Battery Electric Scaler Cuts Costs

Why It Matters

Electrifying a core scaling machine cuts energy and labor expenses while improving reliability, accelerating the shift toward greener, cost‑effective underground mining solutions.

Key Takeaways

• PScale 8-TE uses 80 kWh lithium‑ion battery, 800 V system.
• Charges to 90 % in 45 minutes via 100 m cable drum.
• Operates from –20 °C to 50 °C, 3,000‑cycle battery life.
• Reduces mechanical parts, cutting maintenance and ventilation costs.
• Regenerative braking recovers energy, boosting overall efficiency.

Pulse Analysis

The mining sector is rapidly embracing electrification to meet stricter emissions standards and rising labor costs. Paus’s PScale 8‑TE exemplifies this trend by replacing diesel power with an 80 kWh lithium‑ion pack, delivering the torque needed for hard rock scaling while eliminating on‑site fuel handling. The 800‑volt architecture, combined with an integrated cable drum, enables continuous operation at the face, with the battery recharging on the move—a capability that mirrors advances seen in electric haul trucks and loaders.

Beyond the powertrain, the scaler’s design focuses on operational flexibility and cost containment. Its thermal management system maintains optimal battery temperature across a –20 °C to 50 °C range, ensuring consistent performance in harsh underground environments. Rapid charging—90 % in just 45 minutes—minimizes downtime, while regenerative braking captures kinetic energy that would otherwise be wasted. By reducing the number of mechanical components, the machine cuts routine maintenance and simplifies troubleshooting, directly lowering the ventilation requirements that traditionally drive up electricity consumption in mines.

For mine operators, the PScale 8‑TE offers a clear financial upside. Lower fuel and ventilation expenses, combined with fewer service interventions, translate into measurable OPEX reductions. The long‑life battery, rated for at least 3,000 cycles, also spreads capital costs over a longer horizon. As more underground fleets transition to electric, Paus’s scalable solution positions the company as a key supplier in a market projected to grow double‑digit annually, reinforcing the broader industry shift toward sustainable, high‑productivity mining equipment.