Outline: ● Prediction: No new diesel equipment sold for underground use by 2020 ● Predictions for the next four years ● Primary drivers of the industry transformation ○ Financial benefits ○ Productivity improvement ○ Speed of development ○ Health improvement ○ Attracting the best and brightest ● The path forward for mining companies to manage the transformation Abstract: Mike Kasaba will give examples of progress toward the ultimate elimination of diesel use in underground mining. Zero emission underground environments are no longer a pipe dream. Most major mining companies are now authoring feasibility studies for underground mines designed with no diesel equipment whatsoever. Some mining companies have made a commitment to zero emission underground environments already and have these clean projects in development now. Most major mining companies in the world are looking at battery equipment not only for new development, but also for converting existing operations. Mine companies are using reliable real-world data that demonstrates cost savings for fleet expansions and total fleet conversions. The benefits are mounting, the awareness is growing, and the viability of zero emission mines is proving out. Moreover, the continued use of diesel is getting more costly and complicated by Tier 4 and Tier 5 regulations. Lastly, large mining company boards are beginning to assess the risk of not converting to battery. With a viable, cost effective alternative to diesel, the risk of health related claims by underground workers is growing. Not converting to zero emission battery equipment could result in huge liabilities. The technology is real, the business case is compelling and the outcome is certain. The question now is how to manage the inevitable transformation to a clean-air environment underground. Mike’s presentation will provide a road map for mining companies to manage this important transformation.
