Most open pit mining uses self charging electric trucks. They harvest energy from the full load while descending, then use that energy to get back up the mountain. But it's not efficient at lower temperature because lithium chemistry is crap at low temps. Sodium chemistry works to -40C without needing to heat the battery. The batteries are not very energy dense, so ok for a big truck.
Do they do this because mining cares about the environment? Fuck no, it's cheaper.


