Komatsu underground LHD with Proterra batteries

Proterra, a provider of vehicle electrification technologies, and construction and mining machine manufacturer Komatsu are to collaborate on development of electrified underground mining machines.

Proterra will supply its H Series batteries to be used in battery-electric LHDs, drills and bolters for underground hard rock mining.

“Switching to battery-electric mining equipment means helping protect clean air for those working in some of the most confined industrial settings, while delivering a high-performance technology solution where safety and reliability are paramount,” said Gareth Joyce, president of Proterra.

This will be the first time technology from Proterra has been used in a mining machine application. But this is not the first time the two companies have worked together, as Proterra has previously delivered batteries for production of Komatsu medium-sized hydraulic excavators.

Designed and manufactured in the United States, Proterra batteries are described as offering an industry-leading energy density. The batteries are used in a variety of heavy-duty applications, including construction equipment.

The systems incorporate liquid thermal conditioning and monitoring sensors throughout the pack. There is also passive propagation resistance to isolate individual battery cells in the case of a thermal incident.

The battery packs will be supplied for development of prototype machines before the start of commercial production in 2022.