6
• Sources of power generation: Operating electric min-
ing equipment requires a reliable and continuous
source of power. This often requires the installation
of new infrastructure, such as generators, renewable
energy sources or microgrids, to ensure a constant
power supply to the mine. Integrating renewable
energy sources such as solar or wind energy into
the power generation mix can improve sustainabil-
ity, reduce operating costs and minimize the carbon
footprint of mining operations 27,28.
• Electrical distribution systems: For mines using elec-
trically powered vehicles, the power distribution
system is a critical component that includes vari-
ous elements, such as electrical houses, motor con-
trol centers (MCC), drives, compact power systems,
medium-voltage switchgear, power distribution sys-
tems, power cables, and transformers 29,30. These sys-
tems must be designed to meet the specific require-
ments of mining electrical equipment and ensure
safe and efficient power distribution throughout the
mine. Proper design and maintenance of these sys-
tems is critical to avoid electrical faults that could
disrupt operations or pose safety risks.
• Power supply points Infrastructure: The infrastruc-
ture required to power or charge electric vehicles
(EVs), for example, is an essential prerequisite for
the introduction of electric mining equipment. The
central element of this infrastructure is the charg-
ing station for electric vehicles, also known as an
EV charging point or EV charger. The planning and
positioning of this infrastructure in a mine are major
challenges, especially in terms of accessibility and
efficiency. Battery-powered equipment requires stra-
tegically placed charging stations or battery changing
facilities, while wired machines require the installa-
tion of substations, transformer boxes and suitable
sockets 31. The optimal arrangement and design of
this infrastructure is crucial to minimize downtime
and ensure continuous operation.
• Control and monitoring systems: The use of electric
mining machines requires the adaptation of existing
control and monitoring systems to digital solutions
30. By intelligently linking these components, which
can adapt dynamically to fluctuations in supply and
demand, the operation of electric mining machines
can be made safer and more efficient. Advanced con-
trol systems facilitate real-time monitoring, predic-
tive maintenance and adaptive load management,
ensuring that equipment operates within safe param-
eters while optimizing energy consumption 29. The
integration of digital technologies is key to maximiz-
ing the benefits of electrification in mining.
Furthermore, the notion of a future digital mine with
an established support infrastructure opens up new possi-
bilities. The availability of real-time information and data
in mines can significantly improve the optimization of
energy supply.
Multi-Use Mine
The BM approach not only addresses the optimization and
use of energy-efficient processes, but also the possibility
of “giving back” the energy consumed in the production
phase after this phase has been completed by introducing
the concept of the multi-use mine. A multi-use mine is a
mine that has been adapted or converted to perform mul-
tiple functions beyond the traditional extraction of mineral
resources. These additional uses can vary greatly depending
on the specific characteristics of the mine, its location and
the needs of the surrounding
community or industry. In addition, the unique tech-
nical, geological or spatial characteristics of a mine site can
be used to support various functions and thus create added
value beyond traditional extraction activities.
Both active and abandoned mines can have secondary
uses, for example as underground pumped storage power
plant (UGPSPP), museums, research centers or landfills.
Secondary use as a UGPSP is a special case of application,
as it covers the areas of energy generation and the use of
renewable energy sources. UGPSPs are able to store energy
in times of low demand and convert it back into electric-
ity when demand is higher, thus ensuring a reliable energy
supply. There are three options for the construction and
implementation of UGPSP during the life cycle of a mine:
during the mine’s operational life, as an integrated mine
closure project or in the post-mining phase. These options
each present advantages and challenges. In the case of con-
struction during the operational phase of a mine, the early
adaptation of mine openings and the availability of mining
equipment lead to a significant reduction in costs.
In addition, the level of information to select a suit-
able formation and the geological knowledge of the mine
workings is a major advantage for successful implementa-
tion. However, the integration of a UGPSP as a decom-
missioning project enjoys the same advantages and access
to relevant geological and geomechanical data, and if it is
integrated directly after the end of mining, access to equip-
ment and machinery can be guaranteed. Another case is
the implementation in the post-mining phase. Although it
is considered the most attractive implementation option,
it is the one associated with the highest rehabilitation and
• Sources of power generation: Operating electric min-
ing equipment requires a reliable and continuous
source of power. This often requires the installation
of new infrastructure, such as generators, renewable
energy sources or microgrids, to ensure a constant
power supply to the mine. Integrating renewable
energy sources such as solar or wind energy into
the power generation mix can improve sustainabil-
ity, reduce operating costs and minimize the carbon
footprint of mining operations 27,28.
• Electrical distribution systems: For mines using elec-
trically powered vehicles, the power distribution
system is a critical component that includes vari-
ous elements, such as electrical houses, motor con-
trol centers (MCC), drives, compact power systems,
medium-voltage switchgear, power distribution sys-
tems, power cables, and transformers 29,30. These sys-
tems must be designed to meet the specific require-
ments of mining electrical equipment and ensure
safe and efficient power distribution throughout the
mine. Proper design and maintenance of these sys-
tems is critical to avoid electrical faults that could
disrupt operations or pose safety risks.
• Power supply points Infrastructure: The infrastruc-
ture required to power or charge electric vehicles
(EVs), for example, is an essential prerequisite for
the introduction of electric mining equipment. The
central element of this infrastructure is the charg-
ing station for electric vehicles, also known as an
EV charging point or EV charger. The planning and
positioning of this infrastructure in a mine are major
challenges, especially in terms of accessibility and
efficiency. Battery-powered equipment requires stra-
tegically placed charging stations or battery changing
facilities, while wired machines require the installa-
tion of substations, transformer boxes and suitable
sockets 31. The optimal arrangement and design of
this infrastructure is crucial to minimize downtime
and ensure continuous operation.
• Control and monitoring systems: The use of electric
mining machines requires the adaptation of existing
control and monitoring systems to digital solutions
30. By intelligently linking these components, which
can adapt dynamically to fluctuations in supply and
demand, the operation of electric mining machines
can be made safer and more efficient. Advanced con-
trol systems facilitate real-time monitoring, predic-
tive maintenance and adaptive load management,
ensuring that equipment operates within safe param-
eters while optimizing energy consumption 29. The
integration of digital technologies is key to maximiz-
ing the benefits of electrification in mining.
Furthermore, the notion of a future digital mine with
an established support infrastructure opens up new possi-
bilities. The availability of real-time information and data
in mines can significantly improve the optimization of
energy supply.
Multi-Use Mine
The BM approach not only addresses the optimization and
use of energy-efficient processes, but also the possibility
of “giving back” the energy consumed in the production
phase after this phase has been completed by introducing
the concept of the multi-use mine. A multi-use mine is a
mine that has been adapted or converted to perform mul-
tiple functions beyond the traditional extraction of mineral
resources. These additional uses can vary greatly depending
on the specific characteristics of the mine, its location and
the needs of the surrounding
community or industry. In addition, the unique tech-
nical, geological or spatial characteristics of a mine site can
be used to support various functions and thus create added
value beyond traditional extraction activities.
Both active and abandoned mines can have secondary
uses, for example as underground pumped storage power
plant (UGPSPP), museums, research centers or landfills.
Secondary use as a UGPSP is a special case of application,
as it covers the areas of energy generation and the use of
renewable energy sources. UGPSPs are able to store energy
in times of low demand and convert it back into electric-
ity when demand is higher, thus ensuring a reliable energy
supply. There are three options for the construction and
implementation of UGPSP during the life cycle of a mine:
during the mine’s operational life, as an integrated mine
closure project or in the post-mining phase. These options
each present advantages and challenges. In the case of con-
struction during the operational phase of a mine, the early
adaptation of mine openings and the availability of mining
equipment lead to a significant reduction in costs.
In addition, the level of information to select a suit-
able formation and the geological knowledge of the mine
workings is a major advantage for successful implementa-
tion. However, the integration of a UGPSP as a decom-
missioning project enjoys the same advantages and access
to relevant geological and geomechanical data, and if it is
integrated directly after the end of mining, access to equip-
ment and machinery can be guaranteed. Another case is
the implementation in the post-mining phase. Although it
is considered the most attractive implementation option,
it is the one associated with the highest rehabilitation and