Inside Liebherr Mining’s decarbonisation journey

As an OEM, why is it important to offer low and zero emission mining equipment?

According to a 2021 McKinsey report, 40 to 50 % of carbon emissions in mining are the result of the diesel used to power onsite mobile equipment. As such, OEMs like us can help accelerate decarbonisation by bringing alternatives to diesel-powered heavy machinery. With low-emission and electric machines enabling emission-free operation – with a renewable electricity source – at the point of use, customers have practical pathways to progress toward their decarbonisation goals.

However, for customers to want to adopt this equipment, it must match the performance of its diesel counterparts and work across a wide range of mines. To accomplish this, we take a full system view – considering the machine as well as energy source and supply, charging and how everything fits into real mine operations – to deliver the best possible productivity on site. Plus, with their modular, energy-agnostic powertrains, our machines can adapt as customer needs, technologies and energy landscapes evolve.

Why is electrification Liebherr Mining’s primary decarbonisation pathway?

When comparing energy production costs, renewable electricity tends to be the most cost-efficient option. However, we do understand that in regions requiring long-term energy storage or extensive transport, alternatives like green ammonia may be more suitable.

Our strategy is to maximise renewable electricity while complementing it with alternative fuels where needed. Because energy availability and costs vary by region, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, Liebherr aims for individually optimised solutions for different markets and mine conditions.

Can you tell us about your latest electrification project, the T 264 Battery Electric?

Our goal is to deliver a battery-electric haul truck with the same or better productivity as its diesel counterpart. To do this, we needed to keep charging time to a minimum. With its large battery system, regenerative braking capabilities and ability to be charged in approximately 30 minutes using static or dynamic solutions, the T 264 Battery Electric will work just as hard as a diesel truck, as supported by our ongoing validation processes.

Based on the proven T 264 platform, this battery-electric truck is designed to perform in mining environments with winds up to 80 km/h, temperatures up to 50 °C and abrasive dust exposure. Development of the T 264 Battery Electric is currently progressing at our Mining Technology Development Center in the USA.

What can you tell us about Liebherr Power Rail?

Liebherr Power Rail (LPR) is currently in development. It’s a dynamic power transfer system compatible with both diesel and battery-electric trucks that will use a lateral rail connection instead of overhead lines. Trucks connected to LPR will be able to reach speeds of up to 55 km/h, significantly reducing cycle times. And with its simplified infrastructure, LPR will be able to be more easily relocated within an operation as mine layouts evolve, reducing downtime and maximising the benefits of trolley technology.

How will using solutions like the T 264 Battery Electric and Liebherr Power Rail help customers?

Depending on the unique environments within our customers’ operations, these technologies can help to reduce costs, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and increase productivity under suitable conditions. By using trucks with battery-electric powertrains – powered by renewable electricity – customers’ fleets can consume less fuel during the haul cycle, which has the dual benefits of reducing fuel costs as well as the amount of direct greenhouse gases emitted.

When dynamic power transfer solutions like Liebherr Power Rail enter a mine’s infrastructure, any trucks connected to these systems – diesel or electric – can use considerably less fuel than those powered by their drivetrain alone. Plus, trucks have the potential to be more productive while connected to a dynamic power transfer system as they can reach higher speeds on grade than trucks operating under their own power.

The combination of battery-electric trucks and dynamic power transfer solutions together provide even more benefits: lower cost per tonne; longer battery life, depending on the haul profile; and fewer stationary charging events.

What’s next for Liebherr’s decarbonisation solutions?

Our pathway to broader deployment focuses on targeted infrastructure investment, careful management of upfront costs and total cost of ownership and supporting operational change.

Current efforts focus on improving performance, reliability and sustainability across the entire haul cycle – driven by advances in battery technology, dynamic power transfer, digital solutions and circular approaches. Together, these developments are building a strong foundation for scalable, long-term adoption of these technologies within the industry.

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