As Australia’s mining sector intensifies its focus on ESG performance, safety and productivity, a fully electric underground mine in Greece is offering a compelling example of what’s possible, according to australianmining.com.au.
At Grecian Magnesite, remote-controlled Brokk electric robots have been deployed far beyond their traditional processing roles. Under mine manager George Boumas, the operation has rethought underground mining by using compact, electric machines to selectively remove waste rock at the face-before it ever reaches the mill. The result: lower emissions, safer working conditions and dramatically reduced costs.
Grecian Magnesite’s narrow drives and vein-style deposits demanded innovation.
“The Brokk is a small machine, highly manoeuvrable, and you can execute lots of auxiliary works,” Boumas said.
“But it can also be used as your main excavation machine… The possibilities are endless.”
Because the machines are remotely operated, workers remain clear of high-risk zones while ore and waste are separated underground. This approach has slashed processing and ventilation costs.
“Everything is electric (so) we have very low ventilation costs,” Boumas said. “The electricity cost per month is less than €2000 ($3500). It’s just like operating a workshop, not a mine.”
The financial impact is equally striking.
“If I had to follow the traditional way of mining… I would definitely have a cost that would be six to seven times bigger than the operational cost I have right now,” he said.
Since adopting Brokk technology, the mine has also recorded zero near-misses.
“That’s because we designed it first in the geotechnical scheme, and then executed it with the Brokk machine,” Boumas said.
For Australian miners facing rising energy prices, tightening margins and stricter ESG expectations, the Greek experience shows how electric, remote-controlled systems can deliver safer, cleaner and more efficient operations.
Source: australianmining.com.au
