Sandvik delivers Artisan A10 battery-electric loaders to Kirkland Gold

Artisan A10 is the most capable loader in its size class; its carry capacity of 10 tonnes has been achieved while keeping its outer dimensions equal to current 7 tonnes diesel loaders. The equipment is not constrained by mine ventilation limitations, as Artisan A10 uses the most powerful electric motors available and a patented Lithium-Iron Phosphate battery system. Use of Artisan Vehicle's proven battery system instead of traditional diesel engines is connected with health and environmental benefits, as the loader produces less heat and zero exhaust emissions, reducing CO2 foot print. Further, packed with innovative design, the Artisan A10 delivers shorter cycle times through higher acceleration and faster ramp speeds, while utilizing regenerative braking to capture energy to recharge the battery.

The Artisan A10 is equipped with a unique battery self-swapping system, speeding up time required for battery change, reducing infrastructure requirements and most importantly, improving safety. "Our self-swapping system has been performing well in our pre-delivery tests, including its ability to safely reduce the time required for battery change, which will increase the equipment overall availability for productive work", says Joe Giraldi, Business Development Manager for Artisan Vehicles. "In general, the thinking behind Artisan Vehicles ground up design is actually quite simple. Through our experience we have realized that in order to truly capitalize on this technology, it is not about replacing some components, nor redesigning some parts of the equipment, but you must rethink the entire machine and design it around the technology as opposed to trying to fit it in an existing product', Giraldi continues.

The Artisan A10 loaders in question have been extensively tested at Artisan Vehicle's local facilities in California before taking them underground and to actual production work at the Kirkland Gold Macassa Mine in Canada. At Kirkland Gold, the Artisan A10 units will be taken into production use during fall 2019.

Camarillo, California 31 October 2019

For more information, please contact
Joe Giraldi
Business Development Manager,
email: joegiraldi@artisanvs.com

Artisan Vehicles delivers underground battery loaders and trucks with zero exhaust emissions. With over 300,000 operating hours underground and 10 years of experience, today, most battery loaders and trucks operating underground use Artisan Vehicles technology. Artisan Vehicles is part of Sandvik, belonging to the business area Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, Load and Haul Division.