journal article·2025-06-16Open access

Safety Challenges in Battery Swapping Operations of Electric Underground Mining Trucks

Alberto Martinetti, Ognjen Popović, Micaela Demichela, Pier Paolo Oreste, Aleksandar Cvjetić, Vladimir Milisavljević

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 12

Abstract

Recently, the global landscape of public transportation has witnessed a transformative shift towards sustainable and efficient modes of mobility, with particular emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs) and their integration into industrial applications. The mining industry, including the underground mining of the mineral resources sector is following this trend. However, underground mines are critical environments and the adoption of EVs needs to be carefully analysed. This study investigates the associated hazards and risks of adopting EVs (such as dumpers and loaders) focusing on the swapping battery operations. First, current hazards related to battery swapping are identified—21 in total, occurring in 25 instances. After, risks are assessed and associated with specific hazards. Finally, possible measures and solutions for reducing the impacts of these risks on the performance of the EVs are offered.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Battery Technologies Research · Mechanical Failure Analysis and Simulation · Risk and Safety Analysis

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands

Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Department of Applied Science and Technology, Polytechnic of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy

Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Polytechnic of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy

Funding

the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia

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