A recent survey conducted by The University of Queensland and The University of British Columbia indicates that, while electrification offers mines improved economic potential and a strengthed license to operate, significant changes in the fundamentals of mine design would be needed to fully embrace those opportunities.
The survey, conducted on behalf of Ernst & Young (EY), reached out to miners and mining original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and found that, while mines are interested in electrification, they are unwilling to go it alone.
This put the emphasis on strategic partnerships with suppliers. The importance of partnerships was one of the four main themes of the survey results, alongside the rethinking of mine design, the need for different skill sets, and the reduction in operational and up-front capital costs offered by electrification.
You can find more details on the survey and a discussion of its key themes HERE.