The mining equipment OEM company is now providing lithium-powered batteries for locomotives used in global mining operations, offering improved performance and reducing emissions.

Trident SA produces locomotives for underground hard rock mining operations together with other specialised equipment.   The company intends that the switch away from conventional lead-acid batteries toward integrated lithium-ion for locomotives will have multiple benefits.  For the customer, there would no longer be a need to buy two lead-acid battery packs (one for use, and one to recharge a swap in) when a locomotive is bought.  Instead, just one lithium-ion unit is required, with improved efficiency, faster-recharging speed, lower maintenance requirements and no need for charging bays. 

Trident’s move is part of an ever-growing trend for mining operators and the OEMs supplying them pivoting towards greener technologies for extraction as supply chains move to reduce scope 1 emissions.  A major part of this is the shift away from diesel power.  An Australian Renewable Energy Agency report found up to 40% of total mine site energy usage was consumed by diesel-powered mining vehicles, so if the vehicles could become electric, emissions would reduce significantly.