Powering an electric future

Directors Abby Crawford and Andrew Cockbain on the cover of Australian Mining Magazine

As the mining industry accelerates towards a low-emissions future, electrification has become the cornerstone of operational transformation — delivering cleaner, safer, and more efficient power to some of the world’s toughest environments. At the forefront of this shift is Australian Power Equipment (APE), a trusted national supplier delivering the electrical backbone that powers both open-cut and underground operations.

Leaders in Power, Innovation and Sustainability

Founded by Abby Crawford and Andrew Cockbain, Australian Power Equipment has rapidly grown to become one of Australia’s most recognised suppliers of high-voltage power equipment and infrastructure solutions. The business has earned national recognition — including being ranked #45 in the 2024 AFR Top 100 Fast Starters — by combining deep technical expertise with a sustainability-led approach to equipment supply and lifecycle management.

From its base in Newcastle, APE provides transformers, switchgear, substations and high-voltage cable systems to clients across mining, tunnelling, renewables, agribusiness and defence sectors throughout Australia and internationally. What sets APE apart is its dual capability to supply both new and refurbished power equipment, enabling rapid response to critical site needs while advancing circular economy goals that reduce waste and extend asset life.

“Our business was built on reliability and responsiveness,” says Director Andrew Cockbain. “In mining, downtime costs are immense — our job is to keep operations powered safely and continuously, whether that’s through fast-tracked substations, re-engineered transformers or complete cable reticulation systems.”

Electrification: Powering the Next Frontier

With Western Australia leading the global charge towards mine electrification, APE’s expertise in surface electrical systems that power underground networks has become increasingly vital. The company’s cable reticulation systems form the arterial network that distributes energy from substations to electric machinery operating kilometres below the surface — a critical link in achieving emissions reduction without compromising productivity.

“Electrification doesn’t just mean swapping out diesel machines for electric ones,” explains Director Abby Crawford. “It means building a completely new electrical ecosystem — one that’s robust, safe, efficient, and engineered to handle the unique challenges of remote and harsh mining environments.”

Global Experience Driving Local Capability

APE’s expertise has been forged through decades of hands-on experience across Australia, Asia Pacific, the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa. The company’s leadership team has played an instrumental role in the electrification of large-scale operations across the Southern African mining belt — developing, specifying and supplying electrical infrastructure for both electric rope shovels and electric hydraulic excavators.

This international background underpins APE’s approach to today’s mining projects, ensuring the systems designed for Western Australia’s electrification drive are informed by proven field performance under extreme conditions.

Key achievements by APE’s team and leadership include:

·      Specification development for substations, switching stations, and cable systems suited to tropical and remote environments.

·      Supply of high-capacity substations (including dual 10–12 MVA 33/6.6 kV units) for electric shovel and mine power distribution.

·      Development of medium and high-voltage cable systems to enhance operational flexibility and equipment availability.

·      Training frameworks and operational systems to increase cable life, improve safety, and optimise machine uptime.

·      Cable selection, handling and management procedures that reduce risk and extend asset reliability.

These initiatives have laid the foundation for APE’s leadership in modern mining electrification projects, helping Australian operations adopt the next generation of electric mining fleets with confidence.

Building Smarter, Safer Power Systems

APE’s cable management philosophy is underpinned by one principle: sustained performance relies on intelligent design and disciplined practice. The development of correct cable selection, handling and management systems as well as the development of integrated electrical protection and relay systems, is not merely an operational detail — it’s the backbone of mine safety, availability, and energy efficiency.

As mines scale up electrification, the demand for higher voltage distribution and longer feeder runs introduces complex challenges in thermal loading, protection coordination and mobility. APE works closely with engineering partners, OEMs, and site maintenance teams to deliver fully integrated solutions that encompass substation design, switching infrastructure, reticulation layouts, and custom cable systems — all built to withstand Australia’s most demanding conditions.

“Electrification will reshape the way mines think about energy,” says Cockbain. “It requires the same engineering precision as the machines it powers. Every cable run, substation and connection must work seamlessly to deliver reliable energy underground.”

Sustainability at the Core

Beyond engineering excellence, APE continues to drive sustainability through initiatives such as APE LOOP, a circular economy framework that promotes refurbishment, repurposing, and recycling of high-voltage equipment. The company also supports wildlife conservation programs with Aussie Ark and Taronga Conservation Society, reflecting a belief that industry progress and environmental protection can — and must — coexist.

“Our commitment to sustainability isn’t just about compliance,” notes Crawford. “It’s about leadership — proving that the electrification of mining can reduce emissions, extend asset life, and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.”

Powering Progress

From surface substations to underground reticulation systems, Australian Power Equipment is helping mines across Australia and beyond navigate the path to full electrification — safely, sustainably and intelligently.

As the industry redefines what it means to be powered by electricity, APE stands ready to deliver the systems, expertise and vision that keep the future of mining switched on.

#australianpowerequipment #australianmining #electricmining #cables #transformers