Field trials start for Komatsu power agnostic truck

Komatsu, in collaboration with Swedish mining company Boliden, has announced the commissioning and start of field trials for the Power Agnostic 930E, the first diesel trolley truck in Komatsu’s new Power Agnostic (PA) series. The truck has been deployed at Boliden’s Aitik copper mine in Gallivare, Sweden.

The Komatsu Power Agnostic 930E truck has been deployed at Boliden’s Aitik copper mine in Gallivare, Sweden. (Photo: Komatsu)

Built on Komatsu’s new modular platform, the Power Agnostic 930E is designed to enable customers to begin with diesel power and later transition to alternative energy sources such as battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell technology, depending on their operational needs, technology readiness and pace of decarbonization efforts, the company stated. The integration of diesel trolley assist functionality further enhances performance by reducing fuel consumption and emissions, while paving the way for a future electrified mine, Komatsu added.

Unveiled at MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas, the truck displayed on the show floor was already earmarked for the Aitik site, one of Europe’s largest open-pit copper mines. The next-generation haul truck is set to undergo a 12-month field trial.

“Integrating the Power Agnostic 930E into our fleet reflects Boliden’s ambition to be at the forefront of sustainable mining,” said Jonas Ranggard, senior project manager, Boliden. “Partnering with Komatsu on this pilot helps us explore innovative solutions that align with our climate goals while continuing to deliver productivity and performance. We see great potential in this technology and look forward to where it can lead us next.”

The upcoming trial will enable the two companies to gather detailed operational insights and learnings to advance haulage decarbonization efforts further, with the learnings playing a critical role in guiding future advancements in Komatsu’s power agnostic lineup.

“This is more than just a technical achievement, it’s a meaningful step forward in our joint commitment towards zero-emission mining,” said Jeroen De Roeck, senior mining manager, Komatsu Europe. “By commissioning the first diesel trolley truck in our Power Agnostic series at Boliden’s Aitik Mine, we are turning vision into reality.”