Rare minerals hold the key to scaling up renewable energy

The clean energy transition depends heavily on a range of critical materials. Lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite are key to battery performance, while rare earth elements are essential for the permanent magnets used in wind turbines and electric vehicle (EV) motors. Expanding electricity networks will require large amounts of aluminum and copper. However, producing these materials is highly energy-intensive, making the sector a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As demand rises, managing and reducing the industry's own carbon footprint has become a pressing priority.

Collaborating for next-generation mining energy

The mining industry is navigating a transformative era, by embracing innovations to meet global demands and sustainability goals. Through collaborations with key partners and continuous investment in R&D, ABB is helping mining operations reduce emissions, optimize productivity, enhance safety standards and close resource loops.

Smarter blasting with automated Robot Charger

Digital technologies are revolutionizing mining, with automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and real-time analytics improving efficiency, safety, and decision-making.

One of the most hazardous tasks in underground mining is charging the rock face for blasting. Traditionally carried out manually, this process exposes workers to potentially dangerous conditions. ABB’s Automated robot charger pilot solution for remote blasting of rock face, under development in collaboration with Boliden with LKAB and explosive suppliers Forcit and LKAB Kimit, is a game-changer.

This autonomous robot automates the process of charging blast holes at the rock face. Equipped with remote control capabilities, the Robot Charger can be operated from a safe distance, significantly improving worker safety. 

By bringing precision to this critical task, the Robot Charger reduces the risk of misfires and delays, and exemplifies how robotics can transform traditionally manual processes — boosting both safety and performance.

Electrifying heavy equipment: the eMine™ FastCharge solution

While electrification is well underway in many industries, mining still heavily depends on diesel-powered trucks and equipment. The main emitter in a mine is the fleet, and especially hauling trucks - that's why electrifying trucks is so crucial.

ABB is addressing this gap with its technology demonstrator eMine™ Robot Automated Connection Device, designed to charge battery-electric haul trucks quickly and safely. Part of ABB’s broader eMine™ portfolio, the automated charging solution enables fast, hands-free charging of battery-electric haul trucks at loading and unloading points. Built to endure harsh conditions, the system provides reliable power transfer while maintaining high safety standards.

As mining companies look to reduce emissions and meet ambitious climate targets, electrifying heavy vehicles is a critical step. The eMine™ FastCharge solution paves the way for fully electric mines that are quieter, cleaner, and more energy-efficient.

Propelling progress: powering the next generation of mining vehicles

In addition to infrastructure and charging innovations, ABB plays a pivotal role in enabling the electrification of mining fleets through its extensive portfolio of on-board propulsion technologies. From motors and traction inverters to complete battery systems, ABB solutions are engineered for the toughest mining environments — delivering high performance, energy efficiency, and reduced emissions.

ABB’s expertise is already powering real-world change. In collaboration with Hitachi Construction Machinery, ABB is supporting the development of the world’s first ultra-large full battery haul truck — an innovation poised to transform open-pit mining by replacing diesel with zero-emission electric propulsion. In another groundbreaking project, ABB partnered with Nuh Cement in Turkey to retrofit an existing diesel-powered Euclid R85B haul truck with a state-of-the-art electric drivetrain system. This retrofit not only extended the vehicle’s lifecycle but also significantly cut operational emissions — saving approximately 100,000 liters of diesel fuel and preventing 245 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

With a robust track record and a forward-looking approach, ABB continues to empower OEMs and operators to transition their mining fleets toward a cleaner, more cost-efficient future. These propulsion solutions complement ABB’s wider eMine™ offering and reinforce its commitment to electrifying every link in the mining value chain.

Closing the loop: from mine to mine with Boliden

In a unique collaboration, ABB and Boliden, have created a circular solution that connects raw material extraction with the production of electrical infrastructure manufacturing — literally from mine to mine.

The zinc coating used on ABB’s Kabeldon cable distribution cabinets is now sourced from Boliden's Kokkola smelter, which in turn processes ore extracted from Boliden’s own mines. These cabinets are then used in Boliden’s mining operations, closing the loop both materially and operationally.

Boliden is currently constructing a new electrified mine in Rävliden, Sweden. It will help meet the growing need for critical minerals and metals — including zinc, copper, lead, gold, and silver — while lowering emissions and energy consumption. ABB’s cable distribution cabinets will play a key role in the mine’s infrastructure.

This collaboration is a leading example of circular economy principles in action — reducing carbon emissions while ensuring traceable, responsibly sourced materials. It also demonstrates how innovation across industries can drive sustainability throughout the value chain.

A vision for tomorrow’s mine

Together, these innovations represent a paradigm shift in mining — one where operations are connected, automated, and electrified. They also reflect ABB’s vision of a future where mining contributes to a sustainable society, not just by supplying the raw materials for clean technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles, but by operating in a way that is more efficient, with less impact on the environment and significantly safer.

As companies like ABB continue to lead the way, the blueprint for the mine of the future is becoming clearer: one that is digitalized, automated, decarbonized, and circular, without compromising on the productivity needed to meet global demand.

Footnotes

1. Decarbonization of the Mining Sector - Scoping study on the role of mining in nationally determined contributions

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