All posts by Paul Moore

First Mode’s Path to Zero™ – the most sustainable mining truck is the one you already own

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

First Mode has been something of a trailblazer in decarbonisation solutions for mining trucks. It works on the basis that the most sustainable mining truck is the one you already own and says its retrofit power systems can extend the life of existing fleets with an integrated design that maximises flexibility and interoperability.

In mining, a typical heavy-haul truck burns about 1 million litres of diesel fuel per year and remains in continuous operation for 10-15 years. Across First Mode’s customer market, it estimates that over 13,000 of these trucks are in global operation, releasing 35 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually – the equivalent emissions of 8 million passenger cars per year.

First Mode CEO, Julian Soles

To help the sector achieve its goal of 85-100% emissions reduction by 2050, First Mode’s Path to Zero™ product line begins with a low-risk hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) retrofit that requires no infrastructure changes and uses regenerative braking to decrease truck fuel use and carbon emissions by up to 25%. From there, the HEV’s interoperable ‘feed forward’ design enables mining companies to complete their fleet conversion to zero-emissions using First Mode’s full battery or next-generation hydrogen fuel cell EV drivetrains at a pace and timeline that they control.

First Mode is a major participant in the forthcoming Electric Mine 2024 conference being held at the Crown Perth, May 21-23, in Western Australia, as a Dinner Sponsor as well as having two speakers, one of whom, CEO Julian Soles, shared some insights with IM ahead of the event.

Q First Mode occupies a unique role within the industry in helping drive decarbonisation in mining forward – being neither a truck OEM, nor a mining company but a retrofit solutions player – has this brought its own challenges in convincing customers to go down this road? Is there conservatism based on a fear that the trucks will not be as productive?

Most major miners have pledged an 85-100% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. First Mode not only has the mining experience and technical capabilities to help miners achieve these targets, but also rapidly de-risk innovation for them – as demonstrated by our DT74 proof-of-concept fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) developed in collaboration with Anglo American, and more recently, our retrofit product line expansion to include hybrid diesel, full battery, and the next generation fuel cell electric vehicle power systems, which leverage rather than discard customers’ existing fleets. Customer confidence is high, with purchase orders already placed for our HEV product, because no other modular power architecture in the market today can immediately convert existing fleets to hybrid EVs and then either our full battery or fuel cell EV systems, bridging customers to what’s next in clean energy at a pace that they control.

Q In October 2023 you announced three Path to Zero™ retrofit solutions for mining but since then have focused on the hybrid option – is this driven by the fact that this is where the greatest initial demand lies and what your customers have been asking for the most?

Our focus this year on our diesel hybrid electric vehicle (EV) retrofit reflects our customers’ need for a low-risk, cost-effective option that immediately reduces their greenhouse gas emissions as broader supply chains for both clean grid electricity and clean hydrogen continue to grow. Still, as much as we are focused on our hybrid EV, we remain committed to spurring the market for zero-emissions haulage solutions. Since these solutions can vary in their upfront systems requirements, we’re also diligently working to solve – for example – the challenges of fuel cell power density plus liquid hydrogen storage and refuelling.

First Mode proof of concept HEV

Q Will hydrogen fuel cell retrofits still have their ‘day’ in the industry and will your work with Anglo eg at Mogalakwena and the proposed Hydrogen Valley in Chile help prove the potential?

A range of battery and hydrogen-related innovations are essential to mining’s long-term decarbonisation. First Mode’s next-generation fuel cell EV solution offers numerous advantages, but its successful deployment and integration will require sustained access to not just clean but also cost-competitive hydrogen made from processes that emit little or no greenhouse gas emissions. To help bolster the nascent clean hydrogen economy globally, our global hydrogen sourcing team advises customers, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers on how to best harness clean hydrogen’s potential – leveraging their extensive proven experience, including over 1 GW hydrogen engineering project experience, to help engineer new liquid hydrogen facilities, negotiate offtake agreements, and build consortiums for aggregated offtake and hydrogen hub developments, among other options as needed.

Q You recently announced a collaboration with Mitsui to help scale your retrofit solutions – how do the two companies complement each other and how will this help take the First Mode solution to the next level?

First Mode’s strategic alliance with Mitsui & Co, Ltd., is grounded in our shared commitment to sustainability and reducing heavy industry’s greenhouse gas emissions. Mitsui’s extensive global business experience and network coupled with First Mode’s expertise in developing and manufacturing decarbonisation products for heavy haulage, including through battery and fuel cell powertrain electrification, creates a partnership uniquely equipped to explore new business opportunities that integrate First Mode’s Path to Zero™ product solutions into previously hard-to-abate sectors, starting with mining.

Q To date, your focus has been on retrofitting Komatsu trucks and specifically the Komatsu 930E – what is your current strategy to be able to bring your value add to more brands and types of trucks?

While our primary focus is on the Komatsu 930E and 830E platforms, our adaptable modular technology can enable rapid reengineering and production of retrofit solutions for electric-drive trucks of diverse brands and sizes and will be driven by customer demand and market sizing. We are also actively exploring potential applications within the freight rail, stationary power, and maritime sectors.

Q You have grown your global presence to include your testing area at Centralia, new facilities in Australia and elsewhere – are you getting to the point where you have a truly global testing, development, manufacturing and supply chain through which you will meet expected demand? Can you summarise the role and outline of each of your main sites?

The First Mode footprint extends across five continents and reflects our commitment to establishing a robust workforce and infrastructure that can support growth and meet global customer demand. In the USA, our engineering headquarters, R&D facility, proving grounds, and factory are strategically located near each other in Washington state to maximise operational efficiencies and our rapid change velocity of innovation. Our facilities in Perth, Australia, similarly serve as a crucial engineering hub closely connected to the local mining region. Other offices in Chile, South Africa, and the UK additionally strengthen our customer connections and as well as product development, manufacturing, and supply chain capabilities on a global scale.

The two mining truck photos above shown a proof of concept HEVs in a controlled test area at the First Mode Proving Grounds in Centralia (USA). Do not attempt.

Caterpillar reports better price realisation, continued autonomy growth & electrification progress

Automation, Base metals, Bulk handling, Coal technology, Diamond mining, Energy minerals, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mineral commodities, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, Precious metals, Steel and iron ore, Sustainable mining

Caterpillar Inc has released its 2023 Annual Report, Sustainability Report, Diversity & Inclusion Report and Lobbying Report. Starting with the full annual report and looking at Caterpillar’s overall 2023 results, the numbers are good, but don’t actually represent overall increased sales volume, rather better achieved pricing. Resource Industries’ total sales were $13.583 billion in 2023, an increase of $1.269 billion, or 10%, compared with $12.314 billion in 2022. Caterpillar: “The increase was due to favourable price realisation, partially offset by lower sales volume. Sales volume decreased as higher sales of equipment to end users were more than offset by the impact from changes in dealer inventories and lower aftermarket parts sales volume. Dealer inventory increased more during 2022 than during 2023.”

Resource Industries’ profit was $2.834 billion in 2023, an increase of $1.007 billion, or 55%, compared with $1.827 billion in 2022. Again, the increase was mainly due to favourable price realisation, “partially offset by unfavourable manufacturing costs and currency impacts. Unfavourable manufacturing costs were driven by higher materials costs, the impact of manufacturing inefficiencies and unfavourable cost absorption, partially offset by lower freight.” Cost absorption was unfavourable as inventory increased more during 2022 than during 2023. Resource Industries’ profit as a percentage of total sales was 20.9% for 2023, compared with 14.8% for 2022.

In Resource Industries, in 2024, for both mining and heavy construction and quarry and aggregates, Caterpillar anticipates lower sales volume compared to 2023, primarily due to off-highway and articulated trucks. “While we continue to see a high level of quoting activity overall, we anticipate lower order rates as customers display capital discipline. Customer product utilisation remains high, the number of parked trucks remains low, the age of the fleet remains elevated and our autonomous solutions continue to have strong customer acceptance. We expect higher services revenues, including robust rebuild activity in 2024. We continue to believe the energy transition will support increased commodity demand over time, expanding our total addressable market and providing further opportunities for long-term profitable growth.”

Moving to the 2023 Sustainability Report, Caterpillar had some impressive updates on its ongoing success with autonomy. In 2023, the team reached a milestone of 10 years of autonomous operations. Through the end of 2023, this fleet counted more than 630 large mining trucks that moved a combined 7.5 billion metric tons. Caterpillar added: “This fleet is growing every year as customers look to automation and autonomy to drive operational consistency and deliver results. In 2023, zero of our autonomy customers reported lost time injuries caused by Caterpillar’s autonomous system. Another customer publicly reported their autonomous fleet burns less fuel per ton moved due to less idle time and fewer specific near-miss events.”

Today, Caterpillar says it offers a range of remote control, semi-autonomous and fully autonomous solutions designed to meet specific customer needs at their worksites, with a portfolio of options for haul trucks, water trucks, drills, dozers, wheel loaders and underground loaders. For example, a single operator can simultaneously operate up to four semi- autonomous dozers from a remote location.

It adds: “The demand for an autonomous fleet also has expanded dramatically. When we first introduced autonomous machines a decade ago, only about 10% of mines in the world had a fleet large enough – approximately 70 trucks or more – to justify the capital investment.” It says today autonomy can make financial sense for mines with as few as 12 trucks in their fleet. “This opportunity not only translates into business growth for Caterpillar, but also offers the opportunity to impact carbon reductions and safety improvements.”

On alternative fuels, Cat also pointed out that it offers machines and engines that are capable of operating on alternative fuels, such as biodiesel, biogas, hydrogen, HVO and methanol. “All Caterpillar diesel engines, for example, can operate on 100% HVO. While fuels such as HVO and biodiesel produce GHG emissions at the tailpipe that are essentially the same as traditional fuels, lower-carbon intensity fuels may reduce lifecycle GHG emissions in the fuel value chain.”

Finally, on electrification, Caterpillar points out that deploying an electrified industrial equipment portfolio is a more complex undertaking than the electrification of a passenger vehicle. “Among the many considerations are longer battery life requirements to enable operation at a jobsite throughout the day and unique charging infrastructure challenges in remote areas where mining and infrastructure work may occur. With a portfolio that includes both transportation and energy solutions, we have a unique opportunity to solve these challenges and innovate new electrification solutions for our customers.”

Cat says it is gaining valuable experience from initial introductions of battery-powered equipment and the additional battery- powered machines and chargers under development that can help our customers achieve their climate-related objectives. “Following the demonstration of our first battery electric 793 Large Mining Truck Prototype in 2022, we continue to develop the Caterpillar Early Learner program, which focuses on accelerating the deployment and validation of the Cat battery electric trucks at participating customers’ sites. The building of Early Learner trucks is underway. Caterpillar has also successfully demonstrated our first battery electric prototype underground mining truck. This battery electric truck will complete Caterpillar’s first fully electric underground load and haul solution when paired with the commercially available R1700 XE Battery Electric Loader.”

 

TOMRA’s XRT tech powered up by TOMRA Insight delivers results at Mothae Diamonds

Automation, Bulk handling, Diamond mining, Mineral processing

Global diamond producer Lucapa Diamonds owns 70% of Mothae Diamonds, an open-pit mine located in the diamond-rich Maluti Mountains of Lesotho, which started commercial operation in 2019 following the commissioning of its kimberlite processing plant. The mine is known to produce large, high-quality diamonds, and has had significant gem-quality recoveries including a 215 carat D-colour Type IIa, a 204 carat Type IIa, and rare pink, blue and yellow fancy-coloured diamonds.

When planning the recovery plant, Mothae turned to TOMRA Mining for a solution: “We wanted to recover large diamonds at the highest sorting efficiency with the highest throughput, and TOMRA met Mothae’s requirements with its modern and innovative technology,” says Macobone Semelane, Recovery Superintendent.

The recovery plant operates two TOMRA COM Tertiary XRT 1200 sorters: one for fines from 10 mm to 20 mm, and the other for coarse materials from 20 mm to 45 mm. The ore extracted from the mine is treated through primary crushing, scrubbing and screening, then transferred to the recovery area: “That’s where the TOMRA sorters separate diamonds from the ore,” explains Kothalo Matoli, Recovery Mechanician. “TOMRA sorters are the best of the best. With them, we are able to recover large diamonds prior to secondary and tertiary crushing, hugely reducing the risk of breakages, and our throughput is high, with 98% efficiency guaranteed.”

The two TOMRA XRT sorters at Mothae are connected to the TOMRA Insight cloud-based data platform that turns the machines into connected devices that generate valuable data and puts operators in control of the sorting process. They also feature the TOMRA ACT user interface, which facilitates the optimisation of the workflow and improves productivity.

Semelane explains: “As a relatively small and low-grade mine, we are always investigating the latest technologies. With our sorters operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we were looking to maintain and upgrade our sorters to the latest compatible software and hardware.”

“We wanted a portal that is user-friendly so our operators can easily interact with the sorters. TOMRA ACT now provides clear visualisation of events and alarms, and captures the images of the belt occupancy. It also shows the ejection activity.”

“TOMRA Insight has changed the way we are running our production because we can monitor our sorters remotely and we can access reports from both machines in one interface,” says Matoli. “All the alarms and events are logged on the sorter in real time, enabling me to troubleshoot very fast. My troubleshooting skill has improved a lot.”

TOMRA Insight also stores and backs up all the data generated by the sorters so that the operator can analyse the complete history of each machine. “Digital data is crucial. TOMRA Insight has exceeded my expectations because I can access data whenever I want, wherever I am. I have at my fingertips the learnings about my sorters, their operation and maintenance. We can see the belt occupancy and our ejection rate, and understand if a machine is over-ejecting due to foreign objects in the material, for example. The utilization of the sorters has improved, enabling us to process more tons and recover more carats.”

“I can monitor the sorters’ operational and health status from the office or offsite. TOMRA Insight captures and compiles all the data in one interface, generating reports and data analyses, improving data management and analytics for better decision-making. With TOMRA Insight, I see advanced sorting solutions in the future and automated recovery plants,” adds Semelane.

Semelane is also very impressed with the support received from TOMRA: “The TOMRA team has been very supportive since day one and their service is outstanding.” Matoli agrees: “They are always available whenever we need them. They help us remotely and if we need somebody on site, they are always ready to come.”

WesTrac, Caterpillar & Thiess hit a million autonomous drilled metres at Mt Arthur South

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

Leading Caterpillar dealer WesTrac has joined long-term customer and leading global mining contractor Thiess in celebrating an autonomous drilling record set at BHP’s Mt Arthur South coal operation in New South Wales where Thiess supplies a full range of mining services. The milestone of one million metres drilled autonomously was reached last month using a fleet of three Cat MD-series drills running with the Cat MineStar™ Command Autonomous Drill System (ADS).

WesTrac Technology Solutions Manager Nakia Brewer says the achievement not only reflects a highly successful deployment of Cat-built autonomous drills, but the strength of a technology-driven partnership that developed and rolled out the program in a cleverly phased approach.

“When implementing new technology, it is crucial that there is a clear understanding of the problem you’re trying to solve – in this case it was to reduce operating costs and increase consistency of drilling,” he says. “The way in which Thiess approach technology, understanding the problem statement and how technology will ultimately solve that for them, is world leading.”

WesTrac, Caterpillar and Thiess began the program in 2019 and following a multi-phase three-year journey, enabled a remotely located operator to control the three drills, a Cat MD6250 and two MD6310s, simultaneously.

Thiess Head of Autonomy and Operations Technology Trent Smith says the program’s adoption of technology closely considered its integration with people and process, with a strong focus on change management. “Achieving one million metres drilled autonomously is something we’re very proud of,” Smith says. “Working in partnership with WesTrac and Caterpillar we took a drill that didn’t have any automation capability and went on the journey as a team to bring through what is now three drills running autonomously with a single controller. We initially needed to select reliable technology that could deliver operationally and implement it in the right application. Then we addressed the change management around people and process to ensure we delivered the performance. It’s been quite exciting to see a technology product from its very infancy all the way through to an autonomous operation, and the Mt Arthur South project realising value from it.”

Thiess Group Executive, Assets, Autonomy and Digital Ramesh Liyanage added that Thiess was proud to be a leader in automation and autonomy for mining services. “Since introducing this technology at Mt Arthur South in 2021, we have recorded a 20% improvement in drilling performance, up to eight per cent reduction in fuel use, more consistent drill hole quality, accuracy and depth, and drill utilisation of up to 23 hours per day,” he says. “This year, we are also celebrating another momentous occasion – Thiess’ 90th anniversary. Since our humble beginnings in 1934, our pioneering spirit has been the driving force behind our success. This milestone achieved, safely drilling more than one million metres autonomously at Thiess’ Mt Arthur South, is a testament to this spirit, and we couldn’t be prouder of the team.”

Thiess upskilled more than 30 of its people at Mt Arthur South from traditional drill controllers to autonomous operators, and a range of other support functions during the million-metre journey. And more broadly, it has invested in autonomous mining systems training for more than 500 employees. Thiess views an opportunity to grow automation capability across trucks, drills, and dozers not just in Australia, but at regional level across Asia and the Americas, as well as investigating rolling out future remote hub operations.

According to WesTrac NSW Mining Business Manager Craig Morris, demand for Cat-powered autonomous drilling solutions is on the rise and he agreed that much of the program’s success is owed to effective change management including the efficiency achieved through technology applied to Cat machines. “A significant amount of effort went in at the start between all parties, in terms of being engaged and onboard. It was a rigorous change management process, and numerous learnings came from that, which is what made it successful,” he says. “For WesTrac, it was fantastic to have a partner that wanted to prove out the concepts of the autonomous drill and ensure it resulted in a positive outcome.”

Komatsu & SMS Equipment officially reveal the new PC9000 mining shovel

Bulk handling, Energy minerals, Equipment maintenance, Mineral commodities, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services

Komatsu Germany Mining Division (KGM) and SMS Equipment have now revealed the latest development in Komatsu’s fleet of hydraulic mining excavators for surface mining, the PC9000. KGM confirms the new model will be the largest in Komatsu’s hydraulic mining excavator portfolio.

The statement said that the PC9000, which will be the next size step up from the pictured PC8000, is designed to increase productivity, performance and efficiency on the mine site. It is optimised to suit Komatsu’s 830E through 980E mining truck sizes, improving cycle times and lowering the overall cost-per-ton of material moved. Additional features of the PC9000 include a larger bucket, higher digging forces and other features to improve cycle time. Its extended reach is aimed at supporting customers’ growing Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS) while a redesigned hydraulic system leads to lower emissions.

“More productive and more efficient while achieving the highest safety standards, the PC9000 marks an exciting evolution of our surface mining lineup,” says Peter Buhles, Vice President Sales & Service at KGM. “Komatsu is focused on creating value together. In developing the PC9000, we gathered input from our global customers and distributors to create a machine that responds to the mining industry’s emerging needs and is suitable for any type of surface mining application.”

The inaugural machine will be delivered to Alberta’s oil sands region in Canada and IM recently referenced a release by oil sands miner Suncor which had named the PC9000 and said the first unit would be heading to its Fort Hills operation.

“We’re incredibly proud to work in conjunction with Komatsu to bring the first PC9000 to Canada,” says Dennis Chmielewski, Executive Vice President, Mining at SMS Equipment. “Helping customers increase productivity and safety while reducing emissions is a big part of what we do as an equipment solutions provider. That includes maintaining a continual feedback loop with customers and manufacturers that ensures customers’ needs in the field are translated to future equipment models, as was the case with this machine.”

With more than 100 years of expertise in mining technology, KGM is a pioneer in the development of hydraulic mining excavators for the global surface mining market, defining standards for ultra-large hydraulic mining excavators worldwide. Since the early 1980s, KGM has been leading the way as a trusted partner and manufacturer of machine technology for Canada’s oil sands. Ever since, many machine models have been inaugurated with Canada’s oil sands producers. More information on the PC9000 it says will be available closer to its commercial launch.

Epiroc develops off-grid mobile solution with Fortescue

Communications in mining, IoT, Mining consumables, Mining services, Power supply for mines

Epiroc has introduced its first off-grid mobile solution, developed in collaboration with iron ore mining and green energy major, Fortescue. The solution is available in 10-25 kW units that are powered by Radlink Communications batteries and genZ Energy solar fit out conversions. Epiroc states: “These mobile solutions can be whatever you need them to be – whether it’s a mobile workshop, storage or infrastructure, the opportunities are endless.”

It adds: “This collaboration has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and we believe that the impact of this project will be felt far and wide. We remain committed to being innovative, seeking new challenges and creating solutions that not only meet but exceed the expectations of our customers. Together with Fortescue, we embark on a journey to redefine possibilities and set new benchmarks for excellence in design and functionality.”

Epiroc acquired a majority stake in Radlink in November 2022. It is headquartered in Perth, Australia and designs, delivers, and integrates wireless data and voice communication networks and supporting infrastructure to surface and underground mines throughout Australia. It also provides sustainable energy solutions that are designed to be managed remotely with no disruption to the solar, battery or AC power supplies.

Radlink is the parent company of genZ Energy, which was formed with the specific intent of creating cost effective, safe Lithium Ferro Phosphate batteries and energy storage solutions that perform reliably in the extreme conditions of the Australian outback. After several years of design and product refinement, genZ developed rack mount 2 kWh and 3 kWh battery modules for industrial and home energy applications.

Metso has delivered 100 truck bodies to date – most recently to Boliden Kevitsa

Base metals, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Sustainable mining

Metso is celebrating the milestone delivery of its 100th truck body; the delivery went to Boliden’s Kevitsa mine in the Sodankylä region in Finland. Truck bodies belong to Metso’s portfolio of comprehensive payload management solutions. This portfolio enables Metso to assist its mining and aggregates customers in optimising their loading and hauling capability, minimising the environmental impact, and maximising utilisation of the loaders and haul truck bodies.

Metso’s range of payload management solutions was considerably expanded with the 2023 acquisition of Häggblom, a privately owned Finnish engineering and manufacturing company. The new comprehensive portfolio includes a range of truck bodies and buckets, each suitable for different operations and business objectives, ground engaging tools (GET), as well as long-lasting rubber and metallic truck bed liners, high-resistant wear parts, services and repairs.

“This expanded portfolio equips us with more mature capability to comprehensively address the holistic loading and hauling needs of customers and to support their sustainability and safety targets. This strategic shift allows us to take on the responsibility of managing customer assets and prioritising service delivery over mere product transactions,” says Justin Ryan, Vice President, Material Transportation business line, Metso.

The global rollout is being phased in. In the first phase, the comprehensive loading and hauling offering is available to customers in the Nordics and Europe, with Central and South America to follow soon after. In the second phase, global coverage to all markets is expected.

“The delivery of the 100th truck body is a significant milestone and shows that our customers trust us for their loading and hauling needs. As Metso is now able to provide complete solutions for all site conditions, we look forward to taking the next step as a value provider in payload management,” says Jukka Karhula, Director, Loading and Hauling Solutions, Metso.

 

Barloworld Mongolia delivers Mongolia first as Khuren Tolgoi gets next gen Cat 6060 shovel

Bulk handling, Coal technology, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining project news, Mining services

On April 23, Caterpillar dealer Barloworld Mongolia successfully organised a key delivery ceremony of equipment at Khuren Tolgoi Coal Mining LLC in Gurvan Tes, Umnugovi. The new fleet includes a Caterpillar 395 excavator, three Caterpillar 777 dump trucks, a Caterpillar 988K wheel loader and Mongolia’s first next generation Cat 6060 hydraulic mining shovel in face shovel configuration which will be used to load larger overburden Cat 793 haul trucks already running at the mine.

Khuren Tolgoi Coal Mining LLC has been operating since 2002 and has a leading position in the mining industry in terms of coal export, sales, tax payment, benefits of projects and programs implemented in the framework of social responsibility, and contribution to economy. It says it is a transparent and responsible mining company that strictly implements the policy of environmentally friendly mining in its operations, plus values labour protection and safe operations.

It was originally established in August 2002 and commenced operations in April 2003. However by December 31, 2019, it transitioned into a fully nationally-owned corporation with 100% domestic investment. Subsequently, on August 4, 2020, the company was officially listed as ‘Khuren Tolgoi Coal Mining’ in the State Register.

The Cat next generation 6060 has multiple design enhancements and new components that the OEM says advance machine performance, durability, serviceability and operator comfort. It features updated engines, optimized hydraulics, heavy duty structures and undercarriage, Cat electronics and a state-of-the-art cab. The new shovel is also fully integrated into Caterpillar product support systems for efficient Cat dealer services.

The 600 t class mining shovel has a bucket payload of about 61 t per pass in both face shovel and backhoe configurations. Twin Cat 3512E engines are optimised for high performance, fuel efficient operation and increased durability. The efficient engine and optimised hydraulics enable 10 to 15 % better fuel efficiency compared to the previous face shovel model. For reduced maintenance, engine oil and filter change intervals are doubled to 1,000 hours. Structural, undercarriage and slew ring upgrades help maximise uptime and productivity and lower cost per ton.

To boost longevity, the Cat undercarriage features heavy duty rollers, idlers and tracks, along with a revised track tensioning system. The superstructure frame, face shovel and backhoe attachment structures have been redesigned to reduce structural repair and extend service life via increased plate thicknesses and geometrical improvements.

Macmahon secures A$352 million contract extension at AGA’s Boston Shaker

Bulk handling, Equipment maintenance, Mine shafts and equipment, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining services, Precious metals

Macmahon has announced that it has been granted a three year extension of its alliance style, mining services contract with AngloGold Ashanti Australia Ltd at the Boston Shaker underground mine. The Boston Shaker mine is part of the Tropicana gold operation in Western Australia.

Tropicana, located 330 km northeast of Kalgoorlie, is a joint venture between AngloGold (70%, and operator) and Regis Resources Ltd (30%) and is one of Australia’s largest producing gold mines.

Macmahon has been providing underground mining services to AngloGold at Boston Shaker since 2019 and says it is pleased to be able to continue with execution of the scope of services including mine development, production drilling, cable bolting and ore stoping.

The extended term of the contract will expire on May 1, 2027 and is expected to generate revenue of A$117 million per annum, adding A$352 million to Macmahon’s secured order book. Macmahon will, for the period of this extension, largely utilise existing fleet.

CEO and Managing Director Michael Finnegan said: “We are delighted to have been awarded an extension at Boston Shaker where we have worked to build an excellent relationship with our client, focussed on driving safety and performance outcomes. The contract extension award is a critical step toward growing the underground portfolio by 50% over the next two to three years. With capital already deployed in the project and no new growth capital required, we expect the extension to enhance our ROACE performance – where we recently increased our target from 15% to 20%.”

Worley and BluVein announce MOU on BluVein’s dynamic charging technology for mining electrification

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

Worley, a leading global provider of professional services in the energy, chemicals, and resources sectors, and BluVein, the leader in next-generation dynamic charging for mining electrification, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on a new collaboration aiming to accelerate the deployment of BluVein’s patented universal dynamic charging technology, paving the way for electrification solutions suitable for surface and underground mines globally.

Worley and BluVein say they will facilitate faster decarbonisation in mining operations, addressing the industry’s urgent need for sustainable practices. Recognising the challenges miners face in their electrification journey, the partnership “offers a streamlined and integrated path for mining companies that wish to integrate BluVein into their mining operations, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition from diesel fuel for heavy haul fleet to clean green energy.”

“We are excited to partner with BluVein, a step-change solution that accelerates electrification in mining heavy haulage. BluVein’s technology offers an agnostic approach to decarbonising mining operations, delivering miners a flexible and cost-effective solution for their BEV dynamic charging requirements. With Worley’s global project delivery capability and expertise in carbon reduction, we will provide a complete solution for miners worldwide,” said Martin Boulton, Worley’s Vice President of Mine Automation and Electrification.

With Worley’s global presence and expertise, BluVein says its technology is poised for seamless integration in mines worldwide. This MOU ensures that mining operations, irrespective of location, can benefit from a state-of-the-art electrification solution. By leveraging the combined strengths of both companies, the partnership aims to deliver electrification solutions that are both cutting-edge and cost-effective.

The collaboration also underscores the importance of standardisation, ensuring that miners globally, benefit from a common and high-quality electrification system. “BluVein is proud to partner with Worley, a world leader in project delivery, energy systems and resources. We are confident that combining our innovative technology with Worley’s renowned technical expertise and global reach will allow us to successfully integrate our world-class technology into mines worldwide,” said James Oliver, BluVein’s Managing Director. 

BluVein will also be featured in the speaker line up for The Electric Mine 2024 conference coming up at the Crown Perth, May 21-23. On Day 3, May 23, in the underground stream, James Oliver will present ‘BluVein1: Electrifying underground mining’ and he will be joined on-stage by two mining company members of the BluVein 1 consortium, namely South32 and Northern Star Resources. The BluVein XL solution for open pit mining fleets will also be a major discussion point during the event. There is still time to register – head to www.theelectricmine.com