All posts by Paul Moore

Goodyear announces sale of OTR tyres business to Yokohama for $905 million

Bulk handling, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining services

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Off-the-Road tyre business to The Yokohama Rubber Company, Ltd for US$905 million in cash. The transaction follows a previously announced strategic review of the OTR tyre business in connection with the Goodyear Forward transformation plan.

Goodyear’s OTR tyre business provides industry-leading OTR tyres around the world for surface and underground mining, construction and quarry, and port and industrial end markets. It added: “Goodyear OTR offers a comprehensive suite of trusted products, services and tyre management solutions that help customers optimise their operations and improve productivity and efficiency.”

“The sale of the OTR business marks an important milestone as we continue to execute against our Goodyear Forward transformation plan,” said Mark Stewart, Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President. “We are grateful to our OTR colleagues who have driven the success of the business and are committed to working closely with Yokohama to ensure a smooth transition for customers and associates.”

Goodyear will retain its business providing OTR tyres for US military and defence applications. Pursuant to a Product Supply Agreement to be entered into with Yokohama in connection with the closing of the transaction, Goodyear will manufacture certain OTR tyres for Yokohama at some of its manufacturing locations for an initial period of up to five years after the closing of the transaction.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, other customary closing conditions and consultations and is expected to close by early 2025. Goodyear intends to use transaction proceeds to reduce leverage and fund initiatives in connection with the Goodyear Forward transformation plan.

Goodyear produces OTR and mining tyres not only at its main base in Akron, but also at a range of other global locations. These locations are Colmar-Berg in Luxembourg; Nippon Giant Tire in Tatsuno, Japan; Topeka, Kansas; Americana, Brazil; Cali, Colombia; Bogor, Indonesia; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Karienga, South Africa.

The move brings market share and production capability and capacity for much larger radial mining tyres into Yokohama’s offering including 57 in and 63 in radials. Yokohama’s existing OTR tyre business is mainly for ADTs but also smaller to mid class rigid trucks. This includes radial tyres in the 33.00R51 size with multiple compound options, for example the RB42 and RL42 tyres with E-4 deep rock tread. The RB42 is also offered in a 27.00R49 size plus it has the RL47 46/90R57 tyre. Yokohama in addition supplies bias ply tyres up to 40.00-57 size and has a wide range of both radial and bias ply wheel loader, wheel dozer and grader tyres. Its OTR tyres are made in West Point, Mississippi as well as Onomichi City, Japan; Visakhapatnam, India and other global locations.

PT Freeport Indonesia formally opens new copper smelter in East Java

Base metals, Metallurgy, Mineral commodities, Mineral processing, Mining consumables, Mining services, Precious metals

Coordinating Minister of Economy Airlangga Hartarto and Investment Minister/Head of Investment Coordination Agency BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia, accompanied by PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) President Director Tony Wenas, formally launched commencement of PTFI’s new copper smelter recently in the Java Integrated Industrial and Port Estate (JIIPE) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gresik, East Java.

“I can only describe this plant as extraordinary. In the span of just 30 months from the project’s groundbreaking by the President, its construction was (able to be completed) on time. This is indeed extraordinary,” Hartarto said in his address. He said Freeport’s smelter development is part of agreement reached over the IUPK special mining operation permit awarded to the company.

The construction process has been completed on time, and the smelter is now operating, with production commencing in August and full capacity to be achieved in December 2024. “So this (smelter) is indeed very timely, with renewable energy currently trending, along with demand for critical minerals, one of which is copper,” the Coordinating Minister said.

He said with the PTFI smelter’s presence, mining activity and the refining process are now able to be conducted domestically. This is expected to positively impact the nation’s economy, with value added minerals now available for utilisation in the country.

Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia in his address conveyed thanksgiving and happiness on the Freeport smelter’s commencing operation, bearing in mind the challenges the development process had encountered. “Today I am happy and thankful as this was a long journey. I am very well aware this smelter development was not an easy undertaking, and at one point was facing jettisoning, the dynamics involved were truly excruciating. In 2021, just as we reached the decision to begin development immediately, the COVID-19 pandemic hit us. But now today we are together witnessing this (commencement of smelter operation). This substantiates Freeport management’s commitment to implementing IUPK requirements,” Lahadalia said.

Acting Director General of Minerals and Coal Bambang Suswantono who was representing the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister said the ESDM Ministry monitored and closely followed the Freeport smelter development. “This launching of Freeport smelter operation in Gresik marks commencement of the minerals downstreaming drive directed by the President (Joko Widodo). Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), Freeport, the Gresik Regency and East Java Province governments, have supported timely completion of the Freeport smelter development that marks the beginning of minerals downstreaming in the country.”

PTFI President Director Tony Wenas said development of this new smelter was a consequence of PT Freeport Indonesia commitment to support the copper mineral downstreaming policy launched by the government. He said going ahead, vast amounts of copper will be in high demand globally. Other countries are racing to take part in energy transition, and will need vast amounts of copper. “The President’s calling for the IUPK to require new smelter development was an unerring intuitive judgment. Global demand for copper will continue to rise, accelerating establishment of an ecosystem for electric vehicles, accelerating Indonesian gold,” he said.

The official launching of PTFI smelter’s operation took place in the area across from the sulphuric acid tank. The launching was marked by the pushing of a siren button, followed by monument inscription signing. Also attending the event were Acting East Java Province Secretary Bobby Soemiarsono, on behalf of the Acting Governor of East Java, and Gresik Regent Fandi Akhmad Yani.

PTFI’s new smelter can refine copper concentrate at a production capacity of 1.7 Mt/y to produce around 600,000-700,000 t of copper cathode. In addition to producing copper cathode, the smelter will produce anode slime that will subsequently undergo refining in the Precious Metals Refinery (PMR) to turn out gold and silver bullion, as well as Platinum Group Metals (PGM). As of the end of May 2024, PTFI investment in development of the world’s biggest copper smelter with a single line design amounted to US$3.67 billion.

NMMC implementing $1 billion investment program to boost gold production

Comminution of minerals, Equipment maintenance, Mineral commodities, Mineral processing, Mineral project development, Mining consumables, Precious metals

Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine (NMMC), the world’s fourth-largest gold producer and Central Asia’s largest gold miner, has set an ambitious goal to implement 11 projects with a total value of $1 billion in 2024 under its ongoing Investment Program.

The program, designed to boost gold production, highlights NMMC’s commitment to growth and innovation in the industry. In the first half of 2024, $363.5 million has already been allocated for these initiatives, with work on all projects currently in progress.

One of the key projects, entitled “Ore Mining at Gold Deposits Kokpatas and Daugyztau (Phase III)” reached an important milestone this week with the launch of a new, seventh mill at Hydrometallurgical Plant No. 3 (HMP-3), boosting the facility’s gold-bearing ore processing capacity by 13%, from 8 Mt to 9 Mt per year.

The project, including the new mill, has a total cost of $281.1 million. Future plans include the expansion of flotation, bio-oxidation, filtration, drying, and roasting workshops, which will further increase production volumes.

Coupled with the launch of the new unit, these measures will increase annual ore processing capacity to 10 Mt by the end of the year. Equipment and spare parts for the new milling block were manufactured locally at the Company’s Navoi Machine-Building Plant and Northern Mining Administration divisions. Construction work was carried out by the Zarafshan Construction Administration. NMMC said this approach demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting local industries while also ensuring efficiency and timely project completion.

JSC NMMC is the largest gold producer in Central Asia and the fourth-largest gold producer in the world. The company mines, refines, and sells precious metals, primarily refined gold (99% of output). Its facilities are located in the Navoi, Samarkand, and Jizzakh regions of Uzbekistan. NMMC has 12 major mining sites, 7 hydrometallurgical plants, and 2 heap leaching workshops. Muruntau-Myutenbai is the largest open-pit gold mine in the world with a 101 Moz resource base. NMMC’s total mineral resources are estimated at 148 Moz of gold.

Weir introduces ENDURON® Orbital vibrating screens

Bulk handling, Comminution of minerals, Equipment maintenance, Industrial minerals, Mineral commodities, Mineral processing, Mining consumables, Mining maintenance, Mining services

Weir, a global leader in innovative mining technology, has launched the all-new ENDURON® Orbital range of vibrating screens. Engineered for sand and aggregate, construction, and small tonnage mining operations, the new screens it says are designed to meet the most demanding of applications.

Featuring an all-bolted construction, the screens “significantly improve reliability by eliminating welding in high-stress areas, removing the leading mode of failure in vibrating screens.” Locking bolts ensure structural integrity and durability, facilitating easy maintenance with quick replacement of individual components without the need for extensive downtime.

The ENDURON® Orbital range is available in two screen types: the E series: Elliptical Motion Horizontal Screens and the C series: Circular Motion Inclined Screens. Both screen types are designed with a commitment to innovation and quality, “incorporating the latest technologies to deliver exceptional performance in a broad range of sand and aggregate and mining duties.”

A wide operating window provides flexibility to adjust screen settings in line with changing applications or feed conditions, without compromising the equipment’s structural integrity and minimising the risk of structural failure related to harmonic resonance.

The modular screen construction ensures that individual components can be easily replaced. Common interchangeable screen parts reduce inventory overflow and simplify maintenance. Both screens are digitally enabled, including Weir’s modular exciter technology, which senses and reports on the condition of the exciter.

The exciter itself features a bolt-on/bolt-off design, meaning they can be easily changed on site and refurbished in a mechanical workshop. All ENDURON® products are fully supported by the Weir service network, offering unrivalled service, support, and local expertise across the globe. Weir says it “continues to lead the industry in providing cutting-edge, high-performance solutions that are tailored to meet the unique requirements of our customers.”

Corné Kleyn, Global Product Manager for Vibrating Screens said: “We at Weir are excited to bring this revolutionary new screening technology to the market. The team has worked hard for the past two years to bring our customers a product that is reliable with the lowest total cost of ownership. Our first screen has been successfully installed and commissioned at a large global customer and we are gaining momentum with more units planned for both the European and North-America markets.”

Vale Base Metals selects Thiess as partner for the Stobie Open Pit Mining Project

Base metals, Bulk handling, Equipment maintenance, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services

Vale Base Metals has celebrated the signing of an agreement to begin the Stobie Open Pit Mining Project, located in the city of Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. The agreement will see the mining services company Thiess, work closely with the United Steelworkers (L6500 and L2020), as well as local Indigenous businesses, Z’gamok Construction LP (ZCLP) and Aki-eh Dibinwewziwin Limited Partnership (ADLP) to extract critical minerals including copper and nickel from the property.

“This is a first-of-its-kind contract for Vale,” said Gord Gilpin, Director of Ontario Operations for Vale Base Metals. “It delivers on our company’s strategy to increase production from near-surface deposits and does so with the direct participation and collaboration of two very important groups – First Nation peoples and the United Steelworkers.”

Thiess Executive Chair and CEO Michael Wright said: “We’re excited by this opportunity to bring our global technical expertise and engineering capability to a major Canadian mining operation for Vale.”

“Vale identified an opportunity to ensure meaningful Indigenous involvement on this project, while respecting their obligations to their USW workforce and managing the earth’s resources in a sustainable way – we’re proud to work with a client who shares our commitment to sustainable mining practices, and working with others to move forward successfully, together.”

Thiess Group Executive Americas Darrell White added: “We look forward to continuing to partner with Vale, our Canadian First Nation partners, United Steelworkers L6500 and L2020, and the local community in Sudbury while continuing to contribute to Canada’s nickel and copper industry to provide metals that are vital to North America’s transition to clean energy. We greatly appreciate the trust and collaboration shown by the Canadian First Nation partners.”

By working with ADLP and ZCLP, Thiess is collaborating with three Canadian First Nations – Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nation under Aki-eh Dibinwewziwin Limited Partnership (ADLP) and Sagamok Anishnawbek, to present a full mining services proposal to Vale with meaningful First Nation participation.

The Gimaas of the three First Nations – Craig Nootchtai, Larry Roque, and Angus Toulouse – jointly stated: “This project represents a great opportunity for our communities to meaningfully participate and work as true partners in generating the wealth that is extracted from our lands. We look forward to working with Vale, Thiess, and the USW Local 6500 to generate value and jobs for our communities and the Greater Sudbury community.”

USW Local 6500 President Nick Larochelle said: “USW Local 6500 has been representing Production and Maintenance workers for over 62 years in the Sudbury basin and is happy to be a part of this new partnership to bring Stobie Pit into production. We look forward to working with Thiess, Vale, Z’gamok, and ADLP to bring this important project to life here in Sudbury. This will benefit all parties and help the community continue to thrive for many more years to come.”

USW Local 2020 Unit President Sherri Hawkes said: “I’m excited to see new ventures being started at our properties in Sudbury. Working with Vale and external partners will be new and different although we are happy that we were all able to align and find a path where we are able to move forward together.”

The statement said that the Stobie Open Pit Mining Project “will be delivered in a high-trust, collaborative model between all partners listed above, to ensure the project provides multi-generational, and both social and economic benefits for the local communities.”

Centamin PLC announces early completion of Sukari waste stripping programme

Bulk handling, Mineral processing, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining project news, Mining services, Precious metals

Centamin PLC has announced early completion of its waste stripping programme at the Sukari gold mine in Egypt. Since production began in 2009 Sukari has produced over 5.7 Moz of gold, and today has a projected mine life to 2035.

The operation has completed the 120 Mt volume component ahead of the fixed four year contract term ending, which started in January 2021. This has enabled Centamin to further retain contractor Capital Ltd to mine up to 10 Mt of waste until September 2024, with 2 to 3 Mt being incremental to the planned total annual volume at Sukari, equating to a 1-2% increase.

Up to 3 Mt of the volumes allocated to Capital Ltd will be used to divert part of the fleet to accelerate the construction of a new dump leach facility, expected by mid-2025. The dump leach facility will initially add approximately 5,000 oz per annum for four years, with potential for further expansion under evaluation.

Additional work will be allocated as follows: 4 Mt will supplement the owners fleet waste mining capacity ahead of the delivery of five new Caterpillar 785C dump trucks. The remaining 2 to 3 Mt will also be allocated to waste mining to fully utilise the remaining Capital Ltd fleet capacity.

Martin Horgan, CEO, commented: “Capital Ltd has delivered an excellent performance, resulting in early completion of the volume component within the four-year fixed contract term, while also ensuring safety and efficiency throughout the waste mining project. Having successfully completed the 120 Mt of waste stripping ahead of schedule we intend to leverage the Capital Ltd fleet until this September. This additional capacity will support the construction of a new dump leach pad, as well as facilitating the early completion of limited waste stripping scheduled for 2025 ahead of the delivery of the new 785C dump trucks. The net result is expected to be a small increase in total open pit material mined above the planned annual volume for 2024.”

Mining conveyor leader ZGCMC signs cooperation agreement with Huawei

Automation, Bulk handling, Comminution of minerals, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mine shafts and equipment, Mine surveying, Mine ventilation, Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Mining software, Sustainable mining

On July 16, China’s Sichuan Zigong Conveying Machine Group Co Ltd (ZGCMC), also known as Yunji Group, and Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement in Shenzhen. Relying on the advantages of ZGCMC in the mining and bulk transportation industries, as well as Huawei’s technical capabilities in cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, digital solutions, etc, the partners “will carry out all-round in-depth cooperation in the joint design of digital intelligence integrated solutions, global ecological cooperation, large-scale model auxiliary development, talent training and technical support.”

ZGCMC and Huawei cooperation signing ceremony in Shenzhen

They will also actively create demonstration projects combining artificial intelligence (AI) with traditional industries to jointly promote the high-quality development of related industries. The two sides will carry out joint innovation based on the Pangu model to achieve business innovation and growth driven by new technologies, enrich the ecosystem, and jointly create more commercial and social value.

ZGCMC is one of the leading companies in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of bulk material conveying machinery in China and is a leader in mining conveyors both surface and underground. Since its establishment in 2003, the company says it has been committed to providing reliable and stable bulk material conveying system solutions for global customers, and building a perfect bulk material conveying intelligent equipment manufacturing system and product chain. It has also set up Yunji (Tangshan) Equipment Co Ltd, building intelligent conveyor production projects, through digital twin technology.

ZGCMC says the application of green intelligent conveyor projects helps to optimise equipment operation efficiency and reduce costs, as well as improving product quality, making energy savings and reducing emissions. It also increases resource optimisation, promotes environmental sustainable development, “and brings comprehensive economic benefits and social value to enterprises and society.”

The cooperation will see investment in the establishment of Huayun Zhiyuan (Chengdu) Technology Co Ltd, aimed at integrating Huawei cloud computing, big data, AI and other technologies with traditional industries such as mining, bulk material transportation ports, and equipment manufacturing. It will also see AI integrated solutions applied across the whole ore flow, such as exploration, mining, dressing, transportation, refining, and processing creating digital and intelligent integrated solutions and service capabilities.

A statement said: “The dual-capability drive of digital twin intelligent equipment manufacturing and artificial and digital intelligence integration solutions will help Yunji Group become the world’s leading intelligent equipment supplier and ‘ore flow’ digital intelligence integration solution provider.”

Huawei adheres to the “everything is a service” strategy. Through Infrastructure as a Service, Technology as a Service and Experience as a Service, it says it provides customers, partners and developers with reliable, secure, reliable and sustainable cloud services.

At present, AI is reshaping thousands of businesses. Huawei in June 2024 released Pangu big model 5.0, which has been upgraded in multi-modal and strong thinking, “and continues to solve difficult problems and do difficult things” for industry, providing more innovative applications and landing practices.

The signing of the agreement will further deepen the cooperation between the two sides in Huawei cloud infrastructure, ecological construction, Pangu scene incubation and so on. The two sides will focus on building a global ore flow full-scene digital intelligence integration solution, through the multi-party integration of technology, business, scenarios, user experience, etc. “Together with industry chain partners, we will build an ecological cooperation mechanism for global mining, bulk material transportation ports and other industries, establish joint sales channels, jointly build industry standards, accelerate intelligent upgrading of mining, bulk material transportation ports and equipment manufacturing industries, and develop new quality productivity.”

Conditions on Simandou investment now satisfied in Guinea

Mineral commodities, Mineral project development, Mining project news, Mining techniques, Steel and iron ore

All conditions have now been satisfied for Rio Tinto’s investment to develop the Simandou high-grade iron ore deposit in Guinea, including the completion of necessary Guinean and Chinese regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to complete during this week.

Along with the recent approval by the Board of Simfer, this allows Simfer to invest in and fund its share of co-developed rail and port infrastructure being progressed in partnership with Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS), Baowu and the Republic of Guinea.

More than 600 km of new multi-use trans-Guinean railway together with port facilities will allow the export of up to 120 Mt per year of mined iron ore by Simfer and WCS from their respective Simandou mining concessions in the southeast of the country. Together, this will be the largest greenfield integrated mine and infrastructure investment in Africa.

Rio Tinto Executive Committee lead for Guinea and Copper Chief Executive Bold Baatar said: “We thank the Government of Guinea, Chinalco, Baowu and WCS for their partnership in reaching this milestone towards developing the world class Simandou project.Simandou will deliver a significant new source of high-grade iron ore that will strengthen Rio Tinto’s portfolio for the decarbonisation of the steel industry, along with trans-Guinean rail and port infrastructure that can make a significant contribution to the country’s economic development.”

Under the terms of the transaction, Simfer will acquire a participation in the WCS project companies constructing rail and port infrastructure, commit to perform a portion of the construction works itself and commit to funding its share of the overall co-developed infrastructure cost, in an aggregate amount of approximately $6.5 billion (Rio Tinto share approximately $3.5 billion).

Chalco Iron Ore Holdings Ltd (CIOH) has now paid its share of capital expenditures incurred or required by Simfer to progress critical works up to completion. A first payment of approximately $410 million, for expenditures until the end of 2023, was made on 28 June 2024, and a second payment of approximately $575 million, for 2024 expenditures, was made on 11 July 2024. These amounts settle all expenditures incurred up to date.

The co-developed infrastructure capacity and associated cost will be shared equally between Simfer, which will develop, own and operate a 60 Mt per year mine in blocks 3 and 4 of the Simandou Project, and WCS, which is developing blocks 1 and 2.

Under the co-development arrangement, Simfer and WCS will deliver separate infrastructure scopes to leverage expertise. Simfer will construct the approximately 70 km Simfer spur rail line and a 60 Mt per year transhipment vessel (TSV) port, while WCS will construct the dual track approximately 536 km main rail line, the approximately 16 km WCS spur rail line and a 60 Mt per year barge port.

Once complete, all co-developed infrastructure and rolling stock will be transferred to and operated by the Compagnie du Transguinéen (CTG) joint venture, in which Simfer and WCS each hold a 42.5% equity stake and the Guinean State a 15% equity stake.

First production from the Simfer mine is expected in 2025, ramping up over 30 months to an annualised capacity of 60 MT per year (27 Mt Rio Tinto share). The mine will initially deliver a single fines product before transitioning to a dual fines product of blast furnace and direct reduction ready ore.

Simfer’s capital funding requirement for the Simandou project as a whole is estimated to be approximately $11.6 billion, of which Rio Tinto’s share is approximately $6.2 billion, broken down as follows.

Rio Tinto’s share of expected capital investment remaining to be spent from 1 January 2024 is to be $5.7 billion. Rio Tinto’s expected funding requirements for 2024 and 2025 are included in its share of capital investment guidance for this period, with project funding expected to extend beyond this timeframe.

Newmont deploys first of nine R2900 XE diesel-electric LHDs in Ghana at Subika Underground

Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Precious metals, Sustainable mining

Newmont Corporation’s Africa Business unit, has deployed the Cat® diesel-electric R2900 XE loader at Subika Underground mine in Ahafo South.

The mining equipment, the first of its kind to be used in Africa, marks a significant milestone in Newmont’s commitment to reduce its global environmental footprint, in pursuant of the company’s ambitious goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Newmont has committed to purchasing nine pieces of the R2900 XE loaders for Subika Underground, between now and 2026, as it phases out the current fleet of loaders at the mine site.

“The new hybrid loader combines the power of diesel with the efficiency of electric technology to deliver a 31% improvement in fuel efficiency, translating into significant reductions in heat generation underground, fewer emissions, and a healthier working environment,” said Dave Thornton, the Managing Director for Newmont’s business unit in Africa.

In 2021, Newmont entered into a US$100 million strategic alliance with Caterpillar Inc., to build a comprehensive mining system which encompasses autonomous haulage fleets and other technologies for both open pit and underground operations.

The deployment of the Caterpillar R2900 XE loader in Ghana is part of this program, Newmont says representing a paradigm shift in the mining industry towards accelerating carbon emission reduction.

Chile technology piloting center CNP progressing on green hydrogen projects

Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining

Chile’s National Center of Piloting Technologies in Mining (CNP) last week published its 2023 annual report, highlighting significant advances in its management and in the promotion of technological innovation in the mining industry.

The CNP reported progress and projects in piloting, technological surveillance and market intelligence, analysis of test protocols, training, studies and business cases. It also reported that CNP signed more than 20 contracts, six of which are broad contracts with large mining companies.

The publication highlights a specific agreement with Albemarle, which added two lithium mining test sites to the CNP’s network of 12 test spaces. The technology centre also indicated that it strengthened its business model, with a view to economic sustainability in the medium term. “We report new technical, financial and ecosystem achievements, as well as our contributions as a strategic articulator between academia, industry and the public sector,” explained Andrés González, General Manager of the CNP.

Over the period 2020-2023, the CNP has managed to carry out more than 50 technology pilots and surveillance programs; plus has presented more than 200 proposals to clients. It has 14 piloting spaces in seven regions of the country; and maintains strategic agreements with Anglo American, Codelco, Sernageomin, Enami and Albemarle; in addition to collaboration alliances with more than 30 other relevant players in the ecosystem. In its value offering it also has access to more than 100 mining and technology experts from its network of academic partners.

José Miguel Benavente, Executive Vice President of CORFO, explained that in this sector you cannot improvise. “The work of entities like the CNP, promoted by CORFO, is key to taking this possibility of sophisticating our production processes with a strategic and long-term view.”

The executive highlighted CORFO’s productive development policy, focused on sustainability, making connections, collaboration and local value creation. “To achieve this, it is necessary to give space to entrepreneurship and the incorporation of new partners, a matter on which during 2023 CNP placed special emphasis with conscious and deliberate support for the segment of technological developers and small mining,” said Benavente.

Along these lines, Juan Cariamo, President of the CNP Board of Directors, indicated that they aim to be a benchmark in mining technological innovation in Chile and the region.  He stressed that the agreement with Albemarle in October 2023 incorporated lithium into other critical areas in which the CNP has been testing and investing, such as green hydrogen, tailings and technologies for sustainability. “This is the way to set the course and lead in what we believe will strengthen us as a technology centre,” he said.

Among the developments that the CNP highlighted during the year is the construction of a green hydrogen (H2v) pilot plant for mining in Til Til at Minera San Pedro. The plant has three electrolysers, producing up to 3 kg of H2/day, stored at 35 bar in an 850-litre buffer tank, powered by solar energy generated by 22 solar panels. With on-site generation and storage capabilities, the initiative expands CNP’s piloting capabilities to test H2v-based technologies, including fuel blending as well as innovations that use hydrogen as an energy vector. In 2024, when fully operational, this development seeks to become an epicenter of innovation and technological experimentation and a showcase for innovations applied to the entire H2v value chain in mining operations. It also seeks to create a training space for technicians and professionals in new technologies.

Meanwhile, for the Ministry of Mining, the CNP carried out a study and analysis on public policies in the world, which govern the implementation of H2v in mining; state of the art of H2v technologies in the industry, and an experimental plan with cost quantification to implement green hydrogen mining pilots in Chile.

The CNP has also contributed with its pilot tests to other industries such as energy and transportation. At the end of the year, the project for the first hydrogen bus manufactured entirely in Chile began, led by the public-private alliance of Anglo American, Colbún, Reborn Electric Motors and the support of CORFO; and as strategic partners the CNP and Fundación Chile.

IM spoke to Felipe Cevallos Becker who is the CEO & Co-Founder at Reborn Electric Motors about the project at EXPONOR 2024 in Antofagasta earlier this year. He said of the consortium-led project: “With our partners in the consortium we are developing a hydrogen bus capable of long distance worker transport using a combination of green hydrogen fuel cells and a battery pack. This will be a special bus designed for the mining industry that will carry 26-31 passengers and will be capable of doing longer trips that the BEV buses are currently not capable of doing.” The specific mine or route has not yet been finalised but the bus build is underway and testing should begin by late 2024/early 2025, Becker told IM with a view to it beginning operations at a mine within 2025. Toyota is supplying the fuel cells and CATL the LFP batteries. The hydrogen is pressurised at 350 bar and the bus will have 15-20 kg of hydrogen in tanks located in the roof of the bus. The new bus is expected to have a range of about 600 km. Other components in the bus like the electric motor are similar to those found in existing BEV mine buses.

IM Editorial Director, Paul Moore with Felipe Cevallos Becker, CEO & Co-Founder at Reborn Electric Motors

Within its public role, the CNP led the project, ‘Digital transformation of small-scale mining in the Valparaíso region’ part of CORFO’s Technology Diffusion Program (PDT), benefiting the mining companies of Catemu, Cabildo, Petorca, San Felipe and Illapel. This initiative is carried out in alliance with Anglo American, Sonami, AMTC of the University of Chile and the support of CORFO.

Regarding the pilots, it was reported that in 2023 pilot tests of various advanced technologies were and are being carried out. These include air classifier equipment from Anglo American; grinding balls made of steel bars with innovative anti-wear steel alloy, from Siderúrgica Huachipato; online monitoring of balls for SAG mills, from Smart Mining; a system for monitoring and modelling environmental variables, developed by the Metropolitan Technological University (UTEM); plus a system of modified reagents for flotation, from Industone, among others.

The report also reviews the first CNP 2023 Ecosystem Meeting, held in October in Antofagasta and Santiago, which brought together more than 300 people from industry, academia and government. During the event, more than 70 people were trained in piloting and technological surveillance workshops. The CNP announced that in September and October it will hold a second version of the meeting.

With these achievements, the CNP says it “consolidates its position in the mining innovation ecosystem, preparing for even greater opportunities in 2024 and positioning itself as a relevant promoter of new mining technologies.”