The introduction of rubber tyred diesel equipment underground in the early 1960's and subsequent design improvements to diesel haulage systems over the past 2 decades has meant that diesel truck haulage has often been the first choice when selecting a haulage system for a new underground mine. Even today only 9% of all vehicles underground are electric powered._x000D_
However, with the development of more efficient electric haulage systems, the suc- cessful installation of low cost shaft hoisting systems and improvements in conveyor design, alternative haulage systems are appearing as viable alternatives to diesel truck hauling. In particular, the aspects of ergonomic and environmental operating conditions, maintenance and operating costs as well as productivity rates are becoming more and more important in the selection of underground haulage systems. Future develop- ment of existing diesel haulage systems will require that diesel haulage units become more productive, have considerably reduced exhaust emissions compared to existing units and remain the cheapest haulage method for under- ground one way haul distances up to a distance of 3 kilometres. Development of electric truck and associated fuel cell haulage systems