All posts by Paul Moore

ERG signs deal with Epiroc for new fleet at Donskoy GOK’s mine expansion project

Base metals, Bulk handling, Equipment maintenance, Mine shafts and equipment, Mineral project development, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services

At MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas last week, global miner ERG signed a contract with Epiroc worth more than €32.4 million for the supply of underground mining equipment for the construction of the second stage of the 10th Anniversary of Independence Mine, part of Donskoy GOK in Kazakhstan, which itself is owned by ERG’s chromite mining company TNC Kazchrome JSC. Kazchrome is the world’s largest high-carbon ferrochrome producer.
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Within the framework of the cooperation, Epiroc will supply a new generation of underground equipment to help Kazchrome gradually achieving the mine’s design capacity of up to 7.5 Mt of chrome ore per year. In particular, a face drilling rig, a production drilling rig, ground support rigs, loaders (LHDs) and dump trucks will be supplied. Specifically, the equipment ordered includes the battery-electric and automation-ready trucks and loaders Minetruck MT42 SG and Scooptram ST14 SG. Other machines include the Boomer S2 face drilling rig, Simba E70 S production drill rig, and Cabletec M10 S rock reinforcement rig, among other models. Delivery of the equipment will begin in the first quarter 2025 and will continue into the second half of 2026. Several of these machines will be operated driverless (tele-remotely), and all of the equipment will be supplied with a collision avoidance system.
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The procurement was handled by the ERG Commercial Center, which carries out centralised procurement of goods and services for ERG companies. “It is important for our company that our partners are not only reliable, but also share our goals in terms of improving production processes. And Epiroc has proven itself from the best side over 19 years of cooperation, helping us solve problems in terms of production time, logistics and financing terms,” says Ruslan Mulyukbayev, General Director of ERG Commercial Center LLP.
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The new equipment will be used by Donskoy GOK in Khromtau for the construction of the second stage of the 10th Anniversary of Independence Mine. ERG will invest more than 877.6 billion tenge in the construction which equates to over US$1.8 billion. The second stage is focused on advanced sub-level caving, as well as drift and fill mining. This new phase will not only allow Donskoy GOK to replace diminishing chromite output from Phase 1 of development and from the Molodezhnaya mine, but will enable it to increase output of ore and, by extension, production at its main ferroalloy plants in Aksu and Aktobe.

Zoomlion unveils 300 t class ZTE520 hybrid mining truck in Changsha

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

On September 27, the ZTE520, claimed as the “world’s largest” hybrid mining truck, rolled off the Zoomlion assembly line in Changsha, Hunan. The Chinese OEM described it as “another historic breakthrough in domestic mining equipment, marking the further advance of China’s mining equipment into the high-end field of the global industry.” The other contender to this largest hybrid mining truck title is SANY’s SET320S, also with a 300 t payload, unveiled in July 2024.

Huang Qun, Vice President of Zoomlion, Yuan Ye, Assistant President of Zoomlion, Wang Peng, Director and Deputy Secretary of CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Research Institute Co Ltd, Zhuang Jun, Deputy General Manager of CRRC Qishuyan Research Institute Co Ltd, and Tan Guirong, Senior Vice President of Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Co Ltd were all in attendance at the ceremony.

Zoomlion says it has “fully responded to the call of national green mine construction and equipment technology localisation” with the ZTE520 with the truck integrating key domestically produced components for the entire machine.

The ZTE520 has a total weight of 520 t and rated load of 300 t. Zoomlion says it features a new generation super hybrid drive system and high torque electric wheel drive system, both developed together with CRRC, along with efficient liquid cooling heat dissipation technology, and is equipped with a large domestic hybrid diesel engine (16-cylinder, 52-litre diesel engine with 2,100 hp) from Guangxi Yuchai, along with it says the industry’s largest ternary lithium power battery. The truck is over 9 m in width and 7 m in height.

It has a total power of 3,200 hp, to achieve greater power performance, energy management and economic performance. Compared with the traditional diesel engine only mining truck of the same class the product’s overall performance it says increased by 16%, with transportation efficiency increased by 10%, together with a comprehensive energy saving of 15%. Its rated lifespan is 60,000 hours.

Localising all the key core components in the research and development process Zoomlion says has ensured the safety and stability of the supply chain, but also greatly reduced the costs for users.

Zoomlion “will continue to innovate, provide customers with more high-end mining equipment, and contribute more powerful Zoomlion force to the high-quality and sustainable development of China’s advanced equipment manufacturing industry,” Yuan Ye said. The truck was unveiled at the same time as a new large Zoomlion hydraulic excavator, the ZE4000G, which is 8.1 m tall and weighs more than 400 t, intended as a good match for the new ZTE520 truck.

 

Hitachi Construction Machinery zeroed in on the future at MINExpo 2024

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

Hitachi Construction Machinery zeroed in on the future with innovative technology on display at MINExpo in Las Vegas, Nevada, last week. Its leading-edge solutions it says help mine owners address their most pressing concerns: operating costs, productivity, the environment and mine safety.

Hitachi Construction Machinery added that it is “forging a path toward Zero Emissions, Zero Downtime and Zero Entry Mines to reduce fuel consumption and interruptions for a lower cost per ton while enhancing safety by removing employees from mining operation danger zones.”

Hitachi Construction Machinery pioneered the hydraulic excavator beginning in 1965. In 1979, the company entered the mining industry in earnest. Today, the company offers a range of EX-7 wired mining electric excavators that complement conventional EX-7 excavators, helping mine operators lower their total cost of ownership (TCO) while slashing greenhouse gas emissions. EX-7 electric excavators require less frequent servicing and experience reduced machine downtime by eliminating the diesel engine. The EX5600-7 Electric Excavator was showcased at the booth for visitors to see the advanced electric machinery first hand.

When paired with reliable EX5600-7 excavators, their next-generation EH4000AC-5 rigid dump trucks make for a sustainable and efficient mine site. EH4000AC-5 dump trucks have been designed to reduce fuel consumption while enhancing productivity, reliability, and safety. Work mode selection allows workers to choose the optimal mode based on the mining site environment and operating conditions. In ECO mode, the engine output is lower than the default setting, resulting in reduced fuel consumption. H/P mode provides higher engine output. This model has also been designed with the potential retrofit expansion to trolley diesel and battery systems, making it next-generation capable for reduced emissions. The 242 ton class EH4000AC-5 was also on display at the booth.

Hitachi mining haul trucks offer a retrofittable trolley configuration that allows drivers to alternate between powering the truck in diesel mode and raising the pantograph to power the truck via overhead catenary lines in Trolley Mode. Trolley trucks simultaneously boost production, reduce operating costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions. They climb uphill slopes at approximately twice the speed of diesel trucks and reduce noise emissions while running in trolley mode. While running in trolley mode, the diesel engine runs less extending the engine life and reducing maintenance costs.

Hitachi Construction Machinery adds that it elevates mine site sustainability to the next level with the development of a zero-emission full battery trolley dump truck. Drawing electric power from a dynamic charging system allows continuous operation with no stops for recharging. This dynamic charging system minimises the weight of the battery solution, maximising the truck’s payload capacity. The all-battery trolley dump truck utilises an ABB-supplied onboard battery system and dynamic charging option via pantograph and overhead trolley lines to simultaneously charge the battery and provide energy to power the truck. Regenerative braking also adds charging capabilities to the battery management system.

The drive towards zero emissions requires a holistic approach that extends beyond the equipment. Mine sites operate 24/7 and they need management solutions to reduce environmental impact while achieving sustainable resource extraction. Fleet management and digital mining solutions from Wenco, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Construction Machinery, and Envirosuite, an environmental intelligence company, provide real-time data to enable responsible mining practices.

Hitachi Construction Machinery it says “offers a full suite of digital solutions to solve environmental and greenhouse gas challenges. Through business partnerships and startups, there is a suite of innovative solutions across the full spectrum of mining operations. One example is analysing driver operation data and machine emissions to calculate optimal operation routes.”

Safety is a primary concern when people work close to mining equipment. Limiting employee exposure is possible through mine site automation, such as driverless automated haul trucks. The Hitachi Automated Haulage System (AHS) combines advanced digital technologies and Wenco International Mining System’s fleet management system (FMS) to enable uncrewed operation of mining trucks at open-cut mining pits. The system optimises route navigation, acceleration and braking for decreased life-cycle costs. “AHS takes automation to the next level by allowing mixed fleet integration with manned fleets while transitioning from conventional to autonomous operations, open interoperability to optimise across your entire truck fleet and the ability to retrofit existing trucks.”

On the path to a Zero Entry Mine Hitachi Construction Machinery is developing a system for semi-autonomous and remote operation of ultra-large hydraulic excavators. Key features of this system are the Digging Assist Function to support the excavation of ore, and the Loading Assist Function to support an optimised loading cycle. Once complete, this system aims to improve operational performance, and mine sites will benefit from reduced operator burden and increased productivity.

Reducing downtime and extending product life helps mine sites maintain production rates while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Mine sites can achieve both goals by closely monitoring mining operations and machine health. With ConSite Mine remote monitoring and remanufacturing services, users can prevent breakdowns and extend the life of their machines. ConSite Mine remotely monitors the condition of large hydraulic shovels and rigid dump trucks, promptly generating alerts when sensors detect abnormalities. One of the features, ConSite Oil, continuously monitors oil conditions to catch issues that occur between oil analysis intervals.

ConSite Mine Plus leverages digital platforms with ecosystem partners to enhance operational efficiency, reduce unexpected downtime and maximise equipment performance. The consolidated digital platform provides customers with a Path to Zero Downtime.

Hitachi Construction Machinery has also established the Technological Centers of Excellence (TCoE) which remotely monitors and supports mine operations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from Australia, Japan, and Canada. The same information customers get in their mine control room is monitored in real-time. Advanced digital technologies will analyse data to help drive customer solutions.

Sandvik introduces LFP battery technology for its BEV underground drills

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

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions introduced Lithium Iron-Phosphate (LFP) technology for its battery-electric underground drills last week at MINExpo 2024. The OEM states that LFP batteries combine significantly improved Sandvik drill performance with mining’s most stable battery chemistry, adding: “LFP batteries are robust and purpose-built for harsh mining environments while retaining the same level of safety as Sandvik’s existing battery technology.”  

“Sandvik has been the leader in battery-electric underground drilling since launching the industry’s first BEV – Sandvik DD422iE – in 2016,” said Marko Roivas, Product Line Manager, Underground Drilling at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “Now, we are introducing a significant development in underground drilling technology with this new LFP battery.”

During field testing at Agnico Eagle’s Kittilä mine in northern Finland, operators were able to tram 50% further and achieve 20 percent more speed in uphill tramming. The two onboard battery packs offered 36% more usable energy than the existing battery technology, and charging time was reduced by 55% during the testing period. 

“We saw remarkable improvements in performance during field testing, including significant increases in battery tramming distance and speed, which has been one of the biggest hurdles to implementing BEVs in operations with long declines,” Roivas said. “LFP batteries are known for their high safety margins, tolerance for thermal runaway, longevity, durability and abundant availability of cell metals. LFP batteries also do not require pre-heating prior to use.”

When paired with Sandvik underground drills, miners will continue to enjoy the established benefits of battery-electric drilling, including zero-emission operations, Sandvik’s Charging While Drilling technology, off-grid drilling and bolting and reduced heat and noise generation. 

In addition to the health and environmental benefits of battery-electric drilling, miners can also reduce operational costs by using their existing ventilation and electrical infrastructure. 

LFP battery technology will be available first on Sandvik DD422iE development drills, with testing underway for Sandvik DL422iE production drills and Sandvik DS412iE bolters. Sandvik expects to offer LFP batteries as standard from 2025.  

Sandvik will also introduce LFP battery retrofit kits for Sandvik BEV underground drill customers operating equipment with the current Sodium Nickel (SoNick) batteries. 

First Mode accepted into ICSV initiative; prepares to commercialise hybrid retrofit

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

First Mode, the pioneering innovator and manufacturer of decarbonisation products for heavy industry, announced last week its acceptance as a participant of ICMM’s Innovation for Cleaner, Safer Vehicles (ICSV) initiative.

The selection makes First Mode the first new manufacturing participant of the Initiative since its establishment in 2018. Other members of the Initiative include many of the world’s largest mining companies, such as Anglo American, Rio Tinto, BHP, Freeport-McMoRan, Teck Resources, and more; vehicle manufacturers such as Komatsu, Caterpillar, Liebherr, Hitachi, and others; as well as technology suppliers. The ICSV initiative seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enabling zero carbon solutions for mobile equipment at global scale by 2030 with the aim of full adoption by the industry by 2040, all within a collaborative, non-competitive space.

“We are honoured to join industry leaders in elevating innovation’s important role in decarbonisation,” said First Mode’s Chief Executive Officer, Julian Soles. “Collaborations created through the ICSV initiative are essential to advancing next-generation solutions that reduce and ultimately eliminate surface mining vehicle emissions.”

A typical heavy-haul mining 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.

“As stewards of the minerals and metals that are critical to decarbonisation and sustainable development, our industry has a responsibility to lead from the front and minimise the impact of operations on the environment,” said ICMM’s Director of Innovation, Bryony Clear Hill. “We’re looking forward to First Mode joining our members and vehicle and technology supplier participants in accelerating the development of a new generation of zero emission mining vehicles whilst increasing the operational readiness of mine sites to be able to adopt these solutions at a faster pace.”

Key progress achieved to date by the ICSV initiative includes collaborations between vehicle manufacturers and mining companies to ensure interoperability across machine and charging systems. The widespread adoption of zero emission solutions at speed and scale has a greater chance for success with consistency across power systems for all equipment, irrespective of its manufacturer.

Additionally, over half a dozen member sites across Chile, operated by Codelco, Anglo American, Antofagasta Minerals and BHP, are making significant headway in introducing zero-emission solutions supported by advances in renewable electricity generation at site level or in combination with national green hydrogen plans. These infrastructure developments are allowing for trolley, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles to be introduced in the region in the future. Similar collaborations are also underway across North America, Africa, Europe and Australia.

The Initiative’s advocacy efforts have also helped to trigger a ‘pull’ effect. Proactive engagement by ICMM members has prompted investors and governments to expedite research and development funds for zero emission solutions. Collaborations have been established to pilot breakthrough solutions at sites that have been deemed operationally ready for implementation.

This progress has been propelled by partnerships addressing critical bottlenecks hindering adoption of solutions, such as a collaboration between ICMM’s ICSV initiative and CharIN eV that is focused on overcoming the global challenge of charging interoperability. This aims to establish uniform requirements and standards to enable the charging interoperability of haul trucks from different suppliers at the same charging station. The partnership with CharIN evolved from the ‘Charge On Innovation Challenge’, serving as a platform for solution providers and technology innovators to collaborate with the mining industry. Nearly half of ICMM’s company members and almost all of ICSV’s mobile mining equipment manufacturers participated in this initiative, contributing to the development of novel battery-electric truck charging solutions that specifically address charging interoperability.

First Mode says it aims to be a key collaborator by providing expertise and insights to accelerate decarbonisation in the mining industry. Key to this effort is bridge technology, including First Mode’s low-risk modular Hybrid Electric Vehicle retrofit that requires no infrastructure changes, is already TCO positive, and uses regenerative braking to decrease an existing truck’s fuel use and carbon emissions by up to 25%.

It’s only been 10 months since First Mode started to develop a modular hybrid retrofit system for ultra-class mine haul trucks that it says will improve efficiency, save money, and reduce emissions. It adds it is just weeks away from releasing the commercial product.

This week, First Mode is installing its hybrid technology on a Komatsu 830E-1AC at the First Mode Proving Grounds in Centralia, Washington, USA to complete the qualification testing in a representative mining environment. This hybrid truck will then start a mine tour, helping miners understand how hybridisation will work for them and providing a frictionless first step on their electrification journey.

 

 

Builder X playing key role in new intelligent Chinese coal mines

Automation, Bulk handling, Careers in mining, Coal technology, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, Mining techniques

In recent years, the coal mining industry in China has undergone a significant transformation, with a particular focus on intelligent construction and operation. The ‘Three-year Action Plan for the Intelligent Construction of Coal Mines in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (2023-2025)’ is a comprehensive initiative aimed at modernising and enhancing the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of coal mines in the region.

This plan reflects a broader national push towards intelligent mining practices, recognising the critical importance of technology in addressing longstanding challenges in the industry. Within this context, the process of Intelligence Acceptance has emerged as a crucial benchmark for measuring progress and ensuring compliance with new standards. It represents a rigorous evaluation of a mine’s technological capabilities, operational efficiency, and adherence to safety protocols.

As coal remains a vital energy source for China, the successful implementation of intelligent systems in mines is not just a matter of technological advancement, but also of national energy security and economic stability. In this landscape of rapid change and innovation, Builder X has established itself as a key player and driving force behind the intelligent transformation of coal mines, particularly in relation to shovel and loader remote control.

The company’s contributions span across Xinjiang and beyond, encompassing a wide range of solutions from remote intelligent control systems for various mining equipment to the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI. Builder X’s work has been instrumental in helping numerous mines achieve intelligence acceptance, setting new standards for the industry and paving the way for a safer, more efficient, and environmentally conscious future in coal mining.

To give some examples, Xingsheng Open-pit Coal Mine, part of Xinjiang Jiangna Mining Co Ltd, located in the Namuhu Desert, was the first to achieve intermediate intelligent coal mine status under the new regional action plan. It successfully overcame harsh working environments including high altitude, extreme heat, and rough terrain. The implementation of BuilderX excavator remote intelligent control systems enabled marked a significant milestone in intelligent mining.

Builder X has also been working with Jiangergobi No 2 Open-pit Coal Mine, part of Xinjiang Tianshan Energy Co Ltd, underwent a transformation to become a 10 Mt/y class smart coal mine. The focus was on upgrading and transforming construction machinery, particularly bulldozers, to achieve remote intelligent control. This approach aims to reduce manpower, increase safety, and improve overall efficiency in the mining process.

Recognised as the world’s largest uninterrupted coal field, the Zhungeer Open-pit Coal Mine, part of CHN Energy, and including the Heidaigou operation, was the first 10 Mt/y class open-pit coal mine approved during China’s 14th Five-Year Plan. Located in the heart of the Gobi Desert, it leverages advanced technologies such as 5G, AI, and AR to achieve intelligent upgrades. Notably, it was the first to realise unmanned on-site coal excavation, working closely with Builder X, and setting a new standard in the industry. This included converting a XCMG 700 t class XE7000 hydraulic backhoe excavator – to use its Tele+AI Operation System. The system provided also incorporates intelligent features such as pedestrian detection, bucket teeth detection, and posture monitoring, effectively mitigating the impact of harsh environmental conditions on operations.

Pingshou Coal’s mines in Inner Mongolia – Mongdong Mining, Baiyinhu Company and Xilinhe Company  – have also collectively achieved successful intermediate intelligent assessment in Inner Mongolia. The transformation included upgrading all electric shovels with remote intelligent control. This achievement is particularly notable given the extreme temperature fluctuations (-40°C to 55°C) these mines face.

Hongshaquan No 1 Mine invested RMB 1.25 billion in intelligent construction. The mine tackles extreme weather conditions, including strong winds, temperatures ranging from -35°C to over 40°C, and severe sandstorms. Builder X upgraded three excavators with remote intelligent control in less than a month, demonstrating rapid adaptation to intelligent mining technologies.

Builder X told IM that it has become a key player in the intelligent transformation of China’s coal mining industry, making significant contributions to the acceptance and implementation of smart mining technologies. At the core of its offering are remote intelligent control systems, designed for a wide range of heavy machinery including excavators, loaders, and bulldozers. It says these systems have revolutionised traditional mining operations by enabling unmanned or reduced-personnel operations in hazardous environments.

The company adds: “Builder X’s approach to rapid deployment and adaptation has been particularly noteworthy, with some projects, like the Hongshaquan No 1 Mine, seeing system implementation in less than a month. This agility has been crucial in helping mines quickly meet new intelligent standards and improve their operational efficiency.”

Builder X says its technological innovations have been at the forefront of the industry, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented reality (AR) into their solutions. These advancements have not only enhanced the precision and reliability of mining operations but have also opened new possibilities for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making.

“In terms of safety, Builder X’s systems have proven invaluable in extreme conditions, allowing operators to control equipment remotely from comfortable and safe environments, even in mines facing temperature extremes from -40°C to over 55°C. This has significantly reduced the risk of accidents and health hazards associated with harsh mining environments. Moreover, the efficiency enhancements and cost reductions achieved through Builder X’s solutions have been substantial.”

It says automated and intelligent systems have increased productive hours, optimised resource utilisation, and reduced operational costs. By enabling continuous operation and minimising downtime, these systems have helped mines boost their output while simultaneously reducing their workforce requirements in hazardous areas. “This combination of improved safety, enhanced efficiency, and cost-effectiveness has positioned Builder X as a key enabler in the intelligent acceptance process for mines across China, driving the industry towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.”

In conclusion, Builder X says it has established itself as a pivotal force in China’s intelligent coal mining transformation. Through innovative remote control systems for various mining equipment, the company has significantly enhanced safety and efficiency in challenging environments. Quick and efficient deployment capabilities and integration of advanced technologies have set new industry standards. Builder X’s contributions extend across diverse mining conditions, from Xinjiang’s deserts to Inner Mongolia’s extreme temperatures, demonstrating adaptability and reliability.

Looking ahead, Builder X says it is well-positioned to drive further innovation in intelligent mining. “As China continues to prioritise automation and intelligence in coal mining, Builder X’s expertise and proven track record place it at the forefront of this evolution. The company’s future outlook is promising, with potential for expanded influence both within China and possibly in international markets, solidifying its role as a key player in shaping the future of intelligent mining.”

Metso secures major contract for key process equipment at Barrick’s Lumwana

Base metals, Bulk handling, Comminution of minerals, Mineral processing, Mining consumables

Barrick Gold Corporation has awarded Metso a major order for the supply of copper concentrator plant equipment to its Lumwana expansion project in North-Western Province in Zambia. Metso’s scope of delivery includes key equipment for grinding, flotation, thickening, feeding and filtration. The value of the order is approximately €70 million, and it is booked in the Minerals segment’s 2024 third-quarter order intake.

“We are honoured to have been selected by Barrick as the strategic partner for this project. The copper concentrate production process in Lumwana has been designed with sustainability and production efficiency in mind, with most of the equipment selected from our Planet Positive offering,” says Markku Teräsvasara, President of the Minerals business area and Deputy CEO of Metso.

Lumwana is a significant contributor in Barrick’s expanding copper portfolio, catering to the rapidly increasing demand for copper required for the energy transition. The project is also elemental in reviving Zambia’s copper industry and contributing to the local economy. The expansion will turn Lumwana into one of the world’s major copper mines, with projected annual production of 240,000 t/y of copper.

The expansion involves first doubling throughput by twinning the existing process circuit and then by significantly increasing mining volumes. Plant throughput will grow from the current 27 Mt to 52Mt. Commissioning of the new Barrick expansion project process plant is planned to start in the second half of 2027. Once the new process circuit is commissioned, the existing circuit will undergo a series of planned shutdowns, allowing Barrick to install upgrades, while ensuring uninterrupted copper delivery throughout the expansion.

Weir reports slurry pump & hydrocyclone order from OCP for phosphate projects

Equipment maintenance, Industrial minerals, Mineral processing, Mining services

The Weir Group PLC has been awarded a £25 million contract to provide energy efficient, sustainable solutions, including a range of both WARMAN® slurry pumps and CAVEX® hydrocyclones, for the next phase of OCP Group’s Benguerir and Louta greenfield phosphate projects in Morocco.

The order will support the continued construction of the Louta project and the trebling of production from the Benguerir project, where Weir has previously provided similar separation and desliming solutions also based on its market leading WARMAN® slurry pump and CAVEX® hydrocyclone technology.

The Benguerir expansion will start up following the initial phase of the project which has scheduled first production in 2024, with an estimated total mine life of more than 100 years.

The contract award will be recognised in the order book during the remainder of Q3 2024. After commissioning of the equipment, aftermarket support will be provided via Weir technical experts from our Moroccan service centre, which is located close to the projects. The receipt of orders associated with the contract award does not result in a change to Weir’s full year 2024 financial guidance as of 30 July 2024.

Commenting on the contract award, Jon Stanton, Chief Executive Officer of Weir said: “We are pleased to have secured this major contract. It represents a strong endorsement of our WARMAN® and CAVEX® ranges that provide energy efficient separation at scale to support our customer’s productivity and sustainability goals. Along with our industry-leading solutions, we promise our customers world class service; our local team are delighted to continue to deliver for OCP as they commission the initial phase at Benguerir and look to expand these exciting projects.”

Komatsu launches interoperable mine management platform

Automation, Communications in mining, IoT, Mining services, Mining software

Building upon its industry-leading DISPATCH fleet management system, Komatsu at MINExpo 2024 announced the launch of the new Modular ecosystem, an expanding set of interconnected platforms and products designed to simplify existing workflows while creating a bold vision for the future of mine site optimisation and data utilisation.

Through interactive displays and demonstrations at Komatsu’s booth at the show in Las Vegas, the global equipment and solutions provider gave attendees a chance to be part of the public unveiling of its connected system approach.

“One of our customers’ biggest challenges is being able to get the full value out of the data sets they own,” said Jason Fletcher, Senior VP of Mining Technology Solutions at Komatsu. “The Modular ecosystem is that entry point for a mine operation to have one place to gather operational information for every activity that’s going on across their mine site. It’s our path forward to help optimise mining operations at the machine, mine site and enterprise levels.”

Thanks to its open architecture design, the Modular ecosystem offers customers the ability to create a “single source of truth” for common data used across their mining operations, including data from connected Komatsu products as well as third-party vendors and other connected equipment. Access to all connected operational data allows customers to streamline decision making and support remote decision making. The Modular ecosystem will also allow stakeholders to securely share their data with partners of their choice, fostering collaboration and increasing overall solution velocity for an industry in the midst of ongoing transformation to meet the needs of a more sustainable future for all.

The first new offerings on display at the show included four apps to simplify existing DISPATCH workflows, introduce new technology and help customers prepare for an optimised experience. Now available for customer demos with commercial release on the horizon are:

  • Simulate – visualise and analyse scenarios to improve decision making across the shift
  • Roadways – keep road systems up-to-date with little user intervention
  • Replenish – refuel and recharge mining equipment while minimising impact to production
  • Look Ahead –execute multi-objective mine plans and take optimisation to the next level

Nouveau Monde Graphite selects ABB to power up operations at its Matawinie mine

Environmental, Industrial minerals, Mineral project development, Mining consumables, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining

Nouveau Monde Graphite has awarded ABB a contract to supply, construct and commission the 120 kV substation for its Phase-2 Matawinie mine in the province of Quebec, Canada, as part of the construction preparation for the establishment of a 103,000 t/y graphite mining and concentrator complex.

Located 120 km north of Montreal, the Matawinie mine will be connected to the provincial hydropower network, enabling the access to clean energy to support mining activities and concentrator production of carbon-neutral graphite concentrate destined for the lithium-ion battery market. Nouveau Monde Graphite is set to equip the Matawinie mine with a zero-emission mining fleet and associated charging infrastructure, which would make it the world’s first all-electric open-pit mine when it starts operating.

“We are excited to move one step closer to building the mine of the future, powered by clean energy to responsibly extract and produce a critical mineral for global decarbonisation,” said Eric Desaulniers, Founder, President and CEO of Nouveau Monde Graphite. “Our environmental stewardship and innovative mindset have been matched by the team at ABB, from the commencement of our electrification journey, to translate our vision into reality.”

A recognised global leader in mine electrification with its ABB eMine™ portfolio of solutions, ABB will lead construction of the substation as the primary connection point between the mine site and Hydro-Québec’s hydropower generation facility, enabling full electrification of the Matawinie mine using clean energy. With dedicated project management resources from ABB overseeing engineering, supply, commissioning and start-up of the substation, Nouveau Monde Graphite will rely on robust technical expertise.

“It’s a proud moment for the electrification and automation professionals at ABB to be part of this landmark operation at Matawinie, the type of project we’ve been working towards in recent years,” said Sachin Jari, Head of Mining for North America, ABB Process Industries. “From the onset, we’ve engaged with Nouveau Monde Graphite to help make their vision a reality and now have the opportunity to power it forward together.”