“Their introduction highlights the potential of automation and electrification in mining. This will enable New Afton’s operations to enhance cycle times and reduce heat, noise, and greenhouse gas emissions at Canada’s only block cave mine,” the company noted.

Such developments show that electric equipment is fully capable of moving dirt and extracting materials from the ground. Meanwhile, the increasing demand for nickel, lithium, and phosphates, along with the natural advantages of electrification, is driving the adoption of electric mining machines.

Additionally, a persistent shortage of operators is further fueling the demand for autonomous technology in these machines.