Holcim has been pioneering the introduction of battery electric mining trucks at its South American operations, introducing the technology in the cement industry limestone quarrying sector in Argentina and Colombia for the first time via BEV trucks from China’s XCMG and SANY respectively.

Firstly, Holcim Argentina has announces the addition of an electric truck to its fleet, contributing to reducing carbon emissions and in line with its sustainability strategy. In addition, it is the first electric truck to be used in quarries in the country, a step forward that it says represents a clear transformation of the construction industry towards a future with more innovation and sustainability.

With the entry into operation of the XGMG XDR80TE, Holcim Argentina will avoid the emission of more than 225 tons of CO2 per year, which is equivalent to removing 53.6 cars from circulation or the same CO2 absorbed by a forest with a surface area of ​​more than 7.5 times the surface area of ​​the Central Park of Mendoza. In addition, a significant reduction in operating costs and an improvement in the homogeneity of raw materials are expected, crucial aspects to optimise quarry operations.

This project, led by the Holcim Argentina’s Decarbonisation team, required a total investment of more than US$300,000 for the acquisition of the truck, the installation of a charging station and the adaptation of the existing infrastructure. Currently, the truck will be incorporated into the limestone quarries at the Capdeville plant, in the province of Mendoza.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our strategy, and as part of this path we have the objective of reducing our impact on the planet. This means transforming each of our processes throughout the company’s value chain. The electrification of our internal fleet is one of the key objectives on our path towards the decarbonisation of our quarries, an area in which progress is being made throughout the world and in Argentina we lead the sector,” said Marilina Moro, Head of Decarbonisation at Holcim Argentina.

With a capacity of 45 m³, the truck can transport up to 72 t, establishing itself as a key player in Holcim Argentina’s quarry operations. Weighing 43 t kg, this truck is both robust and innovative in terms of energy efficiency and operational safety. It features an energy recovery braking system, which allows the battery to be charged during braking, reducing energy consumption and improving operational efficiency. In addition, the truck incorporates an automatic gearbox and a panoramic video system for assistance in reversing manoeuvres, ensuring safer and more precise handling in daily operations.

This initiative reinforces Holcim’s position as a pioneer in the adoption of sustainable technologies and lays the foundation for future innovations in the local market. It comes after a similar move by Holcim over in Colombia, where earlier this year Holcim Colombia deployed battery electric wide body mining trucks – four units of the SANY SKT105E. They are already operating in its limestone quarries at the cement plant in Nobsa, Boyacá and are supplied with 100% renewable electricity, from hydraulic and solar generation, completely eliminating the consumption of fossil fuels.

SANY all electric SKT105E trucks at Holcim Colombia’s operations

The 70 t class mining trucks are equipped to address logistical challenges with efficiency and sustainability, because they have innovative technology in vehicles of that size, in which energy is generated to recharge its battery, while descending a slope with a load.

This allows the equipment to deliver excellent results in mine operations such as Nobsa, where most of the hauling is done downhill, with lower energy consumption in recharging the trucks at the station and completely replacing fossil fuel consumption, which contributes significantly to reducing CO2 emissions. The new fleet is supplied with energy from 100% renewable sources from a main station with an individual charger for each piece of equipment.

Martín Costanian, Executive President of Holcim Colombia, stated: “We are proud to be the first company in the sector to bring this equipment to Colombia, marking a milestone for the market, thus demonstrating that it is possible to decarbonise the construction sector. We aim to become a net-zero company by 2050 and are committed to meeting this goal while continuing to build progress for people and the planet.”

Its incorporation into the operation will represent a saving in fossil fuel consumption of approximately 100,000 gallons per year, which translates into avoiding more than 1,900 tons of CO2 from diesel combustion, which will allow the company to deliver increasingly sustainable products to its customers.

In addition to a lower-emission operation, the new electric trucks have a load capacity of 15 additional tons compared to the current ones, which implies efficiency in the transport of material.

With sustainability at the heart of its strategy, the company says it made this investment in order to contribute to the creation of a more sustainable construction sector and to continue offering its clients a portfolio of comprehensive solutions that aim to decarbonise construction “and build a world that works for everyone.”