3ME Technology has announced two major developments in advanced battery systems that could significantly improve safety and performance in the mining industry. The initiatives include a world-first DC Arc Flash testing programme conducted in partnership with Rio Tinto and a new strategic collaboration with Toshiba International Corporation to develop next-generation lithium battery technology for heavy-duty equipment.
These developments highlight the growing importance of safer and more reliable battery solutions as mining companies transition toward electrified mobile equipment.
World-First DC Arc Flash Testing in High-Voltage Battery Systems In collaboration with Rio Tinto, 3ME Technology recently completed a groundbreaking testing programme focused on DC Arc Flash risks in high-voltage battery systems used in mining vehicles and heavy equipment.
The testing programme forms part of a multi-year safety initiative aimed at understanding and managing the risks associated with large-format lithium-ion battery packs commonly used in electric mining machinery.
During the trials, engineers deliberately pushed the battery systems to extreme worst-case fault conditions. All safety devices were intentionally disabled to ensure that an arc flash event would occur, allowing researchers to capture accurate data on how these incidents unfold.
Key Findings from the Arc Flash Safety Tests The results revealed that DC arc faults can generate extremely high levels of energy and heat, sometimes exceeding the protection limits of standard personal protective equipment (PPE).
The research produced several critical safety insights:
The importance of proper electrical isolation in high-voltage battery systems
The need for correctly rated PPE capable of withstanding extreme energy levels
The role of fast-acting safety devices, including high-performance fuses
The importance of accurate DC arc flash calculations for system design
These findings are now helping establish new safety benchmarks for battery-powered mining equipment.
According to the project partners, the insights gained from the testing programme will support:
Development of faster-acting protection devices
Improved electrical engineering standards
Enhanced arc flash risk modelling
Stronger PPE safety protocols
These improvements are expected to influence the design of safer battery-powered mining vehicles across the industry.
Strategic Battery Collaboration with Toshiba Building on its safety research, 3ME Technology has also entered into a strategic collaboration with Toshiba International Corporation – Oceania.
The partnership aims to develop a ≤1,000 VDC liquid-cooled traction battery based on Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO) SCiB™ technology.
LTO batteries are widely recognised for their high durability, rapid charging capability, and exceptional safety performance, making them particularly suitable for demanding industrial applications such as mining.
Why Lithium Titanium Oxide Batteries Matter for Mining LTO battery technology offers several advantages for heavy-duty industrial equipment:
Ultra-long cycle life
Very fast charging capability
Outstanding safety characteristics
Low risk of thermal runaway
Reliable operation across extreme temperatures
These characteristics make LTO batteries ideal for mission-critical mining operations where reliability and safety are essential.
Toshiba has long been recognised as a global leader in LTO battery development, and the collaboration with 3ME aims to deliver next-generation battery solutions designed specifically for electrified mining equipment.
Shaping the Future of Electrified Mining Equipment The combination of advanced safety research and next-generation battery technology positions 3ME Technology at the forefront of innovation in mining electrification.
By working with major industry partners such as Rio Tinto and Toshiba, the company is helping to develop safer, more reliable energy storage solutions for heavy-duty mining equipment.
As mining companies continue transitioning toward low-emission and electric fleets, initiatives like these will play a crucial role in improving both operational safety and system reliability.