrastructure is for the energy used to power the ventilation required to eliminate exhaust contaminants, as well as the heat and the refrigeration needed to maintain reasonable temperatures.
The Onaping Depth project will be equipped with digital technologies such as real-time remote management, monitoring, and control from surface. Innovative safety systems will be integrated into the operation in addition to mine-wide Wi-Fi communication between employees and from underground to surface.
New technology will be applied to critical ventilation and cooling systems, where the ambient rock temperature can reach 40°C at depth.
The battery electric vehicles to be used at the project will also be an effective system to save energy compared to a diesel-fueled operation. The usage of electric-operated mobile fleet will eliminate the return air ventilation ramp, fresh air raise, ventilation fans, and ore passes.
Caterpillar, the world’s largest construction equipment manufacturer, has been testing the proof-of-concept battery electric R1300 at Sudbury INO with the machine running in trials alongside its diesel equivalent. Caterpillar used the insight gained from its proof-of-concept testing to develop the R1700 XE – its first commercial battery electric Load-Haul-Dump (LHD).
In 2019, the first components of a unique all battery electric fleet of vehicles were also delivered to the Onaping Depth Project site, with four vehicles already in regular operation. Two battery electric flat decks are currently in operation, with one serving as the water truck for ramp maintenance. In addition, two utility vehicles have been made available for project personnel movement throughout the mine.
EVs have no emissions, resulting in less pollutants and improved occupational health benefits. They are quieter to operate, experience less wear and tear, and have lower maintenance needs due to their simpler machinery.
Using EVs, Sudbury INO’s new mine will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44% and deliver considerable cost savings through reduced fuel and energy usage.
It is estimated that within a few years, most new mobile equipment purchased for underground will be battery electric, with zero emissions. The benefits of battery electric power in an underground mining operation are numerous. Zero diesel emissions result in a smaller environmental footprint and fewer health concerns for employees. There will also be greater energy efficiency in operating the fleet of mobile equipment. When it comes to ventilation and cooling, normally one of the biggest portions of a mine’s overall energy cost, the savings will be substantial.
When completed, the deep mine project will provide a significant new source of high-grade nickel ore beyond year 2035.
More: Glencore
