THE WORLD'S FIRST FULLY ELECTRIC MINE

WITH THE AUSTRALIAN MINING INDUSTRY HONING ITS FOCUS ON ESG, A FULLY ELECTRIC MINE IN GREECE HAS REIMAGINED HOW BROKK REMOTE-CONTROLLED ROBOTS CAN BE DEPLOYED.

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As the Australian mining industry sharpens its focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, worker safety and operational efficiency, one international example offers a powerful blueprint.

A fully electric underground mine in Greece has reimagined how Brokk remote-controlled robots can be used far beyond their processing origins roots.

Grecian Magnesite has leveraged Brokk's compact electric machines to overcome many challenges familiar across Australian mining – from underground gold and base metals to selective mining, development and rehabilitation projects.

Under mine manager George Boumas, the operation has not only improved safety and cut emissions but also dramatically lowered processing costs by removing waste rock at the face before it reaches the mill.

These lessons offer Australian miners a chance to rethink how they approach some of their toughest ESG and productivity challenges.

Endless possibilities

Grecian Magnesite's narrow drives, vein-like deposits, and challenging ground conditions demanded a new approach.

“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 and in many types of works; for example, selective mining of vein-like deposits. The possibilities are endless.”

The Brokk robots are operated remotely, allowing the team to scale, break and clear material in tight areas while keeping workers out of harm's way. Importantly, they enable the separation of waste and ore right at the face, transforming the safety profile and the cost base of the operation.

One of the most striking outcomes at Grecian Magnesite has been the impact on processing costs.