Sub Topic

Level: Intermediate 

Facilitators:  

David Lyon, Zero Nexus 
Ed Fagan, Zero Nexus 
Enrique Acuña, NRCan-CanmetMINING 
Nam (John) Le, NRCan-CanmetMINING 

Implementing new battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology in an organization can pose multiple operational challenges. The risks associated with high voltage battery systems can generate negative perceptions amongst various stakeholders, from the mine managers to the machine operators. While this often stems from a knowledge gap, several factors are advancing the state-of-the-art for BEVs, including new case studies of battery electric machines, improved development/safety processes and updated standards and guidelines. This course provides an up-to-date understanding of the challenges and solutions for deploying BEVs in Canadian mines supported by case studies and industry expertise.  

The course will provide an overview of BEV safety systems and review the current state of the technology. Additionally, the course will benefit from insights gathered through the EVMO project and testing results from NRCan-CanmetMINING, offering practical knowledge to support the successful expansion of electric vehicle fleets in mining operations. 

Through an interactive workshop session, attendees will identify the adoption challenges within their own organizations and supply chains. The course will then provide a guide to the change management process and how to address the complexity of adopting BEV technology.  

Over the course of the day, the instructors will provide their insights on key topics, including the business case for BEVs, mine design and operations, ventilation and cooling, and battery safety. The course will then close with an interactive session that will allow group discussion on the future work required in the transition from diesel to electric vehicles.   

Target Audience:  

• Underground mine operators 

• Surface mine operators 

• Human resources professionals 

• Stakeholders in environment, sustainability and community relations 

About the instructors:  

Edward Fagan, Ph. D. is an Associate Partner at Zero Nexus Inc. Edward supports clients to develop sustainable technologies through project management, technical training and business strategy development. Edward has supported the development of renewable energy devices in both academia and industry as a research fellow and adjunct lecturer. His core focus is on the challenges of energy management in mining equipment and the adoption of new technologies in the shift to electrification. 

David Francis Lyon is the President and Founder of Zero Nexus Inc., where he spearheads the electrification of the mining industry and champions sustainable practices. His leadership focuses on driving the adoption of critical technologies that advance global sustainability goals. By fostering collaboration with mineral producers, startups, and SMEs, Lyon has positioned Zero Nexus as a key player in promoting digital and electric technologies, catalyzing industry-wide transformation towards more sustainable mining practices. 

Enrique Acuña is an energy efficiency specialist with NRCan-CanmetMINING team in Sudbury and works in the transition from diesel to electric vehicles in mining. He holds a master’s in operations management and a PhD in Natural Resources Engineering. His focus is to develop tools and methodologies for improving energy efficiency and productivity in the mining sector associated with energy management. 

Nam (John) Le, P.Eng is the Senior Engineer with NRCan-CanmetMINING, a branch of Minerals and Metals Sectors of Natural Resources Canada. John is a Professional Engineer who has over 15 years' experience in engineering management and designing mobile equipment for underground mines. John successfully completed the entire cycle of designing, manufacturing, testing, and maintaining diesel and battery electric machines.   Currently, he is focusing on battery, hydrogen, and diesel-electric technologies to improve and reduce carbon footprints in the mining industry.