All posts by Paul Moore

First Mode to accelerate mining truck decarbonisation retrofit adoption with Mitsui collaboration

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

First Mode, the pioneering developer and manufacturer of decarbonisation products for heavy industry, has announced a strategic alliance with Mitsui & Co Ltd, the international trading company and investment group with extensive interests in the mining industry, to accelerate heavy industry’s adoption of low-carbon and zero-emissions product solutions at scale.

First Mode says its considerable expertise in powertrain systems electrification and hydrogen technologies, coupled with Mitsui’s global business network, will uniquely equip the alliance to explore new business opportunities that catalyse the integration of First Mode’s Path to Zero™ product line into previously hard-to-abate sectors like mining.

“We are honoured to enter into a strategic alliance with Mitsui to support and help scale our solutions that are proven to reduce heavy industry’s polluting outputs. The collaboration underscores our shared commitment to sustainability and the critical role of partnerships when addressing complex global challenges through innovation,” said Julian Soles, CEO of First Mode.

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, 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.

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.

“Mitsui recognises First Mode as a pioneer in decarbonisation solutions for the mining sector, particularly in the replacement of diesel fuel. Our relationship with them dates back to 2020, when we first explored the possibility of testing their early-stage fuel cell innovation at one of our mine sites. As such, we are eager to support their growth by leveraging our presence in the mining, mobility, and other heavy industries. Moreover, we will utilise our capabilities in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and hydrogen-derived synthetic fuels, along with our extensive network and investments in the clean energy sector, which includes batteries and hydrogen-related solutions like storage tanks. These efforts align with our commitment to a sustainable future,” said Ken Ito, General Manager of Mitsui’s Coal & Carbon Solution Division.

First Mode has been working in the mining sector since 2018, with successes that include developing the world’s first and largest hydrogen fuel cell electric truck in partnership with Anglo American’s nuGen™ zero emissions technology program. In 2023, following a capital investment and supply agreement with Anglo American that made Anglo American not only the majority shareholder but also a key customer, First Mode launched its Path to Zero™ product line of diesel hybrid, battery electric, and next-generation hydrogen fuel cell drivetrains.

First Mode says nothing like its Path to Zero™ product line exists in the market today because its sequential retrofit approach to decarbonisation “helps mining, rail, and other heavy industry companies safeguard their original haulage investments while also starting, progressing, and succeeding on their path to zero emissions.”

 

Bunting sells 120 ElectroMax Overband Magnets in only five years

Bulk handling, Mineral commodities, Mineral processing, Mining services

April 2024 marks five years since the launch of the ElectroMax Overband Magnet and, in that period, Bunting has built and shipped 120 units for a value exceeding £3 million. The ElectroMax Overband Magnets successfully separate ferrous metal from conveyed material in recycling plants, mines, and quarries, bulk handling terminals, and power stations.

Bunting is one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of magnetic separators, eddy current separators, metal detectors and electrostatic separators. The Bunting European manufacturing facilities are in Redditch, just outside Birmingham, and Berkhamsted, both in the United Kingdom.

The ElectroMax Overband Magnet uses a strong and deep electromagnetic field to lift and separate ferrous metal out of conveyed materials such as waste, mined ore, and quarried rock. Unlike other designs of electro overband magnet, the electromagnet is cooled with air rather than oil. This significantly reduces the weight and size, whilst being environmentally friendly by not using oil.

The ElectroMax Overband Magnet is 185% stronger than equivalent Permanent Overband Magnets and 25% lighter. Bunting states: “The development was in response to customers’ requests for smaller, lighter, and more compact Electro Overband Magnets without compromising separation performance. The ElectroMax is ideal for applications where space is limited or when extra separation power is required.”

In November 2020, Bunting expanded the range with the introduction of the ElectroMax-Plus Overband Magnet. This Overband operates up to 600 mm suspension height (the distance between the conveyor belt and the face of the magnet), up from 450 mm on a standard ElectroMax. At a suspension height of 500 mm, the ElectroMax-Plus is over 105% stronger (in terms of Force Index) than the equivalent ElectroMax. This incredible additional magnetic force removes small tramp ferrous metal commonly missed by permanent Overband Magnets.

Since the launch of the ElectroMax Overband Magnet in April 2019, Bunting has designed and built 120 units of varying sizes and for a diverse range of applications. Destinations include across Europe, North America, Africa, and Australasia.

The smallest ElectroMax Overband Magnet is the model EMAX 100, weighing just over 2,000 kg and suitable for conveyors with 1,000 mm wide belts. Bunting has sold multiple units for different applications including the removal of tramp ferrous metal from 400 t/h of gypsum rock at a quarry in Leicestershire, UK. At the site, the EMAX 100 was 400mm above a conveyor with a 900 mm belt width running at 2.14 m/sec.

In contrast, the EMAX-Plus 180 is the largest ElectroMax designed and built by the Redditch team. Despite the intense magnetic power, the EMAX-Plus 180 only weighs 4,900 kg, with an 1,800 mm long electromagnet mounted inside a 3,350 mm long by 1,400 mm wide frame.

Bunting has built three EMAX-Plus 180 units, with two installed at a coal terminal in Virginia, USA. The installation has the EMAX-Plus 180 magnets mounted 450 mm above a conveyor with an 1800mm wide belt travelling at the high speed of 5 m/sec. The two EMAX-Plus 180 Overbands remove tramp ferrous metal from 5,000 t/h of coal.

The third EMAX-Plus 180 is installed in an Indonesia limestone quarry. A conveyor with an 1,800 mm wide belt is transporting 200 t/h of limestone, with tramp ferrous metal being removed by the EMAX-Plus 180 suspended at 400 mm.

“Listening to our customers led to our development of the ElectroMax Overband Magnet, which has become one of our most popular magnetic separators,” explained Bunting’s European Technical Director, Adrian Coleman. “We continued developing the technology with the ElectroMax-Plus, further enhancing the magnetic power to weight and size ratio. As the demand for enhanced metal separation requirements become more widespread, an increasing number of customers are turning to the ElectroMax.”

Schlam marks milestone with delivery of 2,000th Hercules dump truck body

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

Western Australian mining product and services supplier Schlam has announced the commemoration of the delivery of its 2,000th Hercules dump truck body. This significant achievement it says underscores Schlam’s commitment to excellence and innovation, and to making mining equipment more productive the world over.

Last week, the company reached this milestone with the completion of ‘Hercules A2000’, marking a momentous occasion for the entire team. Staff from across the company gathered to celebrate this historic milestone and to reflect on the company’s successful journey. “It was great to see our extended team converging to celebrate an important milestone in our company history, one that they all played a part in,” said Hendrik Mueller, Managing Director of Schlam Payload Asia-Pacific. “It was also a testament to our principle of working ‘stronger together.”

The Schlam Hercules dump truck body Schlam says is renowned for its proven performance, quality and reliability, trusted by Tier 1 mining companies, mining contractors, and OEM truck suppliers worldwide. The first Hercules was manufactured in Australia in 2003. It took 17 years to reach the 1,000th milestone, with the 2,000th body being built four years later.

In that short time, Schlam has grown its global footprint, with the Hercules now operating on mine sites across six continents. “In a relatively short time we’ve developed into a truly global company,” said Mueller. “We’ve celebrated many milestones along the way, including the recent establishment of a dedicated Americas office situated in Tucson, Arizona, to better serve our customers within the region.”

With its unique curved design and innovative use of materials, the Hercules dump truck body “is lighter yet stronger, offering miners numerous advantages, including a demonstrated payload increase above 10% and a significant service life extension.” Schlam attributes its success to its focus on innovation, advanced engineering design and delivering on the individual needs of customers.

“Hercules is built for miners, with miners,” said Mueller. “Our sales and technical support teams work closely with our customers to ensure that every Hercules is uniquely designed and built to meet the specific site requirements of the site it will operate on.” Schlam has also implemented manufacturing efficiencies through the introduction of robotics, automation, and LEAN manufacturing principles, ensuring high-quality production while meeting growing demand. As Schlam celebrates the delivery of its 2,000th Hercules dump truck body, the company says it remains steadfast in its mission to provide innovative solutions that drive efficiency and productivity in the mining industry.

Glencore’s Lomas Lab continues to progress in Chile

Automation, Base metals, Equipment maintenance, Mineral commodities, Mining equipment, Sustainable mining

Glencore says its Lomas Lab initiative at its Lomas Bayas copper mine in Chile continues to progress. The miner states: “We’re taking innovation and operational efficiency to a new level with our digitalisation and automation technology initiatives.” This project is also playing an important role in proving out new technologies that can then be applied to other Glencore operations around the world.

In the first quarter of 2024, Lomas Bayas completed the conversion of four Komatsu 930E-5 trucks to autonomy using Komatsu’s Frontrunner technology, and it expects to conclude the piloting stage in May 2024. The company has stated that should this be successful, the project will see a gradual increase the number of autonomous trucks until the entire fleet of 27 units goes autonomous by 2025.

In addition, Lomas Bayas has successfully integrated two autonomous drilling rigs, marking another milestone in our journey towards Mining 4.0. These are both Caterpillar drills converted to autonomy using FLANDERS’ ARDVARC technology. It is the first operation to adopt intelligent drill technology globally in Glencore mining operations.

Finally, the mining group says that commitment to ongoing training has been instrumental in the process. As an example, more than 600 mobile team drivers have been trained on the mine’s collision avoidance system (CAS), prioritising safety. The mine has also held workshops to certify more than 40 people in the operation of the autonomous trucks.

Resolution Copper deploys Rockwell Automation technology to help optimise energy usage

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

At the Resolution Copper mine site, a joint venture between Rio Tinto and BHP, system upgrades are protecting employees, equipment, and the environment.

Edgar Cossio is a Senior Electrical Engineer with Rio Tinto. The firm is a global mining leader and, together with BHP Copper Inc., a partner in Resolution Copper Mining. The joint venture operates the Resolution Copper Project, a proposed underground mine 60 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona at the former Magma Mine site.

The ore deposit lies nearly 7,000 ft below the earth’s surface and represents one of the most significant untapped copper deposits today. Once fully operational, the mine will have the potential to supply nearly 25% of US copper demand.

“With everybody jumping on the EV (electrical vehicle) and electrification bandwagon, it is paramount for this project to get going as copper is one of the most critical minerals used,” Cossio explained. “Demand will continue to increase.”

EVs use four times more copper than conventional vehicles. The Resolution Copper Project has enough copper to manufacture almost 220 million EVs, or about half the global supply, by 2040. But at 1.3 miles underground, getting to that copper safely and sustainably is the top priority for Resolution Copper.

Ventilation, temperature, and water control are all essential to worker and equipment safety. “The temperatures down there can be brutal and sometimes even unbearable to work in. Imagine an underground sauna with temperatures between 90 and 140 degrees with around 100% humidity,” Cossio said. “So how can we maintain good working conditions where it’s safe enough for the employees and safe enough for the equipment to operate reliably?”

Further, as workers gain access to mining areas, water must be removed from the bedrock, treated, and monitored, a process known as dewatering. “We have around 500 to 600 gallons per minute of water intake in the mine. In any other place, you’re basically swimming in a lake,” Cossio explained. “For us to maintain the safety of employees and maintain assets, we have to make sure our water system is up to par and able to withstand those extreme conditions.”

Resolution Copper has been addressing these challenges as it prepares the mine site for future operations. The firm renovated two of the mine’s shafts, sinking them so they’re now among the deepest in the US. Additionally, they connected the two shafts, which improves both underground ventilation and employee safety by providing additional ways to enter and exit the mine.

Further, and as part of its sustainability commitment to reduce energy use, Resolution Copper has also started to upgrade its ventilation system including its chilling equipment. “The biggest thing we did was look at our control system. How can we automate this, make it more sustainable and environmentally friendly by implementing new technologies, such as replacing self-starter drives with VFDs for our chillers?” Cossio said.

The company installed Rockwell Automation PowerFlex® Variable Frequency Drives and adjusted the concentration of glycol used in its cooling systems. Glycol is an antifreeze ingredient that impacts system performance and efficiency. Ventilation upgrades will continue as mine development progresses.

For water removal, Resolution Copper implemented a multiple stage de-watering system that can pump out water at a rate of 600 to 700 gallons per minute. The water goes through a series of stations at various depths and then to an onsite water treatment plant before it’s ultimately recycled as potable water or diverted to an irrigation district where farmers use it for crops and cattle. Resolution Copper selected Rockwell Automation’s PlantPAx® Distributed Control System to manage this complex process.

“Because of the criticality of our de-watering system, especially with all the assets underground, PlantPAx seemed like the right solution to set us up for success in the future,” Cossio explained. “Right now, projects are in the development stages. PlantPAx gives us the necessary backbone and reliability to ensure the mine is set up correctly for the future. With process control from start to finish, it will help us protect employees and equipment while reducing downtime and increasing reliability.”

Meanwhile, by switching to VFDs as part of its initial ventilation and chilling system upgrades, Resolution Copper has seen a 5% increase in system efficiency and a 10% decrease in utility costs. “With self-starters you didn’t have any way to control the speed, even with the process control network, so typically a motor wheel will draw more amperage in the startup,” Cossio said. “With VFDs, we’re able to mitigate how much electricity is being pulled in the initial upsurge cycle, which is a lot less electricity.”

That energy reduction equals about $1 million a year, a ‘substantial saving’ that Resolution Copper plans to allocate toward other sustainability initiatives. “It’s paramount for this project to be environmentally conscious,” Cossio explained. “Our partnership with Rockwell Automation is key to that success, especially with all the upcoming technologies and everything else we’re trying to implement.”

Schneider Electric launches Materialize program for Scope 3 decarbonisation of natural resources

Environmental, Mining consumables, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining

Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has launched Materialize, a supply chain decarbonisation program it says designed to support companies in the metals and minerals sector reduce carbon emissions across their global supplier base.

The statement said: “As the world transitions to net-zero emissions and scales up clean energy technologies, demand for minerals and metals will grow exponentially. To meet this demand without furthering carbon emissions, it is vital that companies collaborate to decarbonise power supply, mitigate the environmental impact of the energy-intensive processes related to these critical resources, and reduce the sector’s Scope 3 emissions.”

Materialize is a continuation of Schneider Electric’s suite of supply chain decarbonisation programs from its Sustainability Business consulting division, which it says leverage the power of supply chain cohorts for renewable energy procurement at scale. The Materialize program will encourage the wider value chain to transition to renewable energy sources by accelerating the deployment of decarbonisation projects and software, improving access for suppliers to renewable energy solutions at scale, such as power purchase agreements (PPAs).

“We are delighted to launch Materialize as our latest collaborative program to reduce Scope 3 emissions. We have a strong track record of working with customers to meet their sustainability objectives, and this program will accelerate action in this sector,” said Barbara Frei, Executive Vice President, Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric. “Educating suppliers within the sector’s wider value chain on the importance of their operational models in closing net-zero ambition gaps is vital if we are to decarbonise the sector. Materialize will drive definitive next steps for the industry to lead the way.”

Schneider states: “Lowering emissions is a challenging task due to the complexity of the value chain, data availability and reliability, and the difficulties in defining the breadth of the sector’s Scope 3 emissions. Suppliers lack expertise in decarbonisation and face barriers to progress, such as solution costs and availability. Through Materialize, experts from Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business will simultaneously engage hundreds of industry suppliers through digital technology platforms and guide them on removing such barriers.”

Industry collaborator, Global Mining Guidelines Group (GMG), CEO Heather Ednie, said: “Through collaboration and innovation, the partnership between GMG and Schneider Electric seeks to revolutionize the mining supply chain, moving it even further toward sustainability. As GMG members push the boundaries of what is possible, Materialize will be instrumental in disseminating knowledge to the industry at large, and establishing clear pathways for it to become more sustainable.”

Materialize also has the potential to offer industries outside of the sector a way to decarbonise their broader supply chain ecosystems. by sourcing materials suppliers who prioritise sustainable and low-carbon production methods. “Measuring scope 3 emissions shines a spotlight on supply chains and reinforces the importance of circularity. Materialize will help to further circularity in the sector and beyond, and this is something we support,” said Kunal Sinha, Global Head of Recycling at Glencore.

Schneider Electric’s other programs include Energize, a collaborative effort across the pharmaceutical industry with over 500 supplier companies already participating, and Catalyze for semiconductor companies. Both were created to engage thousands of suppliers simultaneously to drive swift and measurable action to reduce program sponsors’ Scope 3 emissions. The portfolio builds on Schneider’s foundational initiative, The Zero Carbon Project, that provides resources and guidance to program participants, encouraging ambitious decarbonization goals with a deployment action plan to achieve it.

Sandvik autonomous LHD additions at New Afton set to come online

Automation, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Precious metals

In 2023, New Afton increased its fleet of automated scoops (LHDs) by 40% with the addition of two new Sandvik LH410 units to its fleet of mining equipment. This delivery preceded the opening of a new Integrated Operations Centre building, which New Gold says increases New Afton’s capacity to house its expanding automation function on site.

As well as the LHDs, new automation chairs and servers for its upcoming AutoMine fleet upgrade arrived. Automated LHD operators are in the final stages of training for this AutoMine Fleet upgrade in anticipation of it coming on-board in Spring 2024.

The gold miner states: “Leading with innovation is a key component of New Gold’s value of Creativity. Our adoption of automated equipment enables efficiency gains, as operators do not have to commute to and from underground to begin operating the equipment, and with the AutoMine functionality, operators can control more than one piece of equipment at a time. This remote surface automation removes employees from potential hazards within the underground mine environment, and ergonomic and industrial hygiene factors for operators are improved in a stable chair within a temperature-controlled environment.”

It adds that automation enables operation of the equipment in high-risk environments, enabling New Afton to mine areas it otherwise wouldn’t be able to. “The new LH410s also produce less emissions and heat than the equipment previously used, decreasing overall emissions, diesel particulate matter and heat-related health risks for underground workers at the same time.”

For C-Zone, New Afton has plans for a mixed diesel and BEV fleet of automated equipment, both in LHDs and rock breakers. The mine statement concluded: “We welcome the new equipment onto site and congratulate the Mining and Maintenance departments for all the work they are putting into expanding our automated capabilities.”

Gold Fields produces first gold at Salares Norte in Chile

Environmental, Mineral exploration, Mineral processing, Mineral project development, Mining consumables, Mining project news, Precious metals, Sustainable mining

Gold Fields Ltd has started production at its Salares Norte mine in Chile’s Atacama province with the pouring of its first gold-silver doré on 28 March 2024. This represents a significant milestone for Gold Fields, which has taken the project from discovery, through exploration and development to production over the past 13 years.

Says Gold Fields CEO Mike Fraser: “Salares Norte’s construction is credit to the innovation, experience, commitment, and persistence of the teams that worked on the project. To build a remote mine at 4,500 m above sea level with winter temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius and amidst a global pandemic is an incredible feat. This is a world-class project with one of the industry’s lower cost profiles and a payback period of less than three years at current gold prices. It presents significant growth and value uplift for our portfolio and adds meaningfully to the cash flow profile of Gold Fields over the next few years.”

Circuit A and Circuit B of the processing plant have now been commissioned and have been handed over to the operational team. Ramp up of the mine to steady state is progressing with gold equivalent production of 250,000 oz at an all-in cost (AIC) of US$1,790/eq oz – with US$1,850/eq oz expected for 2024. Production volumes for 2025 are expected to be 580,000 oz. Average gold equivalent production for the first five years of the mine life (2025-2029) is expected to be 485,000 oz per annum at an AIC of US$790/eq oz (in 2024 money) while gold equivalent ounces produced over the life of mine (2025-2033) is expected to be 360,000 oz per annum at an AIC of US$820/eq oz (in 2024 money).

The total capital cost of the project is expected to be in in line with guidance of US$1.18 billion to US$1.20 billion, of which US$395 million was spent during 2023. The project costs the miner says have increased due to the delay in the start-up as well as an increase in the number of contractors on site and higher contractor rates.

Mining continued as planned throughout the course of 2023 and Q1 2024, with a cumulative 87.2 Mt of waste moved by the end of December 2024 and 2.3 Mt containing 520,000 oz gold-equivalent on stockpile.

The mine has a significant and positive economic and social impact in the Atacama region and Chile in general. Salares Norte will increase Chile’s gold production by 40% and position it as one of the main producers of the metal in South America. It is the first greenfield project in the country in over a decade, will create approximately 900 permanent jobs and contribute approximately US$800 million in direct and indirect taxes over its current 11- year life-of-mine. Over 26% of the mine’s employees are women, which is double the average of the Chilean mining industry.

In line with Gold Fields’ policy, Salares Norte has sought to employ local community members and favour local businesses in the supply of goods and services to the mine. It has established working relationships with 175 suppliers from the Atacama region.

While the nearest town to the project, Diego de Almagro, is 180 km away, the team has also engaged with the host community from the beginning of construction, establishing more than 30 co-operation agreements with indigenous communities, 17 agreements with educational institutions, and training over 600 students through its mining training programmes.

In terms of innovation and environmental care, Salares Norte has incorporated critical new technologies, including:

  • Filtered tailings technology, which allows optimising water use by recirculating over 86% of the resource. This is also a safer technology as it replaces a conventional tailings storage facility
  • A state-of-the-art photovoltaic solar plant being planned, that is expected to cut its annual carbon footprint by over 10,000 tons of CO2
  • Best-of-class telecommunications facilities, via a Starlink satellite internet system, which enables, amongst others, oversight over the working of the mine via a remote-control centre in the company’s Santiago office.

Gold Fields is also investing approximately US$30 million a year in exploration near the mine with the objective of extending the life of Salares Norte mine. The mine has received the permit to recommence with the capture and relocation of chinchillas from future mining areas at Salares Norte. The programme, which is carried out and supervised by independent environmental experts, started in February with the monitoring of the animals.

Fluor is responsible for the engineering, procurement and construction management of the project. “Salares Norte is a project at the forefront of innovation, technology and environmental care,” said Harish Jammula, President of Fluor’s Mining & Metals business line. “The location is extremely challenging and demanded an extraordinary level of modularisation never seen before on a project developed in the Andes region. Integrated processes and remote monitoring were leveraged to facilitate real-time support systems and maximise operational efficiencies.”

He adds: “The operation also plans to implement solar energy usage in subsequent investment phases, which will reduce carbon emissions by more than 100,000 tons over the life of the mine. We are proud to support Gold Fields in their objectives to mine smarter, faster and more efficiently.”

Stantec to provide environmental consulting services for Crawford Nickel Project in Ontario

Base metals, Environmental, High tech minerals, Mineral project development, Mining consumables, Mining services, Sustainable mining

Canada Nickel Company (CNC) recently selected Stantec, a leading player in sustainable design and engineering to the mining industry, to provide professional environmental consulting services for the Crawford Nickel Project, located north of Timmins, Ontario. This critical minerals project is expected to be one of the largest nickel sulphide operations in the world, therefore helping deliver nickel and cobalt required to power the energy transition by supplying the rapidly growing electric vehicle market.

Stantec will prepare an Impact Statement, class environmental assessments (Class EAs), and the supporting technical studies to assess project impacts, identify mitigation measures, and confirm follow-up programs for the project.

CNC has proposed to construct, operate, and eventually decommission the open-pit nickel-cobalt mine, located in Ontario’s Timmins Nickel District. In addition to nickel, other metals such as cobalt, chromium, palladium, and platinum are expected to be recovered from concentrate streams. The project is expected to produce nearly 50,000 tons of nickel annually and operate for over 40 years. Once in production, the mine is also anticipated to become one of Canada’s largest carbon-storage facilities through sequestration of carbon dioxide over the project life. Canada Nickel has developed ‘In-Process Tailings Carbonation,’ which is expected to enable over 1 million tons of carbon storage annually.

“Stantec is excited to be part of this critical minerals project, and to leverage our unique technical and regulatory experience for CNC,” said Chris Powell, Senior Environmental Planner at Stantec. “Our talented team of environmental assessment practitioners, who offer both national mining sector experience and local knowledge, will lead and prepare the Impact Statement through the regulatory approvals process and toward its next milestone of obtaining permits.”

The project has entered the Impact Statement Phase, under the Canadian government’s Impact Assessment Act. This phase concludes with the submission of an Impact Statement, a document that identifies and assesses the potential impacts of a project and the measures proposed to mitigate those effects.

“We’re looking forward to working alongside Stantec’s EA and permitting experts on this landmark project,” said Pierre-Philippe Dupont, vice president of sustainability for Canada Nickel Company. “Their expertise will be invaluable as we move through the approvals process. Crawford is poised to be a leader in the energy transition through our large-scale production of critical minerals, which are invaluable to the electric vehicle revolution and stainless steel markets, while also supporting Canada’s climate objectives through industrial-scale carbon capture and storage.”

Stantec says it brings a wealth of environmental services experience for a variety of mining projects across Canada. The firm provided expertise for a historically significant critical minerals mining project in Ontario, as Generation PGM’s Marathon Palladium-Copper Project became the first mine in the province to receive approval through a Joint Review Panel process.

Recently, the firm began environmental services work on a pair of projects in Quebec, including leading the environmental baseline program for First Mining Gold’s proposed Duparquet Gold Project and coordinating provincial and federal environmental impact assessment studies for the Troilus Gold Project alongside BluMetric. Stantec also provided environmental assessment services for Foran Mining Corporation’s McIlvenna Bay Project in Saskatchewan, which recently secured Ministerial Approval.

Big boost for Hitachi’s factory in Ontario which will again produce mining trucks for the Americas

Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd has announced that it will begin full-scale production of dump trucks at its Guelph, Ontario factory in fiscal year 2026, namely Hitachi Construction Truck Manufacturing Ltd. This is its wholly-owned subsidiary currently responsible for the production and remanufacturing of dump truck maintenance and service parts and the move will establish a local production and service framework for dump trucks in the Americas market.

This represents a real turnaround for the Guelph facility, which has had its ups and downs over the years as the market has fluctuated, with mining truck manufacturing by Hitachi having been carried out only in Japan in recent years.

The Hitachi Construction Truck Manufacturing facility in Guelph

Since March 2022, Hitachi Construction Machinery Group has embarked on independent business expansions, ranging from new machine sales to value chain business, through the Hitachi Construction Machinery group network across the Americas. This decision it says is in response to strong demand in the Americas market. “By developing a local production and service framework for dump trucks, we can quickly accommodate local market needs. Hitachi Construction Machinery hopes to accelerate independent business expansion while increasing the local procurement rate.”

The Americas (North, Central & South America) account for approximately 40% of the global >150 ton class dump truck market based on Parker Bay statistics. Copper, iron ore, and gold – commodities for which demand is expected to keep rising in the future – are mined in large volumes in South America.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Group has been producing dump trucks at the Hitachinaka-Rinko Works in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture, and delivering them globally. Now, with local production of dump trucks in Canada, transportation time will be shortened, and the Americas market can be quickly supplied with products that match customer needs.

For dump trucks produced in Canada, mainframes, welding structures, and components such as engines and radiators will be locally sourced to improve the local procurement rate. Other key components will be imported from Japan to ensure the same level of reliability as dump trucks produced in Japan. Engineers, including designers, will be present at Hitachi Construction Truck Manufacturing to flexibly deal with specification changes on individual dump trucks and deliver quality products and services that cater to customers’ needs.

Hitachi Construction Truck Manufacturing’s predecessor, Euclid-Hitachi Heavy Equipment Ltd, was acquired by Hitachi Construction Machinery in 1988. It halted the production of dump trucks in fiscal year 2018 to focus on producing service parts for delivered dump trucks and remanufacturing parts for ultra-large hydraulic excavators and dump trucks. Towards the start of full-scale production of dump trucks in fiscal year 2026, the staff at Guelph is expected to double in size as part of Hitachi’s efforts to strengthen the production system.

‘BUILDING THE FUTURE 2025’ is Hitachi Construction Machinery Group’s medium-term management plan that started in fiscal year 2023, and it includes expanding business in the Americas among the four core strategies. In line with this purpose, Hitachi Construction Machinery aims to achieve a revenue of over 300 billion JPY in fiscal year 2025 from independent business expansion in the Americas alone.