Sandvik secures largest BEV mining contract to date with South32

Swedish mining equipment specialist Sandvik has landed its biggest BEV order to date. Australian mining group South32 has commissioned a fleet of underground machines – primarily electric – for its new Hermosa Critical Minerals project in Arizona, USA.

The contract, valued at 750 million Swedish kronor (approximately €68 million), includes a majority share of battery-electric vehicles alongside several diesel-powered machines. All units will be deployed at South32’s Hermosa project in southern Arizona.

The operation is located in the historic Patagonia Mountains mining district, around 80 kilometres southeast of Tucson and less than 20 kilometres from the US-Mexico border. Hermosa will focus on extracting manganese and zinc – both classified as critical minerals by the United States and essential for securing the country’s future energy transition.

Among the battery-electric units included in the order are four Sandvik Toro LH518iB loaders, offering an 18-tonne payload, 540 kW motor output and a 482 kWh battery. The model features a fast-swap battery system that enables battery changes in just five minutes – a key enabler for maximising uptime in underground operations.

Also included in the delivery are six Sandvik DS412iE drill rigs, five DD422iE development drills, four DL422iE longhole drills, and three Toro TH665iB trucks. An additional 20 diesel-powered machines are part of the agreement; however, according to Sandvik, some of these may ultimately be converted to battery-electric versions – a decision South32 is expected to finalise at a later stage.

Deliveries are scheduled to commence in Q4 2026, with roll-out expected to continue through 2030.

“We’re proud that Sandvik BEVs will help contribute to an increased supply of critical minerals, supporting the continued electrification of society,” said Mats Eriksson, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “Lower fuel expenses and maintenance costs coupled with longer equipment lifespan will enable a more efficient, economical and sustainable mining operation at Hermosa.”

South32 is positioning Hermosa as its first next-generation mine – one built around automation and advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency, minimise environmental impact, and support the company’s goal of achieving net-zero operational emissions.

“Technology and innovation play an essential role in helping to improve safety and performance, and reduce our emissions,” said Pat Risner, President of South32 Hermosa. “We’re committed to sustainable development of the resources at Hermosa, which we’re designing as a small footprint underground mine with dry-stack tailings and reduced water consumption to minimize environmental impact. A battery-electric underground equipment fleet supports our ambition for Hermosa to set a new standard for sustainable mining. Sandvik BEVs will meet our safety, reliability, range and capability requirements.”

Sandvik has been steadily growing its electric mining equipment business in recent years, with deployments already in Canada, Mexico and Malaysia. Founded in 1862, the company traces its roots back to steel production and has since evolved into a global leader in mining and rock excavation technologies.

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