All posts by Paul Moore

Echion Technologies partners with MACA, the global contractor pioneering new technologies in mining

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

The leading supplier of niobium battery anode materials, Echion Technologies (Echion), and global contracting group in the resource and construction sectors, MACA, have entered into a partnership. This agreement, underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding, lays the foundation for MACA to access Echion’s state-of-the-art battery technology, utilising niobium-based XNO® anode materials.

XNO® anode materials unlock unique capabilities in lithium-ion batteries used in heavy duty electric vehicles, including: ultra-fast charging, high energy density, long-cycle life and high performance in extreme environments. Echion will work to develop the battery specifications and requirements for use in MACA’s applications, and leverage Echion’s battery supply chain partners to provide XNO®-equipped batteries.

Ben Ting, Chief Commercial Officer at Echion, said: “We are delighted to have signed the MoU with our partner, MACA. I was very impressed by the pioneering spirit of the organisation and its track record in deploying innovative new technologies into existing mining contracts. Echion’s anode material, XNO®, has the attributes required to meet the needs of heavy duty industrial electric vehicles and we are excited to be working towards developing battery packs and eventually, vehicles that are powered by XNO®. While this is just the first step in our journey together, we believe that our new partnership can make significant inroads into the mass electrification of heavy-duty mining and construction vehicles.”

David Greig, Group Executive of MACA, said: “We are committed to being at the forefront of innovative technologies which have the power to advance our journey towards sustainability and decarbonisation. This partnership with Echion further establishes MACA as a business driving change through new ways of working, as we set our sights on the potential benefits of XNO® for our fleet of heavy-duty vehicles.”

Echion’s niobium based XNO® anode material uniquely unlocks ultra-fast-charging capabilities for lithium-ion batteries used in heavy duty vehicles required in construction, mining and other industries. Lithium-ion batteries powered by XNO® can safely charge in less than 10 minutes, maintain high energy densities even at low temperatures, and deliver high power across a cycle life of more than 10,000 cycles.

MACA is an Australian founded contracting group servicing the resources and construction industries for over 20 years. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Thiess Group Holdings Pty Ltd.

ABB and Nuh Cement complete haul truck retrofit from diesel to zero-emissions

Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Industrial minerals, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Sustainable mining

ABB has completed the retrofit conversion of a Nuh Cement-owned diesel-fuelled Euclid R85B haul truck into a fully electric, zero-emission vehicle. The two companies worked together closely to design and build this retrofit project, which is the first time in the world that a vehicle of this size and class type has been fully electrified. In addition to overall system engineering, ABB’s contribution to the project included a BORDLINE® CC200, traction battery, an air-cooled traction motor, vehicle control electronics, a battery thermal management system, and a DC Fast charger.

The limestone mine, which is located in Kocaeli-Körfez, east of the Marmara region surrounding Istanbul, Türkiye, is positioned in such a way that the trucks travel downhill, fully loaded, on an average ramp gradient of between 18-20%. Regenerative braking enables the truck to recharge its battery as it descends, and once unloaded, ascend to the top of the mine using only previously regenerated electric power.

The project delivers significant benefits by revitalising a machine that was approaching the end of its operational lifespan. This approach further supports Nuh Cement’s sustainability goals by extending the lifespan of its haul truck, which had reached the end of its 30-year operational cycle, allowing it to operate for many more years. Rather than scrap and replace the original mining vehicle, which would involve disposing of several tons of material and purchasing a new vehicle at the cost of several million dollars, the project propelled greater returns on the initial investment made by Nuh Cement some 30 years’ ago.

In addition to the economic efficiencies, the retrofitting of this one truck will save approximately 100,000 litres of diesel fuel and prevent 245 tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to 58 gasoline (petrol)-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year. The use of ABB’s electric drivetrain solutions in place of a diesel combustion engine offers significantly lower operating costs via a reduction of both fuel consumption and maintenance requirements. In addition, the truck operates with higher performance, thereby increasing the vehicles productivity. On-site workers also benefit from the switch to electric propulsion through reduced noise, less vibration, and a cleaner work environment.

Many of the largest mining operators have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. Retrofitting trucks in this way is a viable, quick solution that mining operators can take advantage of as an immediate step towards meeting their ambitious sustainability targets.

Group CEO of Nuh Cement, Gökhan Bozkurt said: “This retrofitting conversion is one of the first in the world and we’re delighted with the result. It leads the way towards a more sustainable future for the mining and cement industries and will significantly reduce our costs and impact on the environment.”

ABB Motion’s Traction Division President, Edgar Keller said: “The completion of this project is enormously satisfying because it gives new life to machines that otherwise would have expired, whilst simultaneously lowering costs, reducing carbon emissions and boosting the productivity of Nuh Cement’s operations. It proves that converting diesel vehicles to full electric power is possible and at immediate reach. The time to decarbonise the mining industry has well and truly arrived.”

Caterpillar launches ‘Pathways To Sustainability’ – an energy transition program

Bulk handling, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Sustainable mining

Caterpillar Inc has announced the formation of a new educational program designed to support mining, quarry and aggregate industry customers on their energy transition journeys. The Pathways to Sustainability program is a four-year, multi-pronged experience that provides participants with holistic learning opportunities, energy transition project advisement and additional benefits related to sustainable product access. The program was discussed on Day 1 of The Electric Mine 2024 conference in Perth by Sean McGinnis, Caterpillar VP of Technology and Global Sales Support in his talk ‘The road to reducing emissions.’

The emphasis of the program is on understanding each participating company’s sustainability objectives and providing participants with information and tools that will help them understand where they are on their own unique journeys and where energy transition strategies may need to be customised to support individual actions. The program includes in-person and virtual training opportunities centred on six strategic areas impacted by the energy transition – strategy, people, product, process, technology and infrastructure. In alignment with Caterpillar’s 2030 Sustainability Goals, the program will explore opportunities to make an impact toward customers’ site emissions reduction objectives through multiple avenues, including the use of technology, reducing machine lifecycle waste, fleet-bridging strategies and solutions that can be applied today to improve efficiency.

The Pathways to Sustainability program is the next phase of Caterpillar’s sustainability offerings, building off of the company’s Early Learner program which was established in 2021. The Early Learner program includes electrification agreements with a select group of customers across the globe who are working with Caterpillar to test and validate the company’s new battery electric machines, and charging and infrastructure solutions.

Caterpillar Senior Vice President Marc Cameron explains: “To make a step-change, it will take the industry coming together. That is what our Early Learner program and now the Pathways to Sustainability program are all about – learning and working together toward a brighter future. We are proud to support our customers every step of the way as they design their own unique paths and goals, now and through the energy transition.”

Landmark study by IGO confirms technical feasibility of an all-electric underground fleet for Cosmos

Base metals, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mine shafts and equipment, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Mining techniques, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining

A collaboration between IGO Ltd, Perenti and ABB has revealed that an all-electric underground fleet for the Cosmos nickel mine would be competitive with the existing all-diesel operating fleet that was planned. The Cosmos Underground Electrification Study is one of the first pre-feasibility level analyses of the technical and economic aspects of converting an Australian underground mine’s fleet from diesel vehicles to BEVs. The study has been released on Day 1 of The Electric Mine 2024 conference in Perth, where Chris Carr, IGO Acting COO presented a summary of the findings.

The study covered mine design optimisation for electric operations; production and operating philosophy; fleet selection; power distribution and electrical infrastructure design; electrification system and battery management; ESG and safety impact analysis; and modelling of both capital and operating costs. The study assessed the feasibility of electrifying the entire Cosmos underground diesel fleet, including heavy vehicles such as trucks and loaders, ancillary vehicles such as drills and charge rigs, and light vehicles, including 4WD utes for transporting people and equipment.

The Cosmos Project is located 30km north of Leinster in Western Australia

Key study findings were first that based on OEM provided assumptions, BEV fleet offerings matching the productivity of the Cosmos diesel mobile fleet are currently available in the Australian market. The estimated cost to electrify the Cosmos underground fleet was not prohibitive over the envisaged life of mine, even based on conservative productivity and cost assumptions. Thirdly, a Cosmos BEV fleet would enable a significant reduction in cooling and ventilation demands compared to the existing diesel fleet, which offset the additional power required by the proposed BEV fleet. Consequently, the estimated overall power balance of the electrified Cosmos site was on average less than that of the existing diesel operation.

Perenti Group Executive Sponsor for electrification/decarbonisation Raj Ratneser said: “An all-electric mine is closer than ever, with the right equipment available and the mindset of the industry changing. As BEV technology develops, and our understanding of how these vehicles can be best integrated into an operating mine improves, we expect electric mining solutions to only become more competitive against existing diesel powered options.”

ABB Business Line Manager Mining Max Luedtke said: “Mines can become even more energy efficient with vastly reduced levels of CO₂ emissions, while at the same time staying competitive and ensuring high productivity, in part due to the higher tramming speeds of electric loaders and trucks compared to their diesel equivalents. We have been investing in electric mining transport through our eMine portfolio for several years now and have seen the technology go from strength to strength. We expect the outcome of this study to provide more momentum for electrification so our industry can continue to make real progress in lowering its emissions, while improving the health and safety of our people.”

Whilst fully electric fleets are inherently more complex to manage than diesel fleets, the study found that a Cosmos BEV fleet could meet the required levels of productivity through a combination of strategically located battery swapping stations and charging points to minimise downtime. Specifically, the Study concluded that two 65 t BEV trucks could replace and match the haulage capacity of Cosmos’ two planned 63 t diesel trucks. The BEV trucks would utilise battery swapping stations, with swaps occurring every 3-5 haul cycles and taking 8-10 minutes each.

Due to conservative speed assumptions used in the modelling, the planned loading fleet of three diesel loaders may need to be replaced with four BEV loaders, pending more detailed modelling and field trial data to verify real world capability. The BEV loaders would also utilise battery swapping stations, typically requiring a fresh battery 2-3 times per shift.

Ancillary diesel equipment such as graders, drills and light vehicles could be replaced with BEV equivalents. Unlike the trucks and loaders, these units must be plugged in to charge. It is anticipated that unproductive time would be minimised by strategically locating charging stations at common areas to enable opportunistic charging opportunities, for example, during crib time, at shift change, and while loading and unloading consumables.

Typical of pre-feasibility studies, the study identified further areas for investigation, including more detailed modelling and simulation of BEV loading and haulage, power demand, BEV fleet optimisation, and more detailed consideration of the communication network to support an electric Cosmos.

IGO’s Chris Carr said: “IGO is pleased to share this study with the wider industry as it demonstrates that the electrification of underground mining fleet is technically feasible, in the right circumstances. The electrification of fleet at mining operations will be pivotal in the industry’s commitment to advancing towards net zero emissions. In addition, the removal of diesel from underground operations will eliminate diesel particulate matter and other diesel exhaust gases, resulting in improved working conditions and better health outcomes for employees.”

You can access the full version of the study here.

Epiroc opens cutting-edge Competency Center for Surface Mining in Tucson, Arizona

Automation, Equipment maintenance, Explosives and blasting, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services

Epiroc has announced the inauguration of its new Competency Center for Surface Mining in Tucson, Arizona. It said this milestone marks a significant strategic advancement for Epiroc USA, as it includes the establishment of a state-of-the-art 28,000 square foot Rebuild Center to provide advanced support for surface mining customers, thereby fostering business growth in the region.

The statement said: “The Competency Center serves as a hub of excellence, delivering world-class aftermarket support, training, and specialised technical assistance tailored to exceed industry benchmarks. Services offered range from machinery remanufacturing to planned component replacement programs, along with streamlined logistics and distribution for machine parts and consumables.” It continues: “The Rebuild Center, housed within a new state-of-the-art 28,000 square-foot facility, is equipped with cutting-edge resources tailored to meet the evolving needs of the industry. With four rebuild bays capable to accommodate four Pit Viper 271 rotary blasthole rigs simultaneously, and 1,500 square feet of advanced office space, the centre embodies efficiency and stands as an example of innovation and excellence in the heart of Arizona.”

In addition to operational excellence and innovative data and automation technologies, Epiroc says it is committed to investing in its people, workplace culture, and sustainability goals. By supporting future talent and fostering the well-being of local communities across Arizona and the USA, Epiroc aims to make a lasting impact on the mining industry’s sustainable development.

The significance of this achievement was highlighted by Jon Torpy, President and General Manager of Epiroc USA, who emphasised: “The opening of the Competency Center underscores our dedication to investing in the future of mining. By providing customers with advanced technical assistance to extend fleets’ longevity, we are contributing to the industry’s sustainable development. This marks a major step forward in our mission at Epiroc, ensuring swift, efficient solutions to support mining operations.”

Booyco proximity detection tech helping lead the charge in surface mining safety

Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services

The continued focus on integrating Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) in South African quarries and surface mines highlights a significant shift towards enhanced safety and regulatory compliance. This move, directed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) regulations, underscores the critical nature of technology in mitigating workplace accidents.

As the pioneer of PDS in South Africa and with more than 18 years of experience in the field, Booyco Electronics believes that the human factor is a crucial element in the successful deployment of such technologies.

Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Electronics, argues that beyond the technical installation, the acceptance and willingness of employees to embrace these tools and adopt them in their daily operations are fundamental to their effectiveness. He advocates for a comprehensive approach to change management that involves all organisational levels, from front-line workers to top executives, ensuring a unified understanding of the technology’s purpose, benefits and operational impact.

Lourens points out that the successful implementation of PDS technologies not only promises to enhance safety in quarries and surface mining operations but also influences other key operational aspects, such as equipment availability and productivity. He emphasises the importance of clear communication about the technology’s objectives to facilitate smoother adoption and minimise resistance among employees.

Drawing from Booyco Electronics’ experience, Lourens highlights the setbacks in safety and productivity that can arise from inadequate change management, stressing the need for employee involvement in the process to foster a sense of ownership and understanding.

The change management strategy at Booyco Electronics begins with a technical readiness assessment to tailor the PDS technology to the unique conditions of each site. It encompasses educating stakeholders about the technology’s capabilities and limitations through specific deployments, managing expectations and providing training that explains the rationale behind the investment and its operational mechanics.

Lourens also underscores the importance of ongoing training and system optimisation based on user feedback to ensure the continuous success and improvement of the PDS technology. Additionally, he cautions against the unintended consequences of technology dependence, advocating for proactive management and continuous education to maintain the safety benefits of PDS implementations.

Ferrexpo set to deploy 14 km of trolley lines across all three main mining pits

Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, Sustainable mining

Iron ore miner Ferrexpo aims to be the first mining company in Ukraine to electrify its full truck fleet, connecting the vehicles to overhead electric cables for trolley assist and thereby use more green energy instead of traditional diesel. This will allow it to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and would represent a significant step forward in sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

The plan dates back some years, with the the Executive Committee approving the first stage of the electrification of the mining fleet in early 2022, representing planning activities for the installation of a trolley-assist network up the haul ramp at its mines. This followed scoping studies carried out in 2021. With the Ukraine-Russia conflict there have been delays but Ferrexpo now says this first stage will involve electrifying 14 km of haul roads in all three main open pit operations of Poltava Mining, Yeristovo Mining and Belanovo Mining.

It adds that it is currently analysing results of previous testing and are preparing a pilot programme for on-site integration. Collaboration with ABB in developing the conceptual design and specification of the equipment has been a crucial part of this project. The aim is to decrease emissions by 50% by 2030 and attain carbon neutrality by 2050. In terms of the energy source, Ferrexpo already operates a solar power plant in Ukraine with a capacity of 5 MW, and it is working on an additional 10.8 MW solar plant.

Taras Zinchenko, Ferrexpo Yeristovo Mine (FYM) Acting General Director, told IM that the current truck fleet includes mechanical drive Caterpillar 793, 789 and 785 and electric drive Hitachi EH3500 trucks. He said that the future intention is also to purchase larger mining trucks with a 300 ton capacity as part of the implementation of the trolley system. With regard to ABB he added that Ferrexpo has already signed a contract for ABB to design the electrical infrastructure for the trolley deployment.

Sandvik – BEVs on the way to meeting their huge productivity potential in operations

Automation, Bulk handling, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mine shafts and equipment, Mine ventilation, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is one of only two Platinum Sponsors of The Electric Mine 2024 event which is running from May 21-23 next week at Crown Perth. Amongst other things its participation includes a large delegation, two speakers, a Sandvik BEV underground customer panel in the conference line-up on Day 1, a Sandvik 65 t class TH665B underground truck in the Outdoor Showcase, plus Sandvik having one of the larger ‘Gigawatt’ booths in the exhibition.

Some mining companies, including juniors, mid-tiers and majors – have already taken the next step and committed to all-electric primary Sandvik fleets for their operations, both established and in-development. Others are starting new pilots and trials with Sandvik BEVs, are part way through them, or in some cases are already operating multiple units. Not only that but there have been major technology steps forward as well – including a higher-capacity battery for Sandvik’s BEV loaders and trucks that delivers 36% more energy in the same envelope. And the global production base is also evolving – beyond its BEV manufacturing locations in Turku, Finland and Camarillo, California, the company recently inaugurated a new production unit in Malaysia at the Sendayan TechValley industrial park which is already producing diesel underground models and will begin producing BEVs in 2025.

Brian Huff, Vice President of New Technology, Load and Haul, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions

Plus the long awaited autonomous plus electric question has already been answered with the LH518iB – the AutoMine®-ready version of the 18 t payload LH518B. Moving to drilling, with the DD422iE jumbo, DS412iE bolter and DL422iE production drill, Sandvik has a full range of electric options underground already. The AutoMine Concept Underground Drill, a cabinless BEV drill, shows what is coming in the future. On the surface, it has now produced two full electric concept rigs which are an ideal platform to build on for the future.

Finally – what also makes Perth an ideal hub for the event in 2024 is that Sandvik is playing a central role in the electrification of Australian underground mining and that Australia is the world’s leading underground contract mining market.

Just before Electric Mine 2024 kicks off was a good time to catch up with Brian Huff, Vice President of New Technology, Load and Haul, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions on remaining challenges and key issues with electrification underground.

Q The industry seems to now consist of three camps – early adopters going straight into electric fleets, those wanting a halfway house of electric drive/hybrid before going all electric, and those wanting to remain with diesel. Is Sandvik continuing with solutions for all three and why is there diversity in the market? 

There will always be different value propositions for different geographical, political and environmental conditions that affect the benefits of electrification. It’s not like suddenly in 2020 the business case for battery-electric went positive for every single mine in the world. Sandvik will continue to offer solutions that fit every need. Our whitepaper released at The Electric Mine 2023 went into those factors in more detail and our conclusion is that about a third of underground mines globally today have a good business case for pure battery-electric. For the rest the business case is still in favour of diesel, diesel-electric or hybrid. Our focus going forward is on creating a platform-based offering that allows different energy sources while leveraging common parts and maintenance procedures to make operating and maintaining the equipment easier. 

Q Can you update on the hybrid Sandvik TH66X – is it already undergoing in-mine testing and what are the main areas you want to address in the testing period?

Yes, the concept diesel-electric truck is being tested at the Callio mine in Finland. We are focused on controls system development and verification of performance. So far the results have been better than expected and we’re seeing significant increase in average climbing speed with the same engine powering the truck. A diesel-electric machine is basically a better and faster diesel with environmental benefits, a ‘no brainer’ step towards full zero emissions. 

Q Trolley assist is now being looked at at many surface mines – does dynamic charging also have a place underground and what is Sandvik’s take on this?

High-power dynamic charging starts to make sense in applications where large fleets, big machines and long ramps result in very high rate of battery cycling on a BEV fleet (high energy intensity). A trolley assist system can here provide additional power to the machine (higher speed) while reducing the use of the battery. Both are benefits that can help offset the increased capital cost of the trolley infrastructure. The tradeoff in battery maintenance versus ramp and infrastructure maintenance has yet to be determined, but we see the potential of trolley for certain types of mines. 

Q Equally is Sandvik still of the belief that a retrofit option to electric for existing equipment is not cost effective or practical?

Sandvik believes the benefits for electrification are more than just decarbonisation. Electrification should also improve productivity and reduce maintenance. Put simply – electric mining equipment is better mining equipment and customers can expect more from it. Conversion of a machine that was originally designed for diesel propulsion doesn’t allow the increase in tractive effort and overall performance that makes such a critical difference in the business case for electrification. Machines have a finite life. It makes more sense to replace end-of-life machines with new ones that are built from the ground up to take advantage of all that electrification has to offer. In industries with long product lifecycles of 10-20, even 30 years, a midlife conversion investment can make a lot of sense as there are still many years left. But heavy mining equipment typically gets replaced every 5-6 years and it simply makes more sense to convert an existing fleet step-by-step as machines reach end of life. 

Q Some issues that mines are saying need addressing with all electric equipment are productivity, maintainability and availability. How is Sandvik helping address these areas to ensure parity or better compared to diesel machines?

Parity is not good enough and nothing we strive towards. When introducing new technology, it must perform better than current technology or there will be no acceptance. Over the last decade of experimentation, we’ve seen plenty of proof that electric equipment on its best day is more productive, requires less maintenance and has higher availability than conventional equipment. What needs improvement is the consistency of high performance. This will come from engineering improvements, but perhaps even more so from advances in how the technology is used and maintained. We put a lot of focus these days on what we call ‘operational readiness’ which includes things like production simulations, operator- and maintenance training, charging strategies and parts supply planning. Where an electric fleet is deployed to a mine that is operationally ready, it’s likely to perform above expectations. 

Q Electrification will go hand in hand with autonomy. How will AutoMine step up to integrate with your electric fleet and in what ways is this already happening? What level of autonomous operation has been achieved so far with the LH518iB?

Our 18-ton BEV loader Sandvik LH518iB is designed automation-capable as standard and can already be ordered and delivered with the AutoMine onboard kit. Final factory and site testing of the system is ongoing, and we expect to release it for use later this year for both existing and new LH518iB customers.  

The Sandvik LH518iB automation capable battery loader

Q What are the biggest obstacles remaining in achieving true autonomous and electric fleets?

Automating the battery-to-charger connection is probably the biggest obstacle remaining to take humans out of the operation. Currently, human involvement is required in charge bays to connect cooling and electrical supply to the batteries, start the charge and then disconnect when charging completes. This operation does bring the opportunity for inspection and some preventative maintenance on a frequent basis but prevents completely autonomous electric fleets. There is no fundamental technical barrier to charging automation, it just hasn’t been developed yet. In the interim automated equipment will drop off and pick up batteries and then people will handle the charging. 

Q Have you been able to move beyond single machines to having fleets of electric machines at customer sites? Have you yet achieved an operational and standalone fleet of electric loaders and trucks that is a primary production fleet and not a test fleet?

Certainly yes. We have between 5 and 10 BEV fleet sites running or in delivery phase right now. Most fleet experience to date is with trucks, which is ironic as the loader application is typically easier to electrify. Our best performing BEVs are machines running in fleets and not the single-unit test and experimentation cases, probably for the reasons mentioned earlier around operational readiness and the level of experience and know-how locally at the site.  

Q Is the population of electric machines still dominated by LHDs versus trucks due to the different work cycle?

The active fleet is actually currently dominated by BEV trucks rather than loaders, mostly because we were earlier to market with mature BEV truck products. In our order backlog there are more loaders than trucks, but a reasonable balance, no domination of either type of machine. To some extent the benefits are more significant for haulage as that is typically where the most fuel is consumed and the most GHGs are emitted. 

Q For static charging do you foresee a situation where you can achieve common battery charging and swapping areas underground that serve load, haul and drilling equipment?

Our drilling solutions do not require chargers as they charge from the grid while drilling and carry their charging systems onboard the machine. Our loading and hauling equipment already utilise a common charging system and can swap in the same swapping bays or in any reasonably flat location. Expanding commonality beyond the Sandvik fleet to enable charging any type of machine from the same charger might sound like a good idea. But in practice there is always a Sandvik battery being charged on a Sandvik charger as operationally it is always optimal to match charging time to the application runtime. So even if you could charge some entirely other type of machine on the charger, it will already be occupied.

 

Byrnecut donates diesel-electric 60 t underground truck to South Metropolitan TAFE

Careers in mining, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mine shafts and equipment, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining people, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining

Global mining services provider and contractor Byrnecut has joined forces with South Metropolitan TAFE to help train the next generation of heavy automotive workers by donating a 60 t class diesel-electric underground mining truck. The diesel/electric haulage truck has retired from working in operational mines but will continue to serve industry by training mechanical and electrical apprentices and trainees at the college’s Heavy Vehicle Mechanical Training Centre.

Byrnecut commented: “The purpose-built underground mining truck was developed by Byrnecut in conjunction with Siemens AG and Elphinstone Pty Ltd and demonstrates a staged approach to electrification of underground haulage trucks. The Byrnecut Group is one of South Metropolitan TAFE’s biggest employers with over 180 apprentices currently training across various trades, and this donation marks a significant moment in advancing education and training in mining technology. Byrnecut are committed to the ongoing collaboration between industry and education, and we’re delighted that this donation will continue to pave the way for future generations of mining professionals to learn and innovate.”

Located in Thornlie, the Heavy Vehicle Mechanical Training Centre is home to industry equipment that mirrors real-life working environments to equip students with job-ready skills. The purpose-built underground mining truck is part of Byrnecut’s significant investment in sustainable mining technology; it completed over 200 loads during operational testing. The donation will teach students how to repair a range of mining and civil construction equipment that uses next generation electric drive solutions.

Its donation complements the Cook Labor Government’s A$25 million investment in new state-of-the-art equipment being rolled out across Western Australia’s TAFE network. The WA Labor Government says it has significantly reduced course fees for automotive, engineering and mining courses via the Lower Fees, Local Skills and Fee Free initiatives.

The Minister Assisting the Training and Workforce Development Minister Hannah Beazley said: “Byrnecut’s donation is an example of how South Metropolitan TAFE collaborates with industry partners to ensure they’re training highly skilled and employable graduates. This underground truck will provide students, who are the next generation of heavy automotive professionals, with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of how electric mining vehicles work. The Cook Government thanks Byrnecut for its generous donation.”

Barrick continues light EV rollout & adjusting roadmap to allow for Reko Diq & Lumwana expansion

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

Barrick has given some further information on progress with its route to net zero strategy in its just published 2023 Sustainability Report. In 2023, Barrick achieved the target it set for itself for 2025 of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 15%. Its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions have now been reduced by 16% against its 2018 baseline. Barrick says it will continue to reduce these emissions, with the long-term goal to be net zero by 2050. At the same time, it remains on track to achieve its Scope 3 emissions reduction targets which were set in consultation with its suppliers and service providers.

Looking at Scope 1 & 2, almost 75% of Barrick’s emissions are from its operations in Nevada and the Dominican Republic and the power plants that provide the electricity for these mines. “These plants are also available to provide electricity for their respective national grids to maintain grid stability or supplement supply when requested by the authorities. While we don’t use this portion of the electricity, we assume responsibility for the emissions as part of our overall emissions footprint.” In both these regions, Barrick says it is advancing plans to further reduce its emissions by developing more low carbon electricity sources, including solar. During 2023, its TS Solar Plant phase 1 array in Nevada was commissioned in December and is on schedule to begin commercial production in June 2024.

Barrick is also working in Nevada to introduce E-vehicles into its light vehicle fleet across Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) operations. During 2023, it introduced 42 Ford Lightning Electric trucks in Elko, Carlin, and Cortez and installed the required charging infrastructure. In 2024, a further 50 Lightning trucks will be deployed at NGM, and additional charging infrastructure will be installed at Turquoise Ridge, Phoenix, and the TS Power Plant. “Primary benefits, in addition to reducing our GHG emissions, include reduced maintenance costs, higher efficiency, reliability, safety, engine performance, better fuel economy and the opportunity to repurpose the older fleet for use in the operations.”

Looking ahead through studies it is also looking at rolling out light EVs across its operations in the Africa Middle East and Latam Asia Pacific regions; with other projects being considered including a wider deployment of underground electric vehicles, which would build on its close partnership with Sandvik – both companies have said they are developing a long-term battery electric vehicle strategy and transition plan to align with Barrick’s objective of carbon neutrality by 2050. Other emissions reduction possibilities including bringing trolley assist back to Lumwana in Zambia using its new Komatsu 930E-5 truck fleet there as well as installing a new overland conveyor at Veladero in Argentina.

Barrick is also looking at surface electric trucks and the use of alternative fuels. It is already advancing fast with electric drive diesel trucks – building on the proven success of Komatsu trucks at Lumwana copper mining operation in Zambia, NGM signed a multi-year agreement with Komatsu to deliver 62 Komatsu 930E-5 haul trucks between 2023 and 2025. Komatsu has also said it is being considered for the Reko Diq project in Pakistan which will start production in 2028. Having a lot of newer electric drive trucks in place will give Barrick more options for trolley and eventually battery trolley going forward.

During 2024, Barrick says it will also be working to update its net zero roadmap in line with its life of mine plans. “The studies undertaken or planned for the Lumwana expansion and Reko Diq include climate change risk assessments and greenhouse gas assessments. We are aiming to maintain our greenhouse gas emissions intensity throughout this expansion and growth phase of our business.”