A new wave of ‘electrotech,’ including solar photovoltaic, batteries, electric vehicles and heat pumps is revolutionising how electricity is generated, stored and consumed, increasingly at lower cost than fossil fuels.
As the quarrying, recycling and material handling industries continue to evolve, the demand for smarter, more efficient, and environmentally responsible equipment has never been greater.
The crushing and screening industry has long relied on diesel-hydraulic machinery. Businesses are charging ahead with electrification, but few are scaling.
ENVE product specialist Francis Sherry told Quarry that operators who adopt early are positioned to capture the greatest operational savings.
Australian owned and operated equipment supplier ENVE believes the biggest challenge in the sector will be shifting perspective of the traditionalist quarry operator.
“There is finite time until the diesel-hydraulic drive system becomes uncompetitive from an operational standpoint,” Sherry said. “We look forward to the challenge of transforming how crushing and screening is done.”
“Surging demand from electric vehicles, heat pumps and data centres have pushed electricity into a new ‘age of demand’ with electricity use projected to double by 2050 and with business driving three-quarters of that growth.”
Specialising in electric-hybrid technologies, ENVE is helping quarries redefine their approach productivity and sustainability.
By integrating advanced screening, crushing and stacking equipment into its offering, ENVE provides operators with reliable, high-performance machinery that provides up to 40 per cent reduction in fuel costs and a possible 30 per cent reduction in maintenance costs when compared with a conventional diesel only operation.
“The electric drive system at minimum provides a 15 per cent lower operating expenses (OPEX), and depending on material type, plant configuration and grid access, companies could return up to a 35 per cent OPEX cost reduction,” Sherry said.
At the core of ENVE’s portfolio is a strategic partnership with manufacturers Edge Innovate and Mesda Group.
EDGE Innovates has more than 25 years of expertise in the design and manufacture of screening and stacking products. Its knowledge and experience with eco-drive and electric-hybrid power packs meant partnering with EDGE Innovations was a no brainer decision for the ENVE team.
Sherry said Edge’s ability to understand the requirements of what is needed is always the focus.
“EDGE Innovate continually pushes the boundaries of engineering and manufacturing to deliver robust, high-performance machinery,” Sherry said.
Mesda is a market leader for mobile crushing and screening equipment in China, holding a market share of over 50 per cent in the Chinese domestic market. With four manufacturing facilities in China, 700 employees and operations in more than 40 countries globally, its customer-focused engineering has led to a reputation as a technology-driven manufacturer.
“ENVE’s decision to partner with Mesda marks a deliberate step toward the future of quarrying – if the core driver of your operation is to reduce your cost per tonne, it is imperative you act now,” Sherry said.
“China leads with the largest share of firms in the advanced stages of electrification (38 per cent), as well as the largest share of firms seeing positive returns on electrification investments (66 per cent).
“Mesda is strategically well-founded because China’s deep, policy-driven commitment to accelerating electric and hybrid technology adoption has created one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for electrified screening and crushing equipment.”
Unlike traditional diesel-powered systems, Mesda’s electric hybrid crushing range integrate electric drives with intelligent energy management, allowing operators to significantly reduce fuel consumption with 20 per cent fuel savings and the option to run direct electric, while maintaining consistent throughput.
Sherry said fuel efficiency is the most tangible advantage.
“Quarry operators are acutely aware of diesel price volatility,” Sherry said. “Mesda’s hybrid electric crushers dramatically cut fuel burn by 20 per cent.”
“As of May 2026, Australian diesel prices are elevated, averaging around $2.60 per litre. Your traditional diesel impactor runs on a fuel burn of 30-45 L/hr, a Mesda hybrid-electric impactor runs on a fuel burn of 15-22L/hr.
“By adapting you’re saving eight to 30 litres per hour. If you’re running 3000hrs/year – you’re looking at a fuel saving of 24-90,000 litres, $145-$150k per annum. The result is a measurable reduction in daily operating expenses, often without requiring major changes to site infrastructure.”
Equally important is the reduction in emissions and noise. As community expectations evolve and environmental compliance becomes more stringent, quarries must demonstrate responsible operation.
Performance remains non-negotiable. One of the critical factors in ENVE’s decision was that Mesda hybrid machines do not trade productivity for efficiency.
From a support perspective, ENVE recognised the importance of offering equipment that is not only advanced, but also serviceable and practical in real-world conditions.
ENVE engineering manager Nathan O’Connor said the move to electric drive systems is a case of adapt or expire.
“If you haven’t changed your model by next year, you need to speak to our team. The principles of simplicity are at the forefront of these Mesda units with a suite of diagnostic capabilities, predictive maintenance, telematics and ease of service,” O’Connor said. “I have visited both manufacturers’ facilities, their after-sales, aggressive research and development approach, spare parts and technical support teams are on the frontline with us, and with our customers.”
Ultimately, ENVE’s decision to distribute Mesda and Edge Innovate electric-hybrid equipment is part of a broader industry transition.
ENVE is positioning itself and its customers at the forefront of this transformation.
“Contact our team today for a free report on electric drive technology and how we can help optimise your crushing spread,” O’Connor said.
“Stop over-spending, look at the statistics and make up your own mind on how long it will be before the competition is crushing your margins.” •
For more information, visit enve.com.au
