Hitachi Energy, LKAB and Scania team to electrify Swedish mining

Hitachi Energy and Scania are joining forces with Swedish mining company LKAB to accelerate the electrification of mining operations with an autonomous pantograph-down charging solution for electric trucks in an underground mine in Malmberget, Sweden.

For this project, Hitachi Energy’s Grid-eMotion Fleet charging solution is configured with a fixed overhead pantograph that automatically connects to the truck for charging. (Photo: Hitachi Energy)

The project combines LKAB’s experience in mining operations, Scania’s electric heavy-duty vehicles and Hitachi Energy’s experience in electrification and charging infrastructure to integrate electric transport and automated high-power charging into day-to-day mining operations.

Hitachi Energy’s Grid-eMotion Fleet charging solution has been configured for the underground mining environment, with a fixed overhead pantograph that automatically connects to the truck for charging. No manual connection or additional ground space required.

Installed 1,250 meters below ground at LKAB’s Malmberget mine, the system will deliver more than 400 kW of charging power, enabling trucks to recharge within minutes during operational stops.

Scania Pilot Partner is also working with LKAB to test electric transport solutions for mining operations in Malmberget. Pantograph charging is part of the broader trial and contributes to the understanding of how the different parts of the solution work together.

“The purpose of Scania Pilot Partner is to learn and develop together with our customers. By testing in real-world operations, we gain a better understanding of their needs and of how new solutions can work together as a complete system. The collaboration with LKAB and Hitachi Energy is an important step in this work,” said Tony Sandberg, head of Scania Pilot Partner.

The first truck is currently being adapted for the new charging system, with commissioning planned for Spring 2027. The project will be Hitachi Energy’s first reference installation for charging solutions in the mining segment and will provide experience that can support the electrification of heavy-duty transport applications in mining and other industries.

The delivery builds on a longstanding collaboration between Hitachi Energy and LKAB focused on electrifying and future-proofing mining operations.

“To continue mining at great depths in the future, we need to keep developing both technology and ways of working,” said Magnus Abrahamsson, mine manager at LKAB in Malmberget. “This initiative is an important step towards a more electrified and automated mine. It also gives us valuable experience as we continue to develop our operations in Malmberget.”

“Moving heavy-duty transport away from diesel is a fundamental step toward more sustainable mining,” added Marco Berardi, head of Grid & Power Quality Solutions and Service at Hitachi Energy. “Together with LKAB and Scania, we are showing how electric vehicles and automated high-power charging can be integrated into real underground operations, helping accelerate the transition to the next generation of more electrified and automated mines.”