Battery Electric Vehicles in Underground Mining: Benefits, Challenges, and Safety Considerations

Epp Kuslap, Jiajie Li (), Aibaota Talehatibieke and Michael Hitch
Additional contact information
Epp Kuslap: Department of Geology, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate Tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
Jiajie Li: Key Laboratory of Efficient Mining and Safety of Metal Mines, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Safety Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Aibaota Talehatibieke: Key Laboratory of Efficient Mining and Safety of Metal Mines, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Safety Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Michael Hitch: Faculty of Science, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8, Canada

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 14, 1-13

Abstract: This paper explores the implementation of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in underground mining operations, focusing on their benefits, challenges, and safety considerations. The study examines the shift from traditional diesel-powered machinery to BEVs in response to increasing environmental concerns and stricter emission regulations. It discusses various lithium-ion battery chemistries used in BEVs, particularly lithium–iron–phosphate (LFP) and nickel–manganese–cobalt (NMC), comparing their performance, safety, and suitability for underground mining applications. The research highlights the significant benefits of BEVs, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality in confined spaces, and potential ventilation cost savings. However, it also addresses critical safety concerns, such as fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and the emission of toxic gases during thermal runaway events. The manuscript emphasises the importance of comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation strategies when introducing BEVs to underground mining environments. It concludes that while BEVs offer promising solutions for more sustainable and environmentally friendly mining operations, further research is needed to ensure their safe integration into underground mining practices. This study contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discussion on the future of mining technology and its environmental impact.

Keywords: battery electric vehicles (BEVs); underground mining; lithium-ion batteries; mine ventilation; sustainable mining operations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/14/3588/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/14/3588/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:14:p:3588-:d:1696703

Access Statistics for this article

Energies is currently edited by Ms. Agatha Cao

More articles in Energies from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().