Electric turn for Atlas
Article by Karma Barndon courtesy of Australian Mining Monthly.
WESTERN Australia-based miner Atlas Iron is converting its light vehicle fleet to 100% battery powered % electric vehicles, as part of a deal with VivoPower International-subsidiary Tembo E-LV.
Standard Toyota Land Cruisers and Hiluxes running on diesel are not energy efficient or emissions-free enough, so Atlas, part of Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting Group, is electrifying the fleet.
Tembo e-LV is supplying EV conversion kits for use at the Mount Webber, Sanjiv Ridge and Miralga mines in the Pilbara.
Built in the Netherlands, Tembo e-LVs are available as a complete vehicle or kit.
The original vehicle’s engine, gear and transfer boxes are removed and replaced by an electric motor fitted on a newly designed Tembo 1:3 reduction gearbox and genuine Toyota full-time 4×4 transfer box.
The combination eliminates engine oil changes and clutch and gearbox repairs.
The EV is completely emission free with instant torque and maximum power despite the lack of gears.
VivoPower executive chairman and CEO Kevin Chin said the company was delighted to be assisting Atlas Iron in its journey towards electrification and energy efficiency.
“With the opening of borders across Australia and Southeast Asia, we have been increasing our engagement with other groups and expect to be announcing additional orders in due course,” he said.