Komatsu Launches Field Trial of First Power-Agnostic Diesel Trolley Truck at Boliden’s Aitik Mine
Komatsu, a global leader in mining and construction equipment, has announced the official commissioning and launch of field testing for its first diesel trolley truck under the new Power Agnostic (PA) series. This milestone was achieved in partnership with Boliden, one of Europe’s most prominent mining companies, as the Komatsu 930E PA truck begins operations at the Aitik copper mine near Gällivare, Sweden.
The deployment of this next-generation haul truck marks a significant step forward in the mining industry’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve operational efficiency through cleaner, more flexible power solutions. The 930E diesel trolley truck will undergo a comprehensive 12-month field trial at the Aitik site, providing vital real-world performance data and operational insights that will inform future decarbonization strategies for both Komatsu and Boliden.
A Technological Leap Toward a Low-Emission Future
Initially unveiled at MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas, the Komatsu Power Agnostic 930E captured industry attention with its forward-thinking, modular design. Engineered to adapt to the evolving energy landscape, the PA 930E is built on a versatile new platform that allows mining companies to start with diesel and later transition to battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell power systems. This power flexibility is key to supporting companies as they move at their own pace toward lower-emission operations.
The truck on display at MINExpo was specifically designated for the Aitik mine, making it the first unit from the Power Agnostic series to be tested under real mining conditions. Its arrival at Boliden’s site signals the start of a transformative chapter in surface mining, where heavy-duty trucks can evolve in step with advancements in green energy infrastructure.
Diesel Trolley Assist: A Stepping Stone to Electrification
One of the standout features of the PA 930E is its integrated diesel trolley assist capability. This hybrid approach uses overhead electric power lines on trolley-assist routes to supplement the diesel engine during uphill hauls, significantly reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions. By leveraging the trolley system already in place at Aitik, Komatsu and Boliden aim to maximize the truck’s efficiency and minimize its environmental footprint.
“Integrating the Power Agnostic 930E into our fleet reflects Boliden’s ambition to be at the forefront of sustainable mining,” said Jonas Rånggård, Senior Project Manager at Boliden. “Partnering with Komatsu on this pilot helps us explore innovative solutions that align with our climate goals while continuing to deliver productivity and performance. We see great potential in this technology and look forward to where it can lead us next.”
A Partnership Built on Sustainability
Boliden has long been recognized as a leader in environmentally responsible mining. As a founding member of Komatsu’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Alliance, the company is helping to set the pace for the mining sector’s transition to more sustainable practices. The GHG Alliance brings together industry players committed to co-developing technologies that reduce carbon emissions and support climate-conscious mining.
For Komatsu, the launch of the PA 930E is more than just a new product release—it represents a tangible step in the company’s broader strategy to offer energy-flexible solutions that can evolve in tandem with customer needs and global energy trends.
“This is more than just a technical achievement, it’s a meaningful step forward in our joint commitment towards zero-emission mining,” said Jeroen De Roeck, Senior Mining Manager at Komatsu Europe. “By commissioning the first diesel trolley truck in our Power Agnostic series at Boliden’s Aitik Mine, we are turning vision into reality. Our partnership with Boliden is a shining example of how collaboration can drive sustainable innovation in mining.”
Informing the Future of Mining Innovation
The year-long trial at Aitik will provide Komatsu and Boliden with critical operational data regarding the performance, maintenance requirements, energy savings, and emission reductions associated with the PA 930E. This knowledge will be essential in refining the power-agnostic concept and expanding the lineup to other models and mine sites in the future.
The flexible architecture of the PA series ensures it can be adapted to various regional and operational requirements. For example, mines with robust electrical infrastructure may opt for battery or trolley-electric variants, while remote operations without grid access could initially rely on diesel or hydrogen technologies, upgrading later as infrastructure allows.
As climate pressures mount and demand for low-carbon metals like copper grows, innovations such as the PA 930E will play an increasingly central role in meeting environmental and production goals simultaneously.
