The Electric Mine 2026: Recap
Industry Momentum, Collaboration and the Next Phase of Mine Electrification
The mining industry gathered in Lisbon from 05–07 May 2026 for another milestone edition of The Electric Mine, bringing together miners, OEMs, technology providers, infrastructure specialists and industry leaders to discuss one of the sector’s biggest transformations: the path toward electrified mining operations.
Across three days, more than 600 attendees explored the latest developments in battery electric vehicles (BEVs), charging infrastructure, energy systems, mine design, ventilation optimisation, digitalisation and operational integration.
600+
Global Attendees
95+
Expert Speakers
35+
Exhibitors
110+
Mining Company Representatives
Relive the energy
Industry leaders from companies including Boliden, ABB, Komatsu, BHP, Vale Base Metals, Hitachi Energy, Anglo American, Gold Fields, Freeport-McMoRan, Fluor and ICMM shared practical insights, operational learnings and strategies shaping the future of mine electrification.
One of the strongest themes throughout the event was clear: mine electrification is no longer centred around “if” operations should electrify. The focus has shifted toward how companies can successfully scale deployment, integrate systems effectively and deliver measurable operational value.
Across technical presentations, panel discussions and networking conversations, attendees explored:
- Scaling BEV fleets across active mining operations
- Improving charging reliability and infrastructure planning
- Integrating energy systems with mine operations
- Managing operational change and workforce readiness
- Balancing sustainability targets with productivity demands
- Developing practical solutions for underground mining environments
Collaboration Across the Mining Ecosystem
A defining part of The Electric Mine continues to be the collaboration between miners, suppliers and technology providers.
With around 60 technical sessions and discussions taking place throughout the event, attendees gained direct insight from companies actively implementing electrification strategies across underground and surface mining operations. As Miner Partner, Boliden played a key role in driving conversations around operational electrification, infrastructure development and the future of sustainable mining practices.
Beyond the conference programme, the exhibition hall remained one of the most active areas of the event, with more than 35 exhibitors showcasing technologies, services and equipment supporting the future of electrified mining. For the first time, the exhibition also featured an equipment showcase directly on the exhibition floor, giving attendees the opportunity to experience mining technologies and electrified solutions up close.
A major highlight of this year’s event was the live demonstrations and world-exclusive reveals taking place onsite, including:
- A world-exclusive reveal from Komatsu, ABB and Stäubli, unveiling the “Big White Box” charging solution
- Jakob Mining Vehicles launching the TerraCharge fully electric truck, built from the ground up for mining applications
These demonstrations reinforced how quickly innovation within mine electrification continues to accelerate and highlighted the growing collaboration taking place across the mining value chain
Relive the spark
Beyond the technology itself, many discussions focused on the broader operational and strategic implications of electrification.
Sessions explored topics including mine energy ecosystems, battery technology advancements, ventilation optimisation, charging infrastructure deployment, operational efficiency, digital mining systems and workforce transition.
A recurring message throughout the event was that successful electrification requires more than equipment alone. It demands integrated planning, collaboration across departments and long-term operational alignment.
Building Connections
Beyond the Conference Sessions
The Electric Mine also provided valuable opportunities for attendees to build relationships, exchange ideas and strengthen industry collaboration through a series of networking experiences.
The event opened with “The Electric Opener” Welcome Reception, sponsored by platinum sponsors Normet, ABB and Komatsu, bringing together delegates, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors ahead of the conference programme.
Networking continued throughout the week with the “Mine and Mingle” dinner, where attendees connected in a more informal setting while experiencing local Portuguese hospitality and cuisine.
A major highlight for a select group of miners was the exclusive mine visit hosted in partnership with Boliden, offering first-hand insight into mining operations and the practical realities of technology implementation within active mining environments.
Missed The Event?
The Journey Continues