Geomechanics.io

  • Free Tools
Sign UpLog In

    Geomechanics.io

    Geomechanics, Streamlined.

    © 2026 Geomechanics.io. All rights reserved.

    Geomechanics.io

    CMRR-ioGEODB-ioHYDROGEO-ioQCDB-ioFree Tools & CalculatorsBlogLatest Industry News

    Industries

    MiningConstructionTunnelling

    Company

    Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyLinkedIn
    Projects
    Safety
    Product

    3ME, Rio Tinto ArcFlash tests and Toshiba LTO: safety design notes for mine fleets

    March 17, 2026|

    Reviewed by Tom Sullivan

    3ME, Rio Tinto ArcFlash tests and Toshiba LTO: safety design notes for mine fleets

    First reported on International Mining – News

    30 Second Briefing

    3ME Technology has completed what it calls a world‑first DC ArcFlash testing programme with Rio Tinto on high‑voltage battery systems for mining fleets, generating empirical data on arc energy, blast pressure and thermal effects to refine PPE categories and enclosure designs. In a parallel development, 3ME is collaborating with Toshiba to integrate lithium titanate oxide (LTO) cells into its Bladevolt battery platform, targeting fast‑charge, high‑cycle underground mining vehicles. The work directly informs electrical protection coordination, battery pack architecture and risk assessments for diesel‑to‑battery conversions.

    Technical Brief

    • DC ArcFlash tests were conducted on complete high‑voltage battery packs, not just individual cells.
    • Empirical arc data are being tied into existing electrical isolation and lock‑out/tag‑out procedures.
    • Results are intended to refine site‑specific arc flash labels, approach boundaries and PPE categories for maintainers.
    • Testing outcomes will inform enclosure venting, blast‑relief and segregation requirements in battery pack housings.
    • LTO chemistry selection is driven by underground duty cycles requiring frequent fast‑charge and high cycle life.
    • Work provides a template for DC arc characterisation of other high‑voltage battery systems in mining and tunnelling.

    Our Take

    Within the 2084 tag-matched pieces on Projects, Safety and Product, very few items involve battery OEMs like Toshiba working directly with mining-focused suppliers such as 3ME Technology, signalling that this is still a relatively early-stage pattern in electrified mining fleets.

    Rio Tinto’s involvement gives 3ME Technology a route to validate LTO-based systems against Tier-1 miner safety requirements, which in our database often becomes a de facto benchmark for smaller operators when they later procure battery-electric equipment.

    LTO chemistries are typically chosen in mining for their cycle life and thermal stability rather than pure energy density, so this collaboration positions 3ME Technology more towards heavy-duty underground or high-duty-cycle applications rather than long-range surface haulage.

    Geotechnical Software for Modern Teams

    Centralise site data, logs, and lab results with GEODB-io, CMRR-io, and HYDROGEO-io.

    No credit card required.

    • Save and export unlimited calculations
    • Advanced data visualisation
    • Generate professional PDF reports
    • Cloud storage for all your projects

    Prepared by collating external sources, AI-assisted tools, and Geomechanics.io’s proprietary mining database, then reviewed for technical accuracy & edited by our geotechnical team.

    Related Articles

    Mining
    about 15 hours ago

    SME MINEXCHANGE 2027 call for speakers: technical abstract tips for mine engineers

    SME MINEXCHANGE organisers have opened the call for 2027 conference speakers, inviting 100-word technical abstracts from mining operators, academics and technology providers worldwide. The annual event’s programme typically spans underground and open-pit operations, tailings and waste management, automation and digitalisation, ventilation, rock mechanics and ESG-focused mine planning. Early abstract submission gives practitioners a route to present detailed case studies, new equipment performance data and novel geotechnical or processing methods directly to a global audience of engineers and mine managers.

    Mining
    about 15 hours ago

    Metso filtration LCS contracts: dewatering reliability lens for plant engineers

    Metso has signed two multi-year filtration Life Cycle Services agreements: a 5‑year contract with a major copper producer in South America and a 4‑year deal with a major lead/zinc producer in Asia Pacific. The LCS packages cover parts supply, planned maintenance and digital services for an extensive installed base of Larox® pressure filters used in concentrate dewatering. For plant operators, the deals signal continued OEM support for filter availability, cake moisture control and throughput stability over full asset life, rather than ad‑hoc component replacement.

    Mining
    about 15 hours ago

    BHP Olympic Dam LV radiator upgrade: reliability takeaways for mine engineers

    BHP is replacing the radiators across its light vehicle fleet at the Olympic Dam operation in South Australia with Terrain Tamer Heavy Duty pressed aluminium units after an almost 12‑month in‑field trial. The heavy-duty radiators are designed for higher vibration and thermal loads typical of underground and surface mine roads, offering improved cooling performance and resistance to core and tank fatigue compared with standard OEM units. For maintenance teams, the change points to reduced unplanned LV downtime and lower cooling‑system failure risk in high‑dust, high‑ambient conditions.

    Related Industries & Products

    Mining

    Geotechnical software solutions for mining operations including CMRR analysis, hydrogeological testing, and data management.

    Tunnelling

    Specialised solutions for tunnelling projects including grout mix design, hydrogeological analysis, and quality control.

    CMRR-io

    Streamline coal mine roof stability assessments with our cloud-based CMRR software featuring automated calculations, multi-scenario analysis, and collaborative workflows.

    QCDB-io

    Comprehensive quality control database for manufacturing, tunnelling, and civil construction with UCS testing, PSD analysis, and grout mix design management.

    HYDROGEO-io

    Comprehensive hydrogeological testing platform for managing, analysing, and reporting on packer tests, lugeon values, and hydraulic conductivity assessments.

    AllGeotechnicalMiningInfrastructureMaterialsHazardsEnvironmentalSoftwarePolicy