Global Trends in the Development of Battery-Powered Underground Mining Machines

Abstract The growing requirements and needs of users as well as a strong emphasis on pro-ecological solutions cause an increasing interest in battery-powered electric mining machines. Internal combustion machines consume oxygen, generate noise, fumes and heat, which affects work in underground mines, and minimizing these factors is expensive. Battery solutions allow achieving the same operational parameters of machines with significantly higher safety, comfort and work culture. The problem, however, is their range or working time. The article presents global trends in the development of battery-operated machines for underground mining. Various machines in battery-powered versions have been presented. The applied solutions have been discussed, especially in the field of battery replacement or recharging and braking energy recovery. Manufacturers around the world offer more and more battery-powered machines. Some producers are announcing complete replacement of combustion solutions with electric ones within the next few years. There are also hydrogen machines on the horizon, which will probably be the next step on the road to a zero-emission industry.