After two years of waiting, the Eldorado Gold Québec company, which operates the Lamaque underground mine in Val-d’Or, finally received its ore transport truck. His particuliarity ? The 50-tonne capacity machine is entirely electric. A first for Quebec for this type of equipment.
Purchased at a cost of $4.8 million, including a second battery worth $400,000, the truck represents double the investment of a diesel truck. Martin Pichette, director of operations for Eldorado Gold Quebec, however, assures that the return on the investment will be seen quickly due to a better yield.
“We are still in a testing phase. So it is too early to have precise data, but we already know that the speed is 30% higher because the engine is more powerful and the loading capacity is 50 tons instead of 45 tons with diesel equipment . »
Adopting new technology requires adjustments. Surprisingly, it’s not having to recharge the battery that poses the biggest challenge. “The machine will load and unload ore at the plant a total of 10km 16 times per day. At every cycle, the battery must be changed to the one that has been charged. This maneuver takes approximately four minutes. Being underground, a relatively warm place, does not pose a problem since it is charged thanks to the electricity network in place,” explains the operations director.
It was the layout of the mine itself that was a headache, because the bending radius of the new machine is larger than that of a diesel truck. It therefore needs a larger space to move around easily. “Given that we are in an already built mine, we had to widen in certain places, which is far from simple,” says Martin Pichette.
Driving an electric mining truck is not like driving an electric car. Eldorado Gold Quebec must train its electricians, mechanics and drivers, an operation which should last three months.
Added to this is a health and safety protocol in the event of a breakdown or fire. “We have established a towing procedure, but it is unlikely that a breakdown will occur as there is an auxiliary battery on the machine. Also, there is a built-in automatic fire extinguisher in the event of a battery fire. »
The arrival of this new technology did not cause resistance among workers. “On the contrary, there is rather a feeling of pride in achieving this challenge and adopting a new technology,” says Martin Pichette. It must be said that this truck has the advantage of not raising dust, thus improving air quality and considerably reducing noise.
The machine also allows Eldorado Gold Québec to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A step towards the decarbonization of its activities. “Our goal is to reduce our GHGs by 30% by 2030. We have a responsibility to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, which means reducing our environmental impact. A single electric truck means 200,000 liters less diesel,” specifies Martin Pichette.
Eldorado Gold Québec turned to the Finnish company Sandvik to purchase the truck. For nine months, she will support the mining company full-time to ensure its proper integration. Another electric truck is planned for early February.
