Eco-Innovation in Mining: EV Dump Truck Trials at Kideco
As part of our commitment to sustainable mining practices, Indika Energy is leading the transition toward cleaner mining operations by introducing Electric Vehicle (EV) Dump Trucks at our Kideco mine site. In collaboration with our subsidiary INVI, a pioneer in Indonesia’s EV ecosystem, we are taking a significant step toward reducing carbon emissions, noise pollution, and operational costs—three critical challenges in traditional mining.
The Sany EV 342 dump truck, with a 25-ton capacity, marks a major advancement in our efforts to decarbonize mining operations. Kideco’s mobile combustion fleet currently accounts for 72% of its total emissions, making it the largest contributor to its carbon footprint. To address this, we initiated EV Dump Truck trials to explore alternative solutions that lower emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. The transition to an electric fleet is expected to reduce operational emissions by more than 20%, directly contributing to Indika Energy’s carbon reduction targets.
Phase 1 trials commenced in September 2024, focusing on reliability and productivity through a one-month pilot using a single EV dump truck in a real mining environment. The objective was to evaluate vehicle reliability, assess performance under mining conditions, and benchmark results against other mining operations implementing EV solutions. This benchmarking process provided valuable insights into operational effectiveness.
To support this initiative, we established a dedicated task force comprising teams from Kideco and INVI, responsible for product commercialization, electrical infrastructure development, and operational equipment optimization. Based on Phase 1 results, Phase 2 will focus on productivity trials using an upgraded dump truck with a 34-ton capacity, matching our current internal combustion engine (ICE) fleet. We will also explore more efficient and mining-friendly EV infrastructure to assess fleet reliability, energy consumption, charging cycles, and potential cost savings. Findings from Phase 2 will pave the way for the large-scale adoption of EV dump trucks across Kideco’s operations.
The adoption of EV dump trucks offers multiple benefits, including an estimated 20%+ reduction in carbon emissions compared to diesel trucks. They also generate significantly lower noise levels, creating a more comfortable work environment and minimizing disruption to surrounding communities. Moreover, EV trucks require less maintenance due to fewer moving parts, leading to reduced downtime and lower maintenance costs. Features like regenerative braking technology further enhance energy efficiency, extend battery life, and boost overall productivity.
The deployment of EV Dump Trucks aligns with Indika Energy’s broader decarbonization strategy, supporting Indonesia’s sustainable energy transition and compliance with carbon emission regulations. While diversification and divestment efforts contribute to lowering carbon intensity, transitioning mining operations to cleaner energy sources remains a key challenge. Our commitment to expanding EV fleets in mining is a critical step toward accelerating the industry’s shift to a low-carbon, eco-efficient future. By innovating and implementing sustainable solutions, Indika Energy is paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more responsible mining sector in Indonesia.
