--- title: Potential economic and operational benefits and impacts of trolley assist in open pit mining date: 2014-05-09T16:07:00-04:00 author: jessica napert canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/publications/potential-economic-and-operational-benefits-and-impacts-of-trolley-assist-in-open-pit-mining" section: Publications --- 1. In a diesel-electric haul truck, a diesel engine is used to drive an alternator that produces the energy required to power electric wheel motors. Trolley Assist (“TA”) allows a diesel-electric haul truck to bypass the diesel engine entirely when in TA mode so that electric power can be supplied directly by overhead lines. The result is an increase of approximately 10km/hr. in loaded up-ramp travel speed, as well as the substitution of diesel fuel with cheaper and cleaner electrical energy. This improved grade performance can have a significant impact on truck productivity, personnel requirements, fuel consumption, and operating and capital costs. Although TA systems have been available for over 40 years and despite interesting operational and environmental benefits (reduced CO2, NOx, noise emissions, etc.), few operations have employed them. The decision to install a TA system is heavily dependent on the size and overall mine plan of an operation. Additionally, these systems involve significant capital investments and require technical expertise to efficiently design, plan and maintain them. This paper will analyze some of the economic, operational and planning implications and benefits of installing TA at large open-pit operations in Canada based on studies completed by BBA. *Note that this white paper was written in collaboration with Daniel Janusauskas from Detour Gold Corporation. It was presented at the Maintenance, Engineering and Reliability/ Mine Operators (MEMO) Conference in September 2014.* This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA 1. ![Isabelle Leblanc Carre](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/176805/Isabelle-Leblanc-Carre.webp) Isabelle Leblanc, P.Eng. Vice-President, Mining and Metals Market Read bio [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-leblanc-5aa12848/) **With over 20 years of experience in mining projects, Isabelle Leblanc helps decision-makers move forward with confidence** by identifying value-driven scenarios that can be implemented in the field. **Key expertise and certifications** - NI 43-101, JORC and due diligence, technical audits - Open-pit mining strategies and optimization - Strategic mine studies and planning - Project cost estimation and economic analysis **Major achievements:** Led more than 25 studies (from preliminary and pre-feasibility to bankable feasibility) for gold, copper, lithium and iron in diverse geological and organizational settings. **Approach and added value:** Isabelle excels in transforming technical requirements into clear decision-making options, lowering risks and improving overall project performance. - [ 11 Nov 2026 Mining and Metals Maximizing the value of mining data, from smart sensing to operational intelligence - ![Marie Eve Desrochers2](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/219093/Marie-Eve-Desrochers2.webp) Marie-Eve Desrochers Senior analyst, Process control and operational technologies ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/maximizing-the-value-of-mining-data-from-smart-sensing-to-operational-intelligence "Maximizing the value of mining data, from smart sensing to operational intelligence") - [ 10 Nov 2026 Mining and Metals Permits as drivers of design and investment decisions - ![Mike bartlett](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212262/mike-bartlett.webp) - ![Yves Thomassin](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/219195/Yves-Thomassin.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/permits-as-drivers-of-design-and-investment-decisions "Permits as drivers of design and investment decisions") - [ 27 Oct 2026 Mining and Metals Why strategy, people and culture are reshaping gold mining leadership - ![Pr employee women susan eick retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/205536/Pr-employee-women-susan-eick-retouch-web-SQ-LR-BBA.webp) - ![Photo de profil de Julie Butcher](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/202970/photo-de-profil-de-Julie-Butcher.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/why-strategy-people-and-culture-are-reshaping-gold-mining-leadership "Why strategy, people and culture are reshaping gold mining leadership") - [ 26 Oct 2026 Power and Renewables Dewatering: strategic in achieving mining plan objectives - ![Gabriel meilleur](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/218669/Gabriel-meilleur.webp) - ![Maxime Heroux](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/218673/Maxime-Heroux.webp) - ![Claude Caouette](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/218680/Claude-Caouette.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/dewatering-strategic-in-achieving-mining-plan-objectives "Dewatering: strategic in achieving mining plan objectives ") [ See all ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights "Go to Publications listing page") Let’s think it further together [ Contact us ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/contact) 1. In a diesel-electric haul truck, a diesel engine is used to drive an alternator that produces the energy required to power electric wheel motors. Trolley Assist (“TA”) allows a diesel-electric haul truck to bypass the diesel engine entirely when in TA mode so that electric power can be supplied directly by overhead lines. The result is an increase of approximately 10km/hr. in loaded up-ramp travel speed, as well as the substitution of diesel fuel with cheaper and cleaner electrical energy. This improved grade performance can have a significant impact on truck productivity, personnel requirements, fuel consumption, and operating and capital costs. Although TA systems have been available for over 40 years and despite interesting operational and environmental benefits (reduced CO2, NOx, noise emissions, etc.), few operations have employed them. The decision to install a TA system is heavily dependent on the size and overall mine plan of an operation. Additionally, these systems involve significant capital investments and require technical expertise to efficiently design, plan and maintain them. This paper will analyze some of the economic, operational and planning implications and benefits of installing TA at large open-pit operations in Canada based on studies completed by BBA. *Note that this white paper was written in collaboration with Daniel Janusauskas from Detour Gold Corporation. It was presented at the Maintenance, Engineering and Reliability/ Mine Operators (MEMO) Conference in September 2014.* This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA