A Cost–Benefit Analysis of Electric Loaders to Reduce Diesel Emissions in Underground Hard Rock Mines

With recent developments in understanding the adverse health effects of diesel particulate matter (DPM) and growing emphasis on sustainability, zero-emission electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly common option in underground mining systems. As exposure regulations become stricter and with potential savings in the cost of ventilation, fuel, and consumables, there is also rising economic incentive to consider alternatives to diesel machinery. As a result, the diesel-electric debate is fundamental to any underground mining company´s triple bottom line. A cost-benefit analysis for electric load haul dump units (eLHDs) was conducted in the context of Western Australian underground hard rock mines. This included a review of the issues affecting the diesel-electric debate and the development of a parametric life-cycle-cost model. The results indicate that eLHDs are not yet a universal solution to all underground mining systems. eLHDs can offer lower operating costs and do contribute many qualitative benefits, particularly with respect to reduced exposure to DPM. However, they also have several drawbacks, primarily associated with trailing cable management. Nevertheless, with a suitable mine design, eLHDs are a viable option and could provide a pathway for zero-emission electric machinery in the Australian mining industry. Preamble -Western Australia is one of the world´s leading mineral provinces. In the 2012-2013 financial year, Western Australia´s mineral and petroleum sales totaled A$102 billion, representing some 42% of Australia´s total merchandise exports. As such, changes to the Western Australian mining industry has national and international economic implications.