The equipment manufacturer said the launch, set for early 2020, would follow more than 10,000 hours of LHD testing underground at multiple customer sites in Europe.

Sandvik will begin the roll-out with its newest intelligent loaders, the LH517i and LH62i.

The Stage V engines will be available as options for the loaders globally, but they will require ultra-low sulphur fuel and low-ash engine oil to operate.

The base engine and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) purifier are proven Volvo technology, and have been enhanced with a ceramic diesel particle filter (DPF).

The OEM noted that advantages of the Stage V-compliant loaders included reduced particulates in the diesel exhaust improving the air quality underground, and the capability for users to operate the machines with up to 3% reduced fuel consumption compared to lower stages.

"The engine - delivered by Volvo Penta - and Sandvik load-and-haul equipment work seamlessly together to maintain productivity and reliability in the most challenging environments," the company said, adding that it would also improve equipment availability via passive regeneration of the diesel particulate filter.

An additional new feature in the Stage V engine is the modulating engine brake, allowing adjustments to engine braking power.

"[It] allows better control of vehicle speed downhill, and minimises brake and transmission overheating and brake wear. Both the modulating engine brake and the passive regeneration contribute to the equipment's high uptime," according to the OEM.

Machines with the Stage V engines will have a high-altitude operating capacity, allowing sites exceeding 3,500 metres above sea level the ability to work in compliance and with less noise as well.