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NEWS

EVs to drop emissions,

lift data capture

by Dominic Piper

new generation of battery-powered light vehicles will Created in Safescape’s Bendigo headquarters, the Bortana
A not only reduce emissions but become “computers on EV has been designed specifically for underground mining
wheels” for the underground gold mining sector over the next environments
decade, according to leading data analytics group Mathworks. “It was a no-brainer because it reduces emissions but also
Underground mining stands at the forefront of Australian includes fewer moving parts, which equates to increased up
industry’s adoption of EV technology as gold miners move time, efficiency gains and lower maintenance costs,” Jones
to reduce emissions of diesel particulates and make their said.
operations safer and more productive. However, the arrival of The Bortana EV is based around the Brazilian designed and
high-tech EVs could bring further benefits. built all-terrain Agrale Marruá vehicle.
“I think EVs will be the next big focus in the mining industry,” “The conditions in underground gold mines in Australia means
Stephane Marouani, country manager (Australia) at vehicles are exposed to salt and humidity, meaning they rust
Mathworks told GMJ. “EVs have a lot of sensors on them, out really quickly,” Jones said. “Every panel in the Agrale
they are collecting a lot of data and that will only increase, Marruá is galvanised and the chassis is fully sealed. We put in
making it easier to develop AI-based mining products. EVs will the electric drive train here.
become the enabler of AI in underground mining because it is
“We currently have 10 beta and one alpha vehicles driving around
essentially a big computer on wheels. Sensors can be added
Perth and on mines at the moment, ahead of a roll-out later in
to them rather than having to bring equipment into the mine
2022. We’re looking to roll-out next year.”
separately.”
As part of the testing process, Safescape is
working with Mathworks to model the codes and
systems and mitigate the risk of time-consuming
debugging once the vehicles are launched.
Marouani said the EV rollout on underground
mines would eventually open up new design and
engineering opportunities for industry.
“There are real advantages around safety,
pollution, reliability and performance,” he said.
“And, Australian mining is perfect for EVs, it has
the technology, the engineering capability and
renewable energy with standalone microgrids on
mine sites.
“As a result, the infrastructure will change. The way
ventilation is designed will change and mines will
have to invest in underground charging stations,
especially as batteries go into bigger equipment.
There probably won’t be an immediate reduction
The Safescape workshop in Bendigo where the company is assembling the Bortana in cost but we will begin to see changes in the
EV light vehicle for use in underground gold mines
structure and design of mines.”
Jones agreed, saying Safescape was just
Mathworks has struck up a partnership with Safescape – a
“scratching the surface” with the Bortana EV.
mining services company which has been supplying its
“Once we get these vehicles into mines, it is going to open
Laddertube escapeway product to miners around the world
up a lot of interest in data analytics from the vehicle. It will be
since 2010 – to develop EV light vehicles for the Australian
about monitoring the underground environment as well as
underground mining industry.
equipment performance. EVs will be used like a smart device.”
Brendan Jones, software integration engineer at SafeScape,
said the move into EVs was a leap of faith for the company but
one driven by demand from customers.

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