AngloGold Ashanti begins operating Normet SmartDrive battery electric concrete mixer at Cuiabá gold mine
AngloGold Ashanti says it has begun operating the first electric concrete mixer in Brazil – a Normet battery-electric Utimec LF 600 Transmixer SD. The miner stated: “In another advance towards innovation, the Cuiabá Mine received the Normet Group equipment, the only one in operation in the country, which will be tested for 18 months. The novel technology reinforces the search for solutions that combine sustainability and operational safety. Because it is electric, the concrete mixer does not emit gases underground, improving air quality, reducing heat on the work fronts and the need for forced ventilation.”
Normet said: “We’re proud to support AngloGold Ashanti Brasil in advancing underground electrification at the Cuiabá Mine with Normet SmartDrive® technology. Brazil’s first battery-electric underground concrete mixer brings zero local emissions, lower noise levels and reduced heat underground, with potential to lower temperatures on the work fronts by up to 4°C while supporting smooth and reliable day-to-day operations.”
The model has a practical concrete carrying capacity of 5.6 m3 and is designed for concrete transportation in underground mines and tunnels with a tramming height of 2.6 m or more. Equipped with a robust concrete drum with electrically controlled mixing and unloading and a manual drum locking system, the vehicle has a FOPS/ROPS approved cabin and comes with several safety features and a front axle suspension system as standard.
The concrete drum rotation is electrically controlled, and the speed ranges between 0-13 rpm. The standard drum lifter feature enables flexible adjustment of the concrete discharging height up to 1.9 m. The Utimec LF 600 Transmixer SD can be equipped with a variety of specially designed accessories to enhance machine productivity and safety. The vehicle layout is optimised for easy access to all service points, allowing all daily checks to be performed from ground level.
The SmartDrive battery-electric vehicle architecture features advanced Li-ion battery technology, fast charging capability, and two high-torque direct drive electric motors, delivering instant torque and efficient, emission-free operation. The fast-charging interface adheres to the industry-standard CCS, and the vehicle can be recharged from mine electric grid by using the on-board charger. Energy recuperation technology comes as a standard feature. The batteries are charged during downhill driving and deceleration, which further increases the total efficiency of the operation.
The maximum speed is 20 km/h. The fully reversible 4WD with high traction capability and instant torque ensures safe and reliable movement in difficult ground conditions. The majority of the braking is done via electric motors recuperating energy, but the vehicle also includes efficient hydraulic dual-circuit oil-immersed
multi-disc brakes to provide additional braking power when needed.
The Cuiabá Mine is part of AGA Mineração, in the state of Minas Gerais, which comprises the Cuiabá complex (Cuiabá and Lamego mines) and the Córrego do Sítio mining operation plus the Cuiabá and Queiroz gold plants. The Cuiabá complex produced 273,000 oz of gold in 2025.
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