North Bay's Miller Technology is on track to ship about 700 of its vehicles out the door and around the globe this year
Linda Holmes about 12 hours ago
Miller Technology, designing electric vehicles for the mining industry.
photo supplied: Miller Technology
Headquartered in North Bay, Miller Technology has earned a global reputation for designing and manufacturing cutting-edge electric vehicles for the mining industry.
The company continues to grow as a vehicle outfitter for light-duty vehicles used in mining applications, primarily serving infrastructure support and personal transport.
The business focuses on outfitting and customizing the Toyota Landcruiser platform to meet Canadian and International regulations for underground mines.
“There is a lot of larger gear underground operating, and our job is to either help support that larger gear or to get people into the mine safely so they can continue with the development of the mine,” explained Hugh McDermid, Vice-President, Product and Business Development.
The technology that goes into transitioning mining fleets to battery-electric vehicles is ever-evolving.
“A lot of what we do in terms of outfit is with the lens of making the vehicle and pieces of equipment safer for the operator and those around the vehicle. So, lots of interlocks and safety features to make sure that the users and passengers are as safe as they can be when operating,” McDermid stated.
“And some collision avoidance technology as well that can actually intervene in the operation of the vehicle to control the braking system to make sure that people around the vehicle are always in a safe range away from moving pieces of equipment.”
Reducing emissions in underground mining is a big consideration the company has been working on over the past few years as it works to develop complete battery-electric kits for these vehicles.
“It is driven mainly by ventilation. Ventilation cost is a significant cost for the mine. Not only that, but it is obviously safer for the workers underground to work in an environment with reduced diesel emissions.”
The product being produced has caught the attention of mining companies around the world.
Miller Technology has a global footprint, shipping vehicles around the world.
A good deal of its business is currently going to Australia, but its main business is still North America.
It prides itself on being “one of the first in the industry to embrace battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology back in 2014, pioneering the shift toward cleaner, more sustainable mining operations.
And that is reflected in the increased demand for its product.
“Miller Technology has grown significantly over the past five to ten years to the point where this year we are now on track to put about 700 vehicles through our facility,” shared McDermid.
“We’re always developing new systems, new products, new ways to assemble our vehicles, all with the lens of creating a safer vehicle, or creating a vehicle that is easier to maintain or service.”
While there are no active mines located in North Bay, it is a hub for suppliers and equipment providers, with over 60 businesses actively supporting the mining sector.
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