MACA has partnered with Echion Technologies for the development of lithium-ion battery technology in its heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs).

Echion said its niobium-based XNO anode materials unlock unique capabilities in lithium-ion batteries, including ultra-fast charging, high energy density, long life cycle, and high performance in extreme environments.

The technology will be implemented in MACA’s various mining applications, with the two companies set to work together to ensure the batteries meet MACA’s requirements.

Echion chief commercial officer Ben Ting welcomed the partnership, saying he was impressed by MACA’s pioneering spirit and track record of deploying innovative technologies into existing mining contracts.

“Echion’s anode material, XNO, has the attributes required to meet the needs of heavy duty industrial electric vehicles and we are excited to be working towards developing battery packs and eventually, vehicles that are powered by XNO,” Ting said.

“While this is just the first step in our journey together, we believe that our new partnership can make significant inroads into the mass electrification of heavy-duty mining and construction vehicles.”

Echion said lithium-ion batteries powered by XNO can safely charge in less than 10 minutes, maintain high energy densities even at low temperatures, and deliver high power across a cycle life of more than 10,000 cycles.

MACA group executive David Greig said the partnership is the next step in the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation.

“We are committed to being at the forefront of innovative technologies which have the power to advance our journey towards sustainability and decarbonisation,” Greig said.

“This partnership with Echion further establishes MACA as a business driving change through new ways of working, as we set our sights on the potential benefits of XNO for our fleet of heavy-duty vehicles.”

The partnership comes as MACA announced this week that it had locked in a major contract at Atlas Iron’s Miralga Creek iron ore project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

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