The conversion of light vehicle fleets on mine sites from diesel fuel to electric power is still in its infancy, but major miners are increasingly considering this a vital part of the energy transition.

For suppliers in the electric vehicles (EVs) arena, the advantages of swapping to this technology are obvious – including increased profit margins, lower emissions, and improved health and safety conditions.

For the Queensland government, however, such a transition is fraught with difficulties given EVs “typically operate at much higher voltages than other battery-powered industrial equipment” such as the ones used by the resources sector.

According to electric vehicle manufacturer EVSE Australia, mining is one of the most polluting industries in the world. In fact, according to the World Bank, the industry is responsible for around 15 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. As pressure mounts on businesses to operate more sustainably, many are turning to EVs to reduce their environmental impact. One of the biggest advantages of using electric mining vehicles is that they are much cheaper to operate than traditional diesel-powered ones. For example, EVs do not require oil changes, their brakes last longer and they have far fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine (ICE) carriers.

Furthermore, EVs are more energy-efficient than ICE models.

This is due to a number of circumstances, such as the fact that electric motors are around 90 per cent efficient, while for ICE engines it’s only 20 to 30 per cent.

In addition, EVs don’t lose power when idling, whereas diesel engines do; and do not contribute to air pollution during their operation, improving the health and safety of miners as a consequence.

This means that mines can reduce their ventilation costs as they don’t need to pump fresh air into the operation to offset the polluted air being produced by the fleet.

Despite higher upfront costs, it is clear that electric mining vehicles offer increased profit margins for miners thanks to lower maintenance, energy and ventilation bills.

Another consideration is that EVs are much quieter than ICE vehicles, thus negating noise pollution.

As the world moves towards a low-carbon future, EVs are set to play an increasingly important role in the minerals sector.

For the Queensland government, though, the arguments for electrifying road fleets and light vehicles in the state’s mining industry may not be as clear cut as some would like, as pointed out in WorkSafe’s review of the state’s 2002 Electrical Safety Act conducted a few years ago.

Work on EVs, for example, could expose workers and the community to the risk of serious injury or death through fire, explosion, toxic gases, electric shocks, arc flashes or exposure to battery electrolytes.

This could be exacerbated by faults in electrical parts or short circuits occurring from damaged parts or unsafe work practices.

When a battery is damaged or heats up uncontrollably, the government said, it may lead to thermal runaway, resulting in an uncontrolled explosion (or violent deflagration).

And, if this occurs and leads to an explosion, there is a real risk of highly flammable toxic gases being released.

“Workers and others may receive an electric shock if they come into contact with components of the electrical system,” WorkSafe noted.

“Work on other parts of the vehicle (not involving the electrical system) may also involve the risk of shock if the isolation between the electrical system and the vehicle chassis has been compromised.”

As for arc flashes, they may cause burns directly to the worker or through the ignition of other materials.

Meanwhile, battery electrolytes in liquid form are highly flammable and can lead to fire risks which may cause injury or illness.

“Work on EVs must be performed in a way that achieves safe outcomes for everyone – the worker, the business, the end user and the wider community,” WorkSafe said.

“EVs and other renewable energy technology are constantly changing and being improved.

“As technology changes, the risks and hazards can also change, making it important to consider if any new or existing technology impacts the risk profile of hazards and if additional steps are required to reduce risks (such as procedures, training or education).”