In a win for clean-tech expansion in the resources industry and regional ingenuity, Australian heavy-vehicle battery manufacturer 3ME Technology has received $500,000 of matched funding from METS Ignited, an industry-led, Australian government-funded Industry Growth Centre for the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector.
“3ME Technology is grateful for the continuous support and strong vote of confidence by METS Ignited,” 3ME Technology CEO, Justin Bain, said.
“3ME Technology will utilise the support to champion the rapid scale-up of the adoption of battery technology in the mining sector, by optimising the reliability and resilience of our Bladevolt Battery System as well as bolstering the capacity of our Battery Systems Operations Centre to provide remote monitoring of heavy-duty electric mining vehicles out in the field.
“These enhanced capabilities will enable 3ME Technology to continue providing exceptional battery electrification solutions to our ever-growing customer base.”
The funding will be matched by 3ME Technology who will inject a further $268,235 to the project. METS Ignited CEO Adrian Beer said the resources sector is much further advanced in low emissions technology than many may realise.
3ME Technology is a fantastic example of Australia’s innovative capability. From our initial seed investment, 3ME Technology have worked closely with their industry partners to deliver a comprehensive technology solution, now in high demand across multiple industry sectors” Mr Beer said.
“By commercialising our home-grown innovation through Australian technology vendors, we increase market access to our innovative capability, making Australia an attractive market for further technology investment.
“These projects demonstrate the strength of Australian technology, building a long-term sustainable future for our local economy.”
In six years of operation as an Industry Growth Centre, METS Ignited has invested more than $13M in 26 projects, with over 60 industry participants. Collaborative funding projects have focussed on the commercialisation of technology in the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector.
3ME Technology’s battery technology enables miners to replace the diesel engines that currently power their vehicle fleets with cutting-edge battery electric systems, reducing emissions, improving underground air quality, and supporting safer, more efficient mine operations.
Designed for the toughest operating environments, 3ME Technology’s powerful, modular batteries can be retrofitted into all types of vehicles from small utilities to very large production vehicles. At least 7,000 diesel vehicles, currently operating across 400 Australian mines, are now suitable for retrofit or replacement with 3ME Technology-based electric systems.
