Mining industry sees electric equipment as promising, but adoption still lags: recent survey

A recent survey by the Petromindo Survey and Insights team indicates that Indonesia’s mining industry is increasingly confident in the potential of electric mining equipment, even as actual adoption across mine sites remains limited.

The survey shows that nearly half of mining professionals believe electric mining equipment can outperform conventional diesel-powered machinery under mining conditions. Notably, this confidence is shared not only by companies already using electric equipment, but also by those that have yet to introduce it into their operations.

Despite this growing optimism, adoption remains cautious. The findings indicate that fewer than four in ten respondents say their companies are currently using or piloting electric mining equipment, suggesting that electrification is still far from becoming a mainstream operational standard. Where electric equipment is in use, deployment is typically limited to specific applications rather than full-scale fleet replacement.

Among companies with direct operational experience, sentiment is broadly positive. More than 60% of current users report that electric mining equipment has delivered tangible operational cost savings, particularly through lower fuel and energy expenses. Respondents also point to stronger alignment with corporate ESG and decarbonization objectives as a key driver behind early adoption.

However, the survey highlights several structural barriers that continue to slow wider uptake. For non-adopters, the lack of charging infrastructure at mining sites emerges as one of the most significant constraints, alongside concerns over battery endurance and equipment performance in demanding operational environments.

Looking ahead, expectations remain measured. While some mining companies express interest in electrification, only a small share of non-users report having clear plans to adopt electric mining equipment, with many still assessing feasibility and readiness. Even so, respondents generally expect the outlook for electric mining equipment in Indonesia to improve gradually over the next three to five years, particularly if regulatory clarity, infrastructure availability, and operational incentives improve.

The findings suggest the industry is approaching an early transition phase: confidence in electric mining equipment is rising, operational experiences are largely encouraging, but adoption remains constrained by practical challenges on the ground. Whether electrification accelerates will depend less on technology readiness—and more on how quickly enabling infrastructure and policy support can catch up with industry expectations.

Want to know which electric mining equipment brand is sitting top of mind among the players—and what other insights the survey uncovered? Read complete survey report here: https://bit.ly/petromindosurvey-ev