Development of a new electric propulsion system adapted to the mining industry

Lead Proponent

Propulsion Québec

Project Objectives

The project will design and develop an electric propulsion system specifically adapted to heavy mining vehicles, along with battery technology and a fast charging infrastructure adapted to mining operations.

A dump truck with a capacity of 40 metric tonnes will be converted to an electric vehicle for the project, and the electrification solutions will be developed to be tested in real conditions in the facilities of the Nouveau Monde Graphite mine (NMG) in Saint-Michel-des-Saints and a quarry operated by Fournier et Fils in Val-d'Or.

The project will be implemented by a consortium, lead by Propulsion Québec and the Innovative Vehicle Institute (IVI), bringing together players in the mining sector from the industrial, institutional and research sectors. The solution will be developed using the guidelines based on new standards from Global Mining Guidelines Group (GMG), an internationally recognized body in the industry.

Expected Results

The anticipated results of this project are to develop a functional prototype that can be used in a 100% electric mine, or other applications, creating a Canadian manufacturing base for vehicles which will contribute to economic growth in the sector.

Anticipated Environmental Benefits

It is expected that by electrifying the type of truck that will be used in this project, it will be possible to realize diesel fuel savings of over 80,000 litres of diesel per truck per year, leading to a reduction of green house gas (GHG) emissions of more than 220 tonnes per year, as well as operational costs reduction.