Use Case
Mining & Industrial Safety
Intrinsically safe energy storage for underground mining, remote industrial sites, and safety-critical operations where fire is unacceptable.
The Challenge
Underground mines and remote industrial sites operate under strict safety regulations that prohibit or severely restrict flammable materials. Lithium-ion batteries are often banned underground due to thermal runaway risk.
Remote sites face extreme temperature swings, limited maintenance access, and harsh conditions that accelerate conventional battery degradation. Generator-only backup is expensive and unreliable.
The Zinc-Ion Solution
Zinc-ion's aqueous chemistry is inherently non-flammable with zero thermal runaway risk, meeting the stringent safety requirements for underground deployment. No special ventilation or fire suppression systems are needed.
Operating from -40°C to 85°C, containerized zinc-ion systems deploy to desert mines, arctic operations, and tropical sites without active thermal management infrastructure.
Technical Fit
| Requirement | Zinc-Ion | Lead-Acid | LFP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underground Compliant | Yes | Yes | Often restricted |
| Fire Risk | None | Low (acid spill) | Thermal runaway |
| Temp Range | -40°C to 85°C | 0°C to 45°C | -10°C to 55°C |
| Remote Maintenance | Minimal | Frequent | Moderate |
| Cycle Life | 2,500–4,000 | 500–800 | 3,000–6,000 |
| Toxic Materials | None | Lead, sulfuric acid | Electrolyte solvents |
Deployment Scenario
Underground gold mine, MEA region: A containerized 500 kWh zinc-ion system providing emergency backup power for ventilation, communications, and refuge chambers at 800m depth. Ambient temperature ranges from 25°C to 50°C.
Result: compliance with underground safety regulations without exemption applications, zero fire suppression infrastructure cost, and 10+ year projected lifetime with minimal site visits.