Archives: Environmental

A new thermal battery from 247Solar Inc, a business with origins at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is set to help miners incorporate more renewable energy sources into the power mix at their remote operations. The HeatStorE™ long duration thermal battery operates almost like an electrochemical battery but has significant advantages at longer durations,[…]

Very small modular reactors (vSMRs) could provide clean, economic and reliable power and heat to remote northern mines and surrounding communities in Canada, according to a recent study completed by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), and Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation, and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO). The feasibility study, looking into vSMRs ability to[…]

Rio Tinto and Schneider Electric have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a “first-of-its-kind” collaboration to develop a circular and sustainable market ecosystem for both companies and their customers. This multi-product partnership will see Schneider Electric use responsibly-sourced materials produced by Rio Tinto. These include low-carbon aluminium and copper produced with renewable power, iron[…]

Battery pack manufacturer Xerotech has formed a partnership with automotive electronic systems supplier Meta System to help expand its offering and provide integrated battery systems to the non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) market. The NRMM is widely being recognised as the next frontier of electrification, Ireland-based Xerotech says, with industrial OEMs regularly announcing new, fully-electric equipment[…]

OceanaGold has enlisted the help of independent advisory, design and engineering consultancy Beca to reduce emissions at its Macraes gold mine in Central Otago, New Zealand. Beca developed an Energy Transition Acceleration (ETA) study to provides a pathway to a greener future at the mine, which produced over 172,000 oz/y of gold and employs more[…]

ABB and Hitachi Construction Machinery have signed a collaboration agreement to develop an electric rigid dump truck with a customised on-board energy storage system. Using ABB’s innovative battery technology will enable trucks to transform from diesel to full electric operation. The electric vehicle draws the power needed from overhead catenary while simultaneously charging the on-board[…]

On the afternoon of June 16, the trial operation ceremony was held with the first longwall equipment for a record 450 m intelligent, fully mechanised face mining face at Yubei Xiaobaodang Mining Company, part of Yubei Coal, itself owned by Shaanxi Coal & Chemical Industry Group Co Ltd (SHCC). Byron Zhang, General Manager of Komatsu[…]

VivoPower International PLC has entered into a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Ltd (Toyota Australia) to create a collaboration program between VivoPower and Toyota Australia for electrification of Toyota Landcruiser vehicles using conversion kits designed and manufactured by VivoPower’s wholly-owned electric vehicle subsidiary, Tembo e-LV BV. The binding LOI sets[…]

Sandvik has released a new engine option for its largest truck, Toro™ TH663i, stating: “This fuel efficient 16-litre Stage V engine from Volvo Penta is powerful and reliable, delivering 585 kW output. The engine and the truck have been designed to work together seamlessly, for strong performance in underground mines.” The Toro™ TH663i truck’s Stage[…]

Strata Worldwide has announced the opening of a Perth office located within the Core Innovation Hub on St Georges Terrace, Western Australia. Trent Jackson has been appointed as Manager of Hard Rock Mining (APAC) and Dan Couch has joined as the Technical Sales Manager (APAC). The company stated: “This team brings decades of Mining and[…]