All posts by Paul Moore

Terra Nova awarded major crushing & conveying EPC contract for South American copper mine

Base metals, Bulk handling, Comminution of minerals, Mineral commodities, Mineral processing, Mining maintenance, Mining services

Murray & Roberts has announced that its subsidiary Terra Nova Technologies, Inc (TNT), in joint venture with Ingeniería y Construcción Sigdo Koppers SA, has been awarded an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with a large copper producer for a mine in South America. The contract value is approximately US$200 million, with TNT’s share in the joint venture being 51%.

The scope of work includes a primary crushing facility, a 6.3 km long overland conveyor, a 23 kV power transmission system, and associated infrastructure. Starting in April 2024, the project is expected to have a duration of 27 months. M&R said: “This significant award reinforces TNT’s strong capability to deliver complete EPC material handling systems in Latin America and is a welcome order for the business who had to rebuild its order book since the end of COVID, as limited materials handling opportunities came to market during this period.”

TNT, headquartered in California, provides materials handling design, consulting services, design/supply sourcing, and general contracting to the mining and minerals processing and other bulk materials industries throughout the world. TNT was acquired by Cementation Americas in 2019 and was a strong contributor to M&R earnings in the year prior to the pandemic.

The primary crushing facility will be a modular primary gyratory station and follows the successful execution of a similar project at BHP’s Spence mine in Chile. For the forthcoming in-pit crushing & conveying report in IM‘s May edition, TNT’s Director of Business Development, Paul Emerson commented: “One of TNT’s key developments has been the advancement of their modular primary gyratory crushing stations. These stations, designed for flexibility and efficiency, can be installed quickly in large, prefabricated modules. Mine operators have the option to choose between fixed or semi-mobile relocatable units, providing the ideal balance between the stability of traditional fixed installations and the flexibility of fully mobile systems – both well-suited for longer mine life applications and high-volume throughputs.”

On the stacking front, TNT is currently completing the construction and commissioning of a high-capacity Super Portable® stacking system in Arizona and has recently commenced engineering on a project that will feature a stacking system comprising several overland conveyors, a mobile overland tripper, and a large stacking system consisting of twenty-one pieces of propriety Super Portable® mobile stacking equipment.

This system is designed to facilitate the processing of an estimated 90,000 t/d of crushed copper ore within a large multi-lift heap leach stacking pad, and is essentially the same technology that TNT would utilise for high capacity waste stacking associated with IPCC systems. Furthermore, TNT is continuing to focus on the adaptation and development of their high-capacity Super Portable® technology into the filtered dry tails arena, considering the added benefits of utilising the same mobile stacking equipment to stack filtered tails for the co-disposal of waste rock.

By combining their decades of experience using both high-capacity Super Portable® mine stacking systems and their filtered tails experience at the world’s largest multi-lift, dual fully redundant filtered tails stacking facility, TNT says it can offer solutions that are based on well proven technology. As the mining industry continues to navigate the challenges of sustainability and environmental stewardship, TNT adds that its philosophy is to not only support the mining industry’s economic goals but also its environmental responsibilities, demonstrating a balance between operational demands and ecological considerations.

Boliden, Epiroc and ABB make first battery-electric truck trolley system for underground mining a reality

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

Boliden, Epiroc and ABB have passed a new technology milestone by successfully deploying the first fully battery-electric truck trolley system on an 800 m long underground mine test track in Sweden, with a 13% incline. The partners say this means the mining industry is a step closer to realising the all-electric mine of the future, with sustainable, productive operations and improved working conditions.

The statement said: “The achievement of the collaboration in Boliden’s Kristineberg mine in northern Sweden marks a critical moment for the mining industry as it continues to face rising pressures to balance increased outputs of critical minerals and metals with lower carbon emissions and energy usage. Demand for minerals critical to society’s clean-energy transformation is predicted to increase between 1.5 to 7 times by 2030 according to the IEA1, making electrification a priority.”

In tandem with reducing carbon emissions, the electrification of mining also promises improved health and safety for the industry’s workforce. By deploying this system, the collaboration partners aim to prove that the underground working environment can be significantly improved, with less emissions, noise and vibration while reducing the total cost per ton.

“Over the past three years, we have worked in close collaboration with the ABB and Epiroc teams to bring the electric mine of the future one step closer,” said Peter Bergman, General Manager Boliden Area, Boliden. “The most important thing for us is of course that the technology works in our own operations, but we also see added value that we together with our partners can drive technology development so that the system can be used in other mines. We are proud to have taken this concept to a live installment.”

Each partner has provided a unique set of expertise to this development process, clearly demonstrating the value of industry collaboration. Epiroc has added dynamic charging to its proven battery-electric Minetruck MT42 SG and battery system, and the trolley solution is equipped with ABB’s DC converter, HES880 inverters and AMXE motors to enhance the power. The truck features a trolley pantograph connected to an overhead catenary line, a concept which is highly suitable for long haul ramps. The electric trolley line gives additional assistance to the battery-electric mine truck on the most demanding stretches up-ramp while fully loaded, enabling further reach and battery regeneration during drift, which increases productivity drastically for a mining operation.

ABB created the infrastructure from grid to wheel, including the electric truck trolley system design and the rectifier substation for the test track. The definition of standards and vehicle interface was jointly developed by the project partners.

The underground environment is a unique challenge. To design a solution that could adapt to voltage fluctuations along the system, ABB collaborated with its partners to build a digital twin to simulate all scenarios. The result is a dynamic trolley system, with intelligent switchgear, measurements and transparency with the inbuilt ability to adjust power where it is needed at any given moment.

“Together, in close partnerships we can accelerate the transformation and reach a steep curve in mining technology innovation like we have done in Kristineberg,” said Wayne Symes, President Epiroc Underground division. “In a short space of time, we have implemented and delivered technology to not only reduce CO₂ emissions, but substantially extend travel distance for battery-electric driven vehicles on heavy ramp haulage, reduce operating costs, and improve the health and safety of mining environments.”

“We are passionate and committed to creating real progress for the mining industry,” said Max Luedtke, Global Business Line Manager Mining, ABB. “Seeing the industry’s first battery electric truck trolley system live is not only the result of a collaborative achievement with Boliden and Epiroc, but it is truly an industry milestone. We launched the ABB eMine™ concept of methods and solutions to bring electrification to the whole mining operation, from the grid to the wheel, and the installation at Kristineberg demonstrates the power of these capabilities.”

This project is supported by funding from the Swedish innovation agency Vinnova and their initiative ‘Sustainable Industry’ and will contribute to Boliden’s vision to be the most climate friendly and respected metals provider in the world.

Boliden intends to implement a full scale, autonomous electric-trolley system in the Rävliden mine, a satellite orebody and extension of the Kristineberg mine, and has placed an order for four Minetruck MT42 SG Trolley trucks from Epiroc. The total distance will be 5 km at a depth of 750 m. Once achieved, not only will Rävliden have significant less carbon emissions compared to a mine using conventional technology, it will also be part of setting a standard for new mines.

Metso supports sustainable mining in Chile; introduces circularity solution for mill liner recycling

Comminution of minerals, Energy minerals, Equipment maintenance, Mineral processing, Mining consumables, Mining services, Sustainable mining

Sustainable mining is a critical ambition in countries like Chile, the world’s leading copper producer. In response to the growing demands of its mining customers, Metso is strengthening its position as a supplier of a substantial range of sustainable solutions with the introduction of its unique circularity recycling solution for Megaliner™, Poly-Met™, and rubber liners in Chile.

The solution enables the efficient separation of different liner materials so that the valuable rubber and steel components can either be reused in the manufacturing of new products or recycled.

“Our customers have ambitious sustainability targets and commitments to reach net zero in their operations. The liner recycling service is a concrete example of how Metso can drive the mining industry towards more sustainable practices. With less unprocessed waste material sent to landfills, recycling helps to reduce CO2 emissions and improve environmental efficiency,” says Eduardo Nilo, President, South America, Metso. The recycling solution will be installed at Metso’s rubber and Poly-Met factory in Concón, Chile.

At the same time, Metso is expanding its factory in Concón to further increase its rubber and Poly-Met production capability. Metso has installed a mega-class compression press that will expand the range, sizes, and types of products manufactured. With its robust technology and large size, the press is specifically designed to produce large Megaliner™ mill liners that can weigh up to 8 t. After the introduction of the new press, the production capacity for large mill liners will increase by 30%.

To further support CO2 emission reductions towards Metso’s net-zero goal by 2030, renewable electricity will cover 100% of the factory’s needs. The Chilean 2050 National Mining Policy outlines how the country could harmonise the development of the mining industry with the needs of the environment by achieving carbon neutrality and growing the circular economy model. Metso says it is committed to developing pioneering sustainable technologies and solutions for the mining industry globally. Circular economy is one of the important areas of sustainability development throughout the industry.

“As a responsible supplier and partner for sustainable wear solutions, we have set ambitious targets to help our customers reduce the environmental impact of mining in the different stages of the production process. We are extremely happy to again achieve an important milestone with the introduction of this unique mill liner recycling solution to the very important Chilean market. As part of our extensive horizontal mill liner offering, we are also exploring ways to increase the number of recycled materials in our liners to further close the circularity loop,” says Heikki Metsälä, President, Consumables business area, Metso.

A pioneering recycling service is a part of Metso’s Planet Positive offering. The first feasibility studies were conducted back in 2009, the recycling program was initiated in 2015, and the important milestone of 1,000 recycled Megaliner™ liners was achieved in 2016. After careful studies and customer pilots, Metso launched a new separation unit in 2022 for its customers in Europe. Following the introduction to the South American market, the mill lining recycling service will be expanded to the North American market later in 2024.

The recycling service is facilitated by an innovative technology enabling safe and efficient separation of different rubber and metal liner components, like cast inserts, wear plates, and backing plates. All composite liners, like Megaliner™, Poly-Met™ liners, as well as rubber mill liners, can be processed using this solution. Metso also has an existing recycling process for metallic mill liners.

Master Drilling Ghana positions for growth with Pamicor partnership

Mine shafts and equipment, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining services

Master Drilling Ghana Ltd, a subsidiary of Master Drilling Group, recently solidified a strategic partnership with Pamicor Ltd, a well known Ghanaian firm specialising in development/production drilling solutions and human resources management for the mining industry. With a commendable track record in the Ghanaian market, Master Drilling Ghana has successfully executed various critical projects for reputable mining companies, including ventilation shafts, ore passes, slot raises, dewatering holes, and escape ways.

The statement said: “In a resolute commitment to localisation and bolstering its service offerings, Master Drilling Ghana has sealed the deal with Pamicor. This alliance marks a significant milestone, empowering Master Drilling Ghana to deliver comprehensive turnkey solutions to the underground mining sector.”

It adds that the collaborative vision extends beyond Ghana, aiming to extend services across West Africa. “Leveraging cutting-edge mechanical tools, the partnership intends to revolutionise conventional shaft sinking and horizontal development practices, promising transformative impacts on the industry.”

Gary Sheppard, Executive Director of MD Ghana Ltd, underscores the strategic significance of the acquisition. He emphasises its role in delivering specialised services and technological innovations to enhance operational efficiency and safety standards within the mining sector.

Echoing this sentiment, Kofi P Amponsah-Mensah, Director of Pamicor Ltd and MD Ghana, highlights the value that partnerships between foreign and local entities bring. Stating that this partnership is strategically made to provide specialised services and introduce technological innovations to improve operations in the mining sector. He emphasises their potential to elevate safety standards and operational efficiencies across the Ghanaian and West African mining landscape.

Henry Antwi, Chairman of MD Ghana, welcomed the partnership. He believes that this collaboration will promote localisation in the Ghanaian mining sector, create sustainable jobs, and develop the technical, commercial, and managerial capabilities of Ghanaians.

 

Datamine boosts fleet management capabilities with Samtech acquisition

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

Datamine has announced an expansion of its asset management solution offering through parent company Vela’s acquisition of Samtech. Based in Santiago, Chile, Samtech has more than 600 customers and is a leading supplier of fleet management, machine performance and telematics software and hardware. Samtech’s fleet management solution enables comprehensive monitoring and traceability of heavy, light and ancillary vehicles. The system is scalable from small fleets right up to thousands of mobile assets in large organisations. 

Samtech serves a variety of industries including mining, construction and rental fleets in the Latin American market. Datamine will distribute Samtech products to the mining industry globally, complementing its existing Sodep Minetrack dispatch solution with Samtech’s overarching monitoring system for all equipment types, along with new capability to design and manufacture specialist sensors for data collection. 

“Samtech impressed us with their innovative sensor technologies and ability to monitor very large fleets” said Dylan Webb, CEO at Datamine. “The complementary fit between our existing dispatch and asset management technology with the Samtech offering is exciting and we look forward to providing a comprehensive, OEM independent solution to our customers in Latin America and around the world.”

Samtech has deep expertise in the deployment of a comprehensive management suite that combines operational, logistic, and administrative data, and allows the creation of customised business process rules, supporting decision-making and continuous improvement. Datamine’s global mining customer base will benefit from access to Samtech’s proven solutions for optimising fleet productivity. 

Cristian Barrientos, CEO of Samtech said: “We could not have asked for a better partner and we are excited about what the future holds for Samtech. This is a new stage of growth and evolution for us, where the main beneficiaries will be our valued customers, who will have greater support and access to a broader portfolio of solutions, which will allow them to further improve the performance of their businesses. At the same time, our team members will have new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow as part of a large multinational group. I have no doubt that the quality of Samtech’s solutions will allow us to expand globally leveraging Datamine’s extensive network, solutions and expertise.” 

Daniel Chausson, COO Americas for Datamine, commented: “Samtech has distinguished itself as a dependable partner and has become a leader in the fleet management space with a large and loyal customer base in the Chilean mining industry. Samtech’s commitment to long-term relationships and providing superior products and support is evident by the business’s growth trajectory and high customer satisfaction. We are excited to welcome Samtech’s highly experienced team, and under the leadership of Cristian Barrientos take the Samtech technology to our global mining customer base.”

Komatsu hands over a P&H 4800XPC rope shovel – the world’s second – to Mogalakwena

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

Komatsu has announced the official handover of a P&H 4800XPC rope shovel to Anglo American, at the Mogalakwena platinum mine in Mokopane, South Africa. This is the largest rope shovel in the world with a 135 ton payload and only the second of its kind, the first one having gone to work at Teck’s Fording River coal mine in Canada.

Consisting of 63,770 parts, the shovel took 47,711 man hours to assemble on site (excluding manufacturing). Komatsu says the shovel is the most technologically advanced rope shovel ever and is environmentally friendly: with GHG emissions of 90 g of CO2 per for every ton moved, compared to 273 g of CO2 for a diesel power hydraulic excavator, and 136 g for an electric hydraulic excavator.

In a post on April 2, Noordman Willie, Senior General Manager at Anglo Platinum said: “Today is a significant day in history for Mogalakwena Mine. We walked our P&H 4800 rope shovel to the pit. It will improve our cost position and bring confidence to our LOAP [life of asset planning]. Thank you to our valued business partners Hlela Mining and Projects and Komatsu for safe on time delivery of the project. Well done team.”

Charl Coetzer, Strategic Account Manager, Mining at Komatsu South Africa told IM last year: “The 4800XPC AC leverages new Adaptive Controls technology with optimised machine structures to enable its larger payload and increase efficiencies. Adaptive Controls is a series of control functions that optimise shovel power usage in different phases of the dig cycle ie crowd, hoist and swing, leading to improved shovel performance while lessening the effect of operating impacts on the machine. Adaptive Controls combined with a stable, optimised structural platform in conjunction with efficient sight lines and refined ergonomics contribute to improved operator effectiveness and reduced operator fatigue. Through the application of innovative engineering and advanced technologies, Komatsu has designed the 4800XPC to be the industry’s most productive electric mining shovel.”

The rope shovel, numbered RS 126 at Mogalakwena, is just one example of latest technology being introduced at the mine – it was also the venue for the first nuGen™ FCEV truck deployment in 2022 – a Komatsu 930E 290 t truck – which was converted to hybrid hydrogen fuel cell and battery power by First Mode.

Newmont Cripple Creek & Victor preparing for Cat early learner battery truck

Automation, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Precious metals, Sustainable mining

In its 2023 Sustainability Report just out, gold mining giant Newmont says that its commitment to operational excellence, safety and sustainability is driven by cutting-edge technology and innovation. “Our cross-functional efforts evaluate a wide range of technological solutions and systems that improve safety, reduce emissions, mitigate impacts and enhance productivity.”

Highlights include its efforts to achieve an automated, electrified mining ecosystem: Newmont and Caterpillar Inc joined forces in 2021 to “revolutionise mining by developing a comprehensive set of standardised, all-electric and autonomous surface and underground mining solutions.” The collaboration, initiated at Newmont’s Cripple Creek & Victor operation (surface) in Teller County, Colorado, US; and the Tanami operation (underground) located 540 km northwest of Alice Springs in Northern Territory, Australia , aims to progress Newmont’s decarbonisation goals while enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

It adds: “This strategic alliance serves as a real-world proving ground for the mining ecosystem of the future. We will begin evaluating electrified autonomous haulage at CC&V and Tanami beginning in 2024 and 2025, respectively.”

Newmont says it is investing $100 million in the alliance with Caterpillar looking at innovative solutions for emission reduction. This partnership includes testing early learner battery electric trucks, autonomous vehicles and other technologies. Highlights in 2023 included with collaboration and support from Newmont, Caterpillar successfully completing its first prototype of a battery electric underground mining truck. Newmont: “This milestone represents a crucial step toward demonstrating progress in our collaboration. The ongoing collaboration between Caterpillar and Newmont aims to establish a fully connected, automated and zero- carbon-emitting mining system, enhancing safety and sustainability across our operations.”

The gold miner says it commenced groundbreaking and pre-work for the Electric Operating Zone at the CC&V operation in 2023, finalising the infrastructure design and layout and beginning the construction phase. “This preparation is essential ahead of the expected arrival of the first battery electric haul truck, scheduled for the second half of 2024, marking a significant milestone.” This truck will be one of the mentioned Caterpillar’s early learner program units.

Despite the progress being made at CC&V, however, it may soon have a new owner, as in February 2024, the mine was included in a list of operations Newmont intends to sell. All in all it intend to divest six non-core assets including Éléonore, Musselwhite, Porcupine, CC&V, Akyem and Telfer, as well as two non-core projects including Havieron and Coffee. It said this was to focus management efforts on portfolio of Tier 1 assets and emerging Tier 1 assets. The obvious assumption would be that the focus of the surface electric program would move to a different Newmont open pit gold mine but this is unlikely to be spelt out until a sale of CC&V actually goes ahead.

Newmont also spelt out other modernisation plans for its operations aimed at mitigating safety risks, reducing emissions and enhancing efficiencies. Newmont has successfully deployed modernisation solutions such as autonomous haulage systems, automated load-haul-dump (LHD) vehicles, fully remote operations and next-generation fleet management solutions at various mining sites.

In 2023, Tanami became the first underground stope mine to initiate testing and validation of Caterpillar’s MineStar Fleet for Underground, a next- generation mine control platform. The platform it says is expected to significantly advance mine control and operational visibility for underground mining applications when it becomes the operation’s primary production system in mid-2024.

Newmont also began replacing the legacy mine control system at Ahafo South in Ghana with the current generation MineStar Fleet system. “Leveraging our strategic alliance with Cat, we deployed the current generation Fleet mine control solution on next-generation hardware, facilitating field testing and scalability for the upcoming mine control solution. This system development initiative will continue through 2024.”

In 2022, Cerro Negro became the first underground mining operation in Argentina to use an automated LHD vehicle. Controlled and supervised by an operator in a control station, this autonomous solution Newmont says has improved safety, operator comfort and efficiency. “Through 2023 and into 2024, we are expanding the fleet of autonomous LHD vehicles at Cerro Negro, with one unit currently operational and four more coming online in 2024. Additionally, we have introduced two autonomous drills at Cerro Negro that are controlled remotely. Further expansions for both LHDs and drills are planned in the near term.”

In 2023, Tanami deployed three autonomous systems for its LHD equipment and ordered five more autonomous LHD machines. These five new diesel-electric machines Newmont says have a notable 31% improvement in fuel efficiency, increased payload capacity, a redesigned bucket for quicker cycles, reduced maintenance needs and extended component life. “When paired with automation, these higher efficiency and more productive machines are expected to result in tangible safety and productivity improvements at Tanami.”

Finally, Newmont continues to evaluate and work with key suppliers to understand lower-emission emulsion/ammonium nitrate-fuel oil, grinding materials and reagents; battery technology; and power conversion and carbon sequestration solutions.

Gold Fields looks to diesel-electric primary underground fleet options until BEV maturity

Mine shafts and equipment, Mine ventilation, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Power supply for mines, Precious metals, Sustainable mining

There were some interesting insights into Gold Fields’ medium to long term zero emissions underground mining fleet strategy in its Climate Change Report 2023 that has just been published. The diesel equipment used in its mines – particularly its vehicle fleet – contribute approximately one-third of the group’s Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions. To address this, Gold Fields initiated several programmes to decarbonise movement of mining material and waste. Its 2030 target is to reduce diesel usage at its mines by approximately 20%.

Gold Fields stated: “Most prominently, we initiated trials of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) at various sites in partnership with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). These trials aim not only to reduce emissions but also enhance productivity, decrease operating costs, improve vehicle safety, and reduce diesel particulate matter (DPM).”

It says these trials thus far have yielded valuable insights. During 2023, it completed trials of four different BEVs at St Ives – loaders, LHDs (load, haul, dump) and tool carriers – but says these demonstrated “limited decarbonisation benefits with variable production performances.” Similarly, trials involving light vehicles and haul trucks at Granny Smith and Agnew helped the miner further develop its understanding of the operational capabilities and potential decarbonisation benefits of BEVs.

Gold Fields indicate that it is not all plain sailing in BEV introduction as things stand today, from its viewpoint anyway. “The trials indicated that current BEV prototypes are not as technologically advanced as required, resulting in lower availability levels, frequent battery changes or charges, and lower productivity compared with diesel vehicles. Due to the novelty of BEV technology, we also face challenges relating to longer repair times and increased frequency of repairs.” Trials of BEVs were also not successful at deep underground levels at South Deep but it did observe that underground BEVs could make a material difference when combined with potential energy savings derived from reduced ventilation.

Gold Fields says it plans to continue deploying and trialling reduced and zero-emission vehicles, including diesel-electric LHDs, e-drive diesel-electric trucks, battery electric light vehicles, and further ancillary trials with OEMs and partners. For example, it is partnering with Epiroc to develop the next generation of electric drive hybrid underground mine trucks, with a prototype scheduled for testing in 2024. Gold Fields is also already trialling the diesel-electric R2900 XE from Caterpillar.

It adds: “Many of the BEVs required for mine production will only reach maturity stage by 2025 at the earliest and to achieve the benefits of these technologies, full digital infrastructure will have to be developed at our mines. Hybrid diesel-electric vehicles may serve as a short-term solution until suitable zero-emissions alternatives become more mature and cost-effective. Meanwhile, the group is developing cleaner, safer vehicle group standards and supporting roadmaps for each of our mines.”

Moving to the bigger picture as well as surface mining solutions, Gold Fields is actively involved in the ICSV initiative led by the ICMM, which also includes participation by leading OEMs. The initiative aims to develop zero-carbon solutions for mobile equipment by 2030 for industry-wide adoption by 2040, based on partnerships and non-competitive collaboration.

Three specific goals underpin this ambition: developing collision avoidance technology to eliminate fatalities from vehicle interactions; reducing emissions of DPMs in underground vehicles and machinery; and reducing GHG emissions by developing zero-carbon solutions for mobile equipment. It adds: “The ICMM initiative recognises battery electrification as crucial in decarbonising mining vehicles. Challenges identified include low technology and commercial readiness of available zero-emission vehicles, lack of early adopters, infrastructure installation, inability to retrofit existing equipment, and change management.”

Through the initiative, Gold Fields says it is exploring and tracking the readiness and maturity of different technologies, including trolley assist, hydrogen fuel cells and hybrid battery solutions. “The use of these technologies at our operations will be determined based on best fit, technological readiness and maturity as we continue our net-zero journey to 2050. We are also investigating alternative material movement options such as in-pit crushing and conveying for open pits, as well as emerging technologies like Railveyor to move rock out of underground operations.”

To address these technology and other challenges mentioned above, the Electric Mine Consortium (EMC) was established to focus on how technology choices are impacting the supplier ecosystem; influencing policy; and communicating the business case. Gold Fields is one of five active mining members of the EMC, in partnership with equipment, batteries, energy and systems suppliers, along with potential funding partners and universities.

It concludes: “Despite the challenges, Gold Fields remains committed to improving BEV technology through collaboration with OEMs, and continued participation in the ICSV initiative and the EMC. The mining industry is actively working toward decarbonising material movement through trials, collaborations, and initiatives aimed at advancing zero-emission technologies. We remain dedicated to sharing learnings and accelerating the development of sustainable electric and zero-emission solutions for the sector.”

Innomotics’ role at Anglo American’s Quellaveco in Peru with digital mining solutions

Automation, Base metals, Bulk handling, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Mining software, Sustainable mining

Innomotics, a Siemens Business, has partnered with Anglo American, one of the world’s leading mining companies, to develop a digital mining solution for Quellaveco copper mine, in Peru. In this context, Innomotics has provided a suite of Siemens technologies, to help Anglo American engineer, monitor, manage and run the mining operations from the earliest stages of design through commissioning and into production.

Commissioned in 2022, the Quellaveco copper mine is the largest greenfield copper mine developed by Anglo American. By deploying new technologies such as autonomous trucks, automated drilling and remote operation, Anglo American put its FutureSmart Mining™ approach into action.

Anglo American’s Quellaveco digital mine is based on Siemens plant cycle management platforms and guarantees the optimal collaboration, continuity, and consistency of all the disciplines involved in plant engineering and operation. The system accomplishes this by consolidating data from a variety of sources. Automation data can be read out of the process control system and imported to COMOS to be graphically displayed, consolidated, and made available for further engineering and vice versa. COMOS uses this data to support the creation of the plant’s digital representation, a fast and reliable migration, and updates to the PCS7 process control system – all through one single solution.

The seamless pit to port solution allows Anglo American to observe and measure the whole operation in real time from the mine pit through mineral processing, logistics and to the port where copper concentrate is stockpiled, loaded, and shipped. Working from a remote integrated operations center, operators can quickly spot problems or inefficiencies and coordinate to take remedial action immediately.

Using the plant cycle management platform, Innomotics has integrated engineering data to create a unique data source for schematics from piping and instrumentation diagrams and data sheets to 3D models. Using concepts such as smart data and smart documentation, data from different engineering phases are combined, linked, contextualised and made available for the operation phase.

“We take pride in being one of Anglo American’s key partners in the development of their first digital mine. The creation of a digital representation of the entire mining operation has allowed us to virtually explore different scenarios and anticipate potential issues before they happen in the real world,” says Oliver Beck, Senior Vice-President of Solutions at Innomotics.

Michael Reichle, Chief Executive Officer of Innomotics adds: “We are delighted to take part in this ground-breaking project with Anglo American to help shape the future of mining operations. The merging of the real and the digital world is key to enhance productivity and efficiency. In doing so, Anglo American and Innomotics will greatly contribute to sustainability efforts in the mining business. Furthermore, this project once again underlines our position as a pioneer and leader in the field of technology and digital solutions and our ambition to redefine reliable motion for a better tomorrow.”

In addition to its leading solutions in digitalization and automation, Innomotics also supplied gearless drives for Quellaveco’s four grinding mills and the overland conveyor system and 22 medium and low-voltage motors for the floatation plant to become the main supplier for all electrical, automation and digitalisation products, systems, solutions and services.

Built at a cost of around US$5.5 billion, Quellaveco is expected to produce an average of 300,000 t of copper a year during its first ten year of operations. The mine is a joint venture between Anglo American and Mitsubishi Corporation.

MacLean marks 20th anniversary Mine-Mate milestone with unit shipped to Thompson, Manitoba

Base metals, Mine shafts and equipment, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services

With the delivery of a BT3 Boom Truck to a base metal miner in Thompson, Manitoba, MacLean is marking the 20th anniversary of the launch of its Mine-Mate™ utility vehicle (UTV) product line. The inaugural MacLean UTVs were delivered to a minesite in the region back in 2003 – an SL3 Scissor Lift, an AC3 Explosives Charger, and a BT3 Boom Truck.

On the 20th anniversary of the original MacLean UTV being shipped to Thompson, the 165th MacLean Boom Truck to roll off the production line is similar in some ways to the original ‘Mine-Mate’ Boom Truck (parts commonality, ruggedised design for reliability, durability and ease of maintenance, safety-first engineered design), but also significantly updated for 2024 – a newly designed cab environment with improved ergonomics and visibility, along with vehicle telemetry to support safer, more productive operations.

“The decision to start manufacturing a full range of utility mining vehicles was a departure for MacLean in the early 2000s, as up to that point in the company’s evolution, we had focused on mobile equipment solutions within the ground support and secondary reduction vehicle categories,” notes John Botelho, Product Manager, Utility Vehicles. “Twenty years later and 1,000+ Mine-Mate UTVs sold and commissioned around the globe, we can now back up the statement that our utility vehicle product line is truly the miner’s best friend…rugged, reliable, and versatile performers in the underground environment.”

“I’m thrilled that our 20-year milestone for this bedrock product line brings us right back to where the Mine-Mate story started for us in northern Manitoba, with our Thompson branch providing the high-quality field support that is crucial to ensuring that a mining vehicle performs underground,” adds Denis Dore, Regional Manager for Manitoba and Saskatchewan. “Our people are what truly make the Mine-Mate UTVs the dependable workhorses that they are in the mining industry.”

“As we pursue the electrification, automation, and digitalisation of our entire product line to meet the changing needs of the industry, we never forget what hasn’t changed over the years – the fundamental importance of safety first, last, and always for workers,” notes Maarten van Koppen, Vice President, Product Management. “We’re proud that our Mine-Mate line of UTV solutions has stood the test of time and we’re not resting on our laurels. We are continuing to innovate for a better world and especially the world of underground mining.”