TRITEV EV shown to underground mining industry

The TRITEV underground mine electric vehicle (EV) has been showcased at an event in Newcastle in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley

The vehicle, revealed in @AuManufacturing in October, is believed to be the first fully battery electric retrofit 20 tonne loader suitable for deployment into underground hard rock mines.

It was developed by battery technology company 3ME Technology, Batt Mobile Equipment (BME) and Tritton Underground (Aeris Resources) with support from mining equipment industry growth centre METS Ignited.

The vehicle was developed alongside Safescape’s Bortana Electric Vehicle. a rugged utility vehicle launched in 2019.

3ME Technology’s CEO Justin Bain who unveiled the TRITEV at the event said: “The TRIEV has been the result of a heavily collaborative effort.

“Whilst it’s been a challenging integration process we’ve enjoyed working closely with all parties and we are now in position to replicate these models at scale.”

3ME and Batt have now formalised their partnership and will further develop EVs in the Hunter region of NSW.

METS Ignited CEO Adrian Beer said the showcase at the event highlights the immense capability of Australia’s METS sector to deliver technologies to improve sustainable mining practices.

“METS Ignited Industry Growth Centre is pleased to support the commercialisation of technologies enabling safety improvements for Australia’s mining industry and potential global partners.”

3ME Technology COO Martin Kime said that the TRITEV is already receiving strong interest from the underground mining industry.

“With hundreds of these platforms in mines across Australia, we have seen significant interest from other miners in the battery electric retrofit of existing platforms.

“From the conversations we’ve had, what is driving the orders we’ve received is the recognition that there is an absolute need to remove diesel and many miners realise that by getting in early they will secure access to the platforms.”

With a range of additional mining vehicles out there to be electrified, it is anticipated that the METS Ignited, Safescape, Aeris Resources, 3ME Technology, Batt Mobile Equipment partnership will continue with its quest to electrify underground mining.

Picture: METS Ignited/TEITEV EV

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