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Accelerating the Electrification of Underground Mining

Thursday October 8, 2026 10:00 - 10:15 Auditorium (W280)

Presenter: Alex Willows

Alex Willows, Business Line Manager, Load & Haul, will share Sandvik’s journey toward battery-electric mining, highlighting how the company has evolved its technology and approach to support the transition from diesel to electric underground equipment. Drawing on experiences from Canadian mining operations, the presentation will explore the role of battery technology, self-swapping systems, equipment design, and mine infrastructure in making electrification productive and practical.

Lecturers

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Alex Willows Presenter

Business Line Manager - Loaders and Trucks - Canada
Sandvik Mining Canada

Alex Willows is a mining industry professional with 19 years of experience at Sandvik Mining, where he has built a diverse career spanning engineering, product sales support, and business line development. Throughout his tenure, he has collaborated closely with customers, colleagues, and industry partners to advance underground mining technologies and improve operational performance.

In recent years, Alex has played an active role in initiatives supporting the adoption of battery-electric equipment and the decarbonization of underground mining operations across Canada. He is passionate about developing practical, sustainable solutions that help drive innovation and efficiency within the mining sector. Alex holds a Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University of Waterloo.