---
title: "Mine Electrification in Canada: An Industry in Transition"
date: 2025-04-14T15:11:00-04:00
author: Florence Côté
canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/publications/mine-electrification-in-canada-an-industry-in-transition"
section: Publications
---
Canada's mining sector is making strides in electrification, driven by technological advancements, policy support, and infrastructure investments.
1. The increase in demand for critical minerals in Canada is evident and is the result of mining companies integrating electrified solutions. These solutions include battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and electrified infrastructure to enhance sustainability and efficiency while balancing innovation with operational realities.
Canadian mines have been pioneers in integrating BEVs into their operations with over a decade of use in the industry. Several mining companies have successfully adopted electrification in their operations. For example, Vale’s Coleman Mine in Ontario has been integrating BEVs for several years, converting its fleet to reduce emissions.
Copper Mountain Mine in B.C. introduced a trolley-assist electrification pilot system a few years ago to support its haul trucks.
Newmont’s Borden Mine in Ontario became the first underground gold mine in Canada to transition to a fully battery-electric fleet in 2019. The entire underground truck fleet was replaced with BEVs, reducing CO₂ emissions, improving air quality, and enhancing worker safety.
Some mines may require alternative solutions or interim steps before fully adopting electrification. Electrified material handling systems, such as conveyor belts and rail transport, help reduce reliance on diesel-powered haulage.
Renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, paired with smart grid technologies, can better manage electricity demand. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are being explored for longer operating times and faster refueling, while battery-diesel hybrids offer an interim solution to lower fuel consumption and emissions.
Technological advancements over the last year include breakthroughs in energy storage technologies, advances in power electronics, faster charging networks, and progression in inductive charging technology. As technology and infrastructure advance, other mining projects will assess how similar models can be adapted to their specific needs.
As electrification becomes more prominent, the demand for critical minerals— lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper—is increasing. These materials are essential for manufacturing BEVs, batteries, and energy storage systems.
Canada’s mineral resources and refining capabilities place it in a strategic position to support this demand. The Canadian government’s Critical Minerals Strategy outlines efforts to support responsible extraction and processing while strengthening supply chains for these essential materials.
The Critical Minerals Strategy, backed by a $3.8 billion federal investment, is accelerating project development, strengthening supply chains, and promoting responsible extraction. With over 40 active critical mineral mines as of 2024, Canada is reinforcing its role in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Looking ahead, Canada’s commitment to mine electrification will continue to shape the industry. As technology evolves and infrastructure expands, government agencies, industry leaders, and technology providers will play a crucial role in advancing these initiatives. Ongoing research and pilot projects will refine the feasibility and impact of electrification, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient mining sector for the future.
2. Reference
Fitch, A. (2025). *Mine Electrification in Canada: An Industry in Transition.* Canadian Mining Journal.
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA
1. 
Amanda Fitch, P.Eng.
Director, Mining and Metals
Read bio [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-fitch-mining/) **Director, mining and metals market, Amanda brings over 15 years of experience in mining engineering** across underground operations, open-pit mining, and consulting. She has strong expertise in technical studies from scoping to feasibility, multi-site project management, and economic evaluations across multiple commodities.
**Key expertise and certifications**
- NI 43-101 technical reports and qualified person
- Economic studies: scoping, PEA, PFS, feasibility
- Underground and open-pit mine design
- Mine planning and 3D modelling
- Licensed professional engineer (OIQ, EGBC, Nevada PE)
**Major achievements :** Amanda has led mandates on 25+ mining projects in Canada, including gold and base metals, with work in remote regions, the U.S., and Eastern Europe.
**Approach and added value :** She delivers structured, reliable analyses aligned with the technical and economic realities of mining projects.
- [ 27 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals
Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance
- 
- 
](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/early-tailings-decisions-shape-long-term-mine-performance "Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance")
- [ 02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals
Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing
- 
- 
](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing")
- [ 19 Jun 2026 Mining and Metals
Speed is earned early in projects
- 
- 
](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/speed-is-earned-early-in-projects "Speed is earned early in projects")
- [ 17 Jun 2026
Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations
- 
Pierre Boucher, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure
](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/industrial-data-platforms-building-a-solid-foundation-to-optimize-your-operations "Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations")
[ See all
](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights "Go to Publications listing page")
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Canada's mining sector is making strides in electrification, driven by technological advancements, policy support, and infrastructure investments.
1. The increase in demand for critical minerals in Canada is evident and is the result of mining companies integrating electrified solutions. These solutions include battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and electrified infrastructure to enhance sustainability and efficiency while balancing innovation with operational realities.
Canadian mines have been pioneers in integrating BEVs into their operations with over a decade of use in the industry. Several mining companies have successfully adopted electrification in their operations. For example, Vale’s Coleman Mine in Ontario has been integrating BEVs for several years, converting its fleet to reduce emissions.
Copper Mountain Mine in B.C. introduced a trolley-assist electrification pilot system a few years ago to support its haul trucks.
Newmont’s Borden Mine in Ontario became the first underground gold mine in Canada to transition to a fully battery-electric fleet in 2019. The entire underground truck fleet was replaced with BEVs, reducing CO₂ emissions, improving air quality, and enhancing worker safety.
Some mines may require alternative solutions or interim steps before fully adopting electrification. Electrified material handling systems, such as conveyor belts and rail transport, help reduce reliance on diesel-powered haulage.
Renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, paired with smart grid technologies, can better manage electricity demand. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are being explored for longer operating times and faster refueling, while battery-diesel hybrids offer an interim solution to lower fuel consumption and emissions.
Technological advancements over the last year include breakthroughs in energy storage technologies, advances in power electronics, faster charging networks, and progression in inductive charging technology. As technology and infrastructure advance, other mining projects will assess how similar models can be adapted to their specific needs.
As electrification becomes more prominent, the demand for critical minerals— lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper—is increasing. These materials are essential for manufacturing BEVs, batteries, and energy storage systems.
Canada’s mineral resources and refining capabilities place it in a strategic position to support this demand. The Canadian government’s Critical Minerals Strategy outlines efforts to support responsible extraction and processing while strengthening supply chains for these essential materials.
The Critical Minerals Strategy, backed by a $3.8 billion federal investment, is accelerating project development, strengthening supply chains, and promoting responsible extraction. With over 40 active critical mineral mines as of 2024, Canada is reinforcing its role in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Looking ahead, Canada’s commitment to mine electrification will continue to shape the industry. As technology evolves and infrastructure expands, government agencies, industry leaders, and technology providers will play a crucial role in advancing these initiatives. Ongoing research and pilot projects will refine the feasibility and impact of electrification, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient mining sector for the future.
2. Reference
Fitch, A. (2025). *Mine Electrification in Canada: An Industry in Transition.* Canadian Mining Journal.
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA