Mining firm BHP has awarded a contract to Normet Canada for a large fleet of multi-use Battery-electric vehicles (BEV) for its Jansen Potash project in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Addition of this fleet of BEVs will help the potash mine halve its carbon emissions from the average.
The mining firm is transitioning to EVs for its underground mining equipment with focus on sustainability and an aim to reduce emissions, boost productivity and advance the health and welfare of employees at its Jansen Potash project.
The deliveries are expected to start in the first quarter of 2023 and extend to 2024.
The Jansen project has the potential to be the largest potash-producing mine in the world and is expected to operate for up to 100 years, providing a rich source of potassium for soil fertilization purposes and hence supporting food production. Start of the production is targeted for 2026.
BHP operates an array of mines worldwide, including iron ore, nickle, copper and other minerals. Last month, the global firm signed a renewable energy power purchase agreement with Alinta Energy to help fund construction of a 45-MW solar energy and 35-MW energy storage system near BHP's iron ore port facilities in Port Hedland, Australia.
Equipment firm Caterpillar also signed a deal to supply electric drive trucks for BHP's Escondida copper mine in Chile.
Normet supplies underground machines globally and has delivered more than 14,000 machines.
