Polymetal International plc (LON:POLY) has announced the signing of Memorandum of Understanding with SMT Scharf AG for a potential strategic cooperation in underground electric vehicles development in line with its climate strategy.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Polymetal and SMT agreed to cooperate in development, implementation and testing of zero-emission battery EVs.
- Initially, collaboration is to be focused on mid-ranged LHDs and trucks, with potential involvement of drill rigs and utility vehicles in the future.
- Two pairs of units (LHD+Truck) are going to be tested at Polymetal’s operations during the one-year trial with further collaborative re-design, signing of distribution agreement and establishment of after-sales support centre.
- The strategic cooperation is set to last for 10 years with an opportunity for further extension.
“The partnership with SMT grants us an easy access to customisable battery electric vehicles which could positively contribute to our operating costs dynamics, GHG emissions and personnel safety at underground mines”, said Vitaly Savchenko, COO of Polymetal. “It fits well into our strategy to gradually involve EVs across the Group’s operations and marks another step towards cutting carbon emissions by 5% in 2023”.
Polymetal International’s GHG emissions from mining fleet and mobile machinery at the hubs with underground mines for 2019 were 334 Kt of CO2 eq. which is 12% of Groups total emissions (Scope 1+ Scope 2).
