Chile To Convert Cat 777D Mining Truck To Battery Electric

Dubai (PlantAndEquipment.com) - Chile's Industrial and Mining Training Centre (CEIM) and NewSteel Mining have collaborated to convert a Caterpillar 777D mining water truck from diesel to all-electric operation.

The pilot project will replace the truck's diesel engine, gearbox, and other mechanical systems with batteries, electric traction motors, and electronic controls. The modified machine is expected to run for at least eight hours between charges.

The project is especially noteworthy due to the scale of the equipment involved. The Cat 777D is a huge mining truck platform, and the conversion shows how current heavy mining fleets may be electrified rather being replaced with wholly new units.

NewSteel Mining specializes in electric conversions for diesel mining trucks weighing 90 to 300 tons, while CEIM will utilize the project to build the skills needed to operate, maintain, and repair battery-electric mining equipment.

The effort shows a significant potential in Chile's key mining equipment industry, as operators look to decarbonize current fleets and prepare technicians and operators for the transition to electric haulage and heavy mining machines.