Swedish mining equipment specialist Sandvik has secured its largest battery-electric vehicle (BEV) order to date from Australian mining group South32. The order, valued at 750 million Swedish kronor (approximately €68 million), involves the delivery of an underground fleet, primarily composed of electric machines, for South32’s new Hermosa Critical Minerals project located in Arizona, USA.
The contract will see the deployment of BEVs alongside a smaller proportion of diesel-powered machines at the Hermosa site, which is set to focus on extracting manganese and zinc—key critical minerals for the U.S. energy transition. Situated in the Patagonia Mountains, approximately 80 kilometers southeast of Tucson, the project will play a crucial role in supporting the country’s mineral supply chain.
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Among the BEVs included in the order are four Sandvik Toro LH518iB loaders, equipped with an 18-tonne payload, 540 kW motor output, and a 482 kWh battery. These loaders will feature a fast-swap battery system that allows for quick battery changes, improving operational uptime. Other equipment in the order includes Sandvik DS412iE drill rigs, DD422iE development drills, DL422iE longhole drills, and Toro TH665iB trucks. An additional 20 diesel-powered units are also part of the order, some of which may be converted to electric versions at a later stage, pending South32’s decision.
The first deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the roll-out expected to continue through 2030.
“We’re proud that Sandvik BEVs will help contribute to an increased supply of critical minerals, supporting the continued electrification of society,” said Mats Eriksson, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. He added that the BEVs would provide a more efficient, economical, and sustainable operation at Hermosa, thanks to lower fuel and maintenance costs and longer equipment lifespans.
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South32 aims to position Hermosa as its first next-generation mine, focusing on automation, advanced technologies, and sustainability. “A battery-electric underground equipment fleet supports our ambition for Hermosa to set a new standard for sustainable mining,” said Pat Risner, President of South32 Hermosa.
Sandvik’s growing electric mining equipment business, with deployments in Canada, Mexico, and Malaysia, reflects the increasing demand for sustainable mining solutions. Founded in 1862, Sandvik has evolved from steel production to become a global leader in mining and rock excavation technologies.