As the global mining community prepares to gather for the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention next week, MacLean Engineering has announced a bold new step in its corporate evolution—the creation of a Surface Mining Vehicle Division. This strategic move builds on MacLean’s 50-year legacy as a trusted OEM for underground mining solutions, as well as a decade of leadership in battery-electric vehicle (EV) design and deployment across North America, Africa, and Australia.
Introducing the GR8 EV Surface Grader
The first offering from MacLean’s newly formed division is the GR8 EV Surface Grader, an electric grader designed to bring sustainable performance to surface mining operations. This inaugural model already has a landmark customer—Fortescue, the global mining giant, which announced its collaboration with MacLean at MINExpo 2024. The partnership directly supports Fortescue’s ambitious Real Zero 2030 strategy, which aims to decarbonize its iron ore operations in Western Australia.
Expanding the EV Fleet for Surface Mining
MacLean has signaled that the GR8 is only the beginning. The Surface Mining Vehicle Division plans to roll out additional products to build a comprehensive suite of electric surface mining equipment, helping the global industry meet increasingly stringent emission reduction goals.
Leveraging Decades of EV Experience
With a legacy stretching back to 1973, MacLean is no newcomer to equipment innovation. In 2025, the company will also celebrate ten years of its EV Series, which has made significant inroads into underground mining. More than 100 EV units have been sold and commissioned globally, collectively logging over 500,000 operating hours. This hard-earned expertise, built underground, now positions MacLean to lead the charge in surface mining electrification.
David Jacques, Vice President of Surface Mining Vehicles at MacLean, expressed confidence in the company’s readiness for this transition:
“As a company, we turned 50 in 2023, and in 2025 we will mark a decade of EV innovation in mining. Now, we’re making another decisive move by bringing our proven EV expertise to the surface mining sector. We’re excited to offer the same performance, safety, and cost benefits to surface mining that our underground clients have come to expect.”
A Broader Vision for Sustainable Mining
Dan Stern, Senior Product Manager at MacLean, emphasized that the Surface Mining Vehicle Division has far-reaching goals:
“Our message to the mining world is simple and powerful—we are here now to accelerate your fleet decarbonization journey. The GR8 EV Surface Grader is just the start. We are developing a full suite of ancillary EVs to help our customers achieve their core objectives of safety, productivity, and cost control, all while advancing decarbonization.”
Stern continued, inviting global mining companies to engage directly with MacLean:
“We want to hear about your decarbonisation and operational optimisation plans. We’re here to listen and provide solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our history runs deep—and now our future is looking up.”
Meeting the Demand for Green Mining Solutions
The global push for net-zero mining has made the transition to electric equipment more urgent than ever. From regulatory pressure to shareholder expectations, mining companies are being asked to show concrete plans for reducing emissions. MacLean’s move into surface mining comes at a critical time, offering practical, fit-for-purpose EV solutions that align with both climate goals and operational requirements.
Why Surface Mining Needs EV Innovation
Surface mining fleets include a wide range of ancillary equipment, from graders and dozers to water trucks and haulage vehicles. Electrifying these vehicles is essential to decarbonizing overall operations, but challenges such as range, power, and charging infrastructure have slowed progress. MacLean’s decade of underground EV development gives it unique insight into overcoming these challenges, particularly around battery performance in harsh environments and real-time fleet data integration.
The Future of Surface Mining Is Electric
With the launch of its Surface Mining Vehicle Division, MacLean is poised to become a key player in surface mining’s clean energy transition. By offering not just vehicles but complete EV ecosystem solutions—including charging infrastructure, remote diagnostics, and lifecycle service support—MacLean aims to simplify and accelerate the shift to zero-emission fleets.
MacLean’s Commitment to Innovation
As MacLean prepares to showcase its new division at PDAC 2025, the company underscores its ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer partnership. The mining world is being invited to rethink what is possible when it comes to safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility in surface operations.
Conclusion
MacLean’s new Surface Mining Vehicle Division marks a pivotal moment not just for the company but for the global mining industry. With the unveiling of the GR8 EV Surface Grader and a roadmap for a full electric surface fleet, MacLean is positioning itself at the forefront of the green mining revolution. Mining companies seeking practical, proven pathways to decarbonization now have a new partner ready to listen, collaborate, and deliver.
Stay tuned to Skillings Mining Review for the latest updates on innovative technologies shaping the future of sustainable mining.
