Tag Archives: Nevada

Sandvik to build largest US mining facility to date in Elko, Nevada

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

To better serve its mining customers in the United States, Sandvik is investing more than $50 million in the company’s largest US facility to date, in Elko, Nevada.

Construction will begin before the end of this year and the new facility is expected to open in the March quarter of 2025. It will cover 14 acres (5.67 ha) and replace the company’s existing Elko office and separate warehouse.

The $51.4 million investment includes larger warehouse and workshop facilities. The new 31,250-sq.ft (2,900-sq.m) warehouse will nearly triple the size of the existing Elko warehouse, while the workshop will grow from 17,800 sq.ft (1,650 sq.m) to 25,000 sq.ft (2,325 sq.m). The two-story facility will also include 13,800 sq.ft (1,280 sq.m) of office and training space.

Designed with circularity, waste reduction and carbon footprint top of mind, the completely new facility will include dedicated infrastructure to support battery-electric vehicles, a training centre, welding areas, a painting booth and a simulator area. The facility will accommodate the current 85 employees with additional capacity for training and growth.

Victor Tapia, Vice President, Sales Area USA, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, said: “This facility will be our largest of several branches serving the US mining market. We are creating a new, modern work environment for our people and, in turn, for our customers, who operate in rapidly changing market conditions with fast-evolving technology. The new building will facilitate increased collaboration opportunities and enable us to better serve our customers for years to come.”

Intramotev to put rail back in mining material movement competition

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St Louis-based Intramotev is looking to rekindle the mining and rail relationship that made US operations viable in some of the country’s most remote places by using a modular battery-electric propulsion system and an autonomous-ready operating platform that can provide shipment certainty, safety and sustainability.

Founded by Tim Luchini, Alex Peiffer and Corey Vasel, Intramotev has come to the table in the last four years with a portfolio focused on autonomous, zero-emission rail solutions.

The company has brought together a team from the rail, aerospace and automotive sectors to revolutionise and revamp the rail sector, looking to provide the “speed and flexibility of trucks with all the advantages of rail”, Luchini, also CEO, told IM.

“Through our solutions, we can offer the rail industry 20% to 100% reductions in their emissions footprint, while lowering their all-in costs by 30-80%,” he says.

Such metrics, which could encourage mine site expansions as well as new greenfield operations to start up, will be achieved by deploying one of the two solutions Intramotev has in its portfolio:

  • TugVolt, a proprietary kit that can retrofit/upfit existing rail cars to become battery-electric; and
  • ReVolt, capturing waste energy in traditional trains via regenerative braking, and automated safety systems including gates and hatches.

TugVolt can decouple to independently service first- and last-mile legs, providing the type of flexibility that, Luchini says, will allow the system to more readily compete with trucking. ReVolt, meanwhile, stays in the consist to capture energy via regenerative braking and reduce the overall diesel consumption of locomotives.

Both solutions leverage battery-electric technology – with Luchini saying the rule of thumb would see a 100 kW battery on board a rail car able to transport a 100 t payload for 100 miles (160 km).

“This compares very favourably with the massive batteries companies are having to put into rail locomotives to provide hybrid consists,” he said. “We’re offering something much more scalable to allow operators transporting large volumes of materials via rail an opportunity to electrify their fleet and reduce their costs.”

The first mining company to publicly commit to such a solution is Iron Senergy, which is set to receive three ReVolt rail cars for its 17 mile private rail line that transports coal produced by its Cumberland longwall coal mine, in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, to its Alicia Harbor Facility on the Monongahela River, in western Pennsylvania.

This will be the world’s first deployment of self-propelled battery-electric rail cars in a traditional freight train when it starts up by the end of the year, according to Intramotev, using regenerative braking and battery technology to reduce diesel consumption from locomotives, resulting in lower costs for rail operators and reducing emissions impact from rail operations.

Tim Luchini, co-Founder and CEO of Intramotev

This might be the first, but there are plenty more in the works, according to Luchini.

“We have a pipeline of 168 rail cars today which are at different levels of commitment,” he said, adding that, of this total, there was a roughly even split between enquiries for TugVolt and ReVolt.

“We’re expecting payback periods on projects to be as little as six months, so there is a real economic case to employ these solutions, as well as the ability to reduce your emissions,” he said.

The US represents a massive market for the company to aim for – close to a million freight rail cars sit idle in switching yards, awaiting locomotives to bring them to their destination, according to the company – but Luchini also sees opportunities in Canada and South America where North American rail standards are already present.

“Then there is a region like Australia to consider, which obviously has a rich history of mining with remote operations in need of affordable and low-emission transport infrastructure,” he added.

The ability to add spur and extensions onto existing lines and run smaller units of battery-electric rail cars – like the company thinks can be achieved in the likes of Arizona, Nevada and Minnesota – could provide serious competition to the trucking sector there.

Luchini concluded: “If you are a mine site today, you have an obvious tension when it comes to material movement.

“Conveyors are great material movers but can cause huge issues when they fail; trucks are fast and flexible but come with excess emissions by today’s standards; rail is low cost, fast and environmentally responsible but in its current form is not very flexible.

“We’re looking to change this dynamic, going back to the rail sector’s heritage as a mine operation facilitator.”

Epiroc unveils new Competency Center in Elko to service US market

Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining services, ,

Epiroc has unveiled its newly-established Competency Center in Elko, Nevada, which, the OEM says, will serve as the epicenter of innovation, housing unique programs and capabilities catering to the entire US market.

The 48,000 sq.ft (4,459 sq.m) facility is at the intersection of W Silver Street and W Idaho Street and will be home to 8,000 sq.ft of modern office space, a 4,000 sq.ft state-of-the-art training centre, 16,000 sq.ft of warehouse and a 20,000 sq.ft workshop featuring multiple machine bays, Epiroc says. It will also host an outdoor staging area.

The Competency Center provides advanced technical assistance, specialised electrification and battery-electric vehicle (BEV) expertise, including diesel-to-battery conversions. It features a streamlined supply chain, cutting-edge technology proficiency and circularity programs applied to full machine rebuilds, remanufacturing and planned component replacements, Epiroc says. While delivering high-quality customer service, field and workshop support, sales and applications assistance, the Competency Center also serves as a comprehensive training centre, addressing the industry’s growing need for skilled operators

Jon Torpy, President and General Manager of Epiroc USA, said: “The opening of the Competency Center in Elko is a pivotal strategic goal for Epiroc USA. This facility embodies our commitment to helping customers build the mines of the future, delivering reliable, trustworthy expertise. It signifies a major step forward in our mission to extend fleets’ longevity and contribute to the industry’s sustainable development.”

Epiroc already has a population of autonomous blasthole drilling equipment at mines in Nevada, in addition to a service centre in Battle Mountain, Nevada.

AngloGold eyes autonomous haulage advantages at Nevada project

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AngloGold Ashanti says it is considering the use of autonomous haulage at its Expanded Silicon project, in Nevada, USA, as part of plans to leverage new technology at the in-development asset.

Speaking on a roundtable discussion titled ‘Beyond the hype: how technology can drive mining operations performance’ organised by global subsurface software company Seequent, Marcelo Godoy, Chief Technology Officer at AngloGold Ashanti, said the company was studying the application of autonomous haulage to optimise efficiency and reduce risks at its projects in Nevada.

Discussing automation and robotics as one of three transformational technologies the company is looking to leverage to achieve its net-zero emissions goals by 2050 – electric vehicles and renewable technologies being the other two – Godoy said he saw robots running key production activities at the company’s mines by the time they reach net-zero emission status.

AngloGold has been leveraging automation in its drilling operations, with Godoy noting on the roundtable that the company was seeing improvements in terms of efficiency, precision and safety.

“We also make extensive use of semi-autonomous LHDs in our underground mines, and we are studying the application of autonomous haulage vehicles to optimise efficiency and reduce risks in our projects in Nevada,” he said.

Asked to expand on this by IM after the roundtable, he said: “Our Nevada projects are conceptualised as open-pit mining operations and, at this point, we are only looking at autonomous haulage.

“As far as I know, there is no proven and off-the-shelf autonomous loading technology that could successfully work in the hard-rock environments where we operate. Autonomous loading is still an ongoing technological development and I expect that it will become prevalent in the mining industry before the end of this decade.”

He added that the option of autonomous haulage is being considered at the company’s Expanded Silicon project, which builds off AngloGold’s discovery of the Silicon gold deposit in the Beatty District of Nevada.

In 2022, the company outlined a maiden inferred resource estimate of 3.37 Moz of gold at a grade of 0.87 g/t Au and 14.17 Moz of silver at 3.66 g/t Ag contained within a base of 120.4 Mt. A prefeasibility study is being worked on currently.

ASTERRA’s Earth observation solution pinpoints new lithium exploration targets for ACME Lithium

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ASTERRA has announced that its Earth observation solution was used in collaboration with ACME Lithium Inc to locate 14 new points of interest for lithium in Fish Lake Valley, Nevada, USA.

In past uses of ASTERRA’s solution to locate lithium, it was reported that locating of the mineral was confirmed upon sampling with up to 1,418 parts per million (ppm) lithium values. This was the highest found to date on the property, according to ASTERRA. The data was based on a recent geological field review and sampling program that also confirms historical and new lithium occurrences.

“Exploration for lithium at our Fish Lake Valley project shows great potential, and as a result of the use of ASTERRA’s leading technology solutions, we can confirm that ACME has confirmed drill targets at Fish Lake Valley,” Steve Hanson, President and CEO of ACME, said. “We are moving forward to advance this program this year to discover this critically needed resource in an efficient and cost effective way.”

Elly Perets, CEO of ASTERRA, said: “ASTERRA is pleased with the continued positive results in locating lithium using our technology. This method has the potential to save the industry millions of dollars per year in exploration costs, as well as reducing significantly the footprint of exploration and impact on the environment.”

Since January of 2023, ACME and ASTERRA have collaborated under a teaming agreement to use ASTERRA’s Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) solution to locate minerals beneath the surface of the Earth. By combining data analytics, patented algorithms, and AI, ASTERRA identifies lithium-specific targets without destruction of the environment, it says. The pilot project resulted in ACME’s highest lithium values to date and produced approximately double the likely locations of lithium above 100 ppm over traditional methods of geochemistry exploration, enabling ACME to find targeted locations of lithium while reducing exploration time and costs, it said.

Komatsu to expand parts support for mining, construction customers in Nevada

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

Komatsu has announced plans for a construction project adding a new, nearly 50,000-sq.ft (4,645 sq.m) warehouse to its service centre campus in Elko, Nevada. The warehouse will expand local parts support for mining and construction customers in the Nevada region.

Planned for completion in early 2024, the new warehouse will be located adjacent to Komatsu’s 57,600-sq.m, $47 million state-of-the-art Elko service centre, built in 2019. The service centre has expanded the company’s ability to support construction equipment and large mining equipment including haul trucks, hydraulic shovels, electric rope shovels and mining support equipment, according to the OEM. The new warehouse will replace an existing warehouse on the site.

The Elko facility currently employs approximately 160 employees with anticipated growth to approximately 180 employees over the next two years.

The new building will, Komatsu says, include:

  • High-capacity racking;
  • High-density vertical lift modules;
  • Climate-controlled environment;
  • Parts counter for will call and easy pickup of Genuine Komatsu Parts; and
  • Easy access to Interstate 80, just west of Elko, Nevada.

Josh Wagner, VP & GM North America Mining Distribution for Komatsu, said: “The new, state-of-the-art warehouse will allow us to more efficiently serve our customers and partners in the region and improve the overall experience with Komatsu. This additional investment in our Elko-area facilities will not only enhance our commitment to customers, but also provide employees an improved work environment and opportunities for future employees.”

Bell Equipment on its autonomous ADT transition with xtonomy, Pronto AI

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Four years after commencing extensive testing, global ADT specialist, Bell Equipment, reports that autonomous technology is now at the adoption stage with more customers in the United Kingdom, South America and Australia set to introduce autonomous Bell ADTs on their work sites during 2023.

“We’re extremely excited to have reached the adoption stage,” Bell Equipment Product Manager, Brad Castle, said. “Right now we are working closely with one of our UK customers. They are a leading mobile plant supplier and earthmoving contractor that has a large existing fleet of Bell ADTs and is looking to initially install an autonomous system onto two B30Es for a quarry application. Initially, they will be introducing autonomous ADTs on two of its sites as part of a continuous drive to improve safety.

“At the same time, we have a mining customer in Australia who will be introducing five autonomous Bell ADTs later in the year. Both these customers have chosen xtonomy as their preferred guidance system.”

xtonomy has had B30Es operating autonomously in the Alps since 2020 (photo courtesy of xtonomy/voestalpine)

Castle explains: “Providing autonomous-ready machines will be a part of our core business in the future, but in terms of sensing and guidance systems we decided that it makes more sense to partner with market leaders and innovators, as we do with drivetrain, hydraulics and electronics technologies in our trucks. Bell currently has two approved service providers, xtonomy, based in Europe, and Pronto AI in the United States, both of which can work with Bell customers from anywhere in the world.”

Xtonomy has had B30Es operating autonomously in the Alps since 2020. Pronto has established two test sites in the US, one at a Texas sand mine and another in Reno, Nevada, where three autonomously operated Bell B45Es and a Bell B50E are working in a quarry. In addition, it will soon be establishing a demo site in South America.

“As part of our strategy to enable interoperability between our ADTs and various control systems, so that customers have a choice of third-party suppliers, we have recently engaged with a third supplier and hope to begin testing this system later this year,” Castle adds.

The xtonomy and Pronto AI systems, although both autonomous, offer different benefits depending on a customer’s needs.

“Xtonomy has vast experience in the autonomous field with years of stable testing. It offers a complex radar-based system, which is less affected by inclement weather, but requires higher upfront costs and relies on the loading tool operator to manage the operation,” Castle says. However, the continuous site and object mapping, with minimal manual interaction, makes the system well-suited to multiple load and dump sites. In addition, the advanced in-cab display and supervision screens allow for easily integrated with other equipment on-site to provide a fully autonomous offering, according to Bell.

“Pronto AI, on the other hand, offers quick deployment with a much simpler, integrated system that has subscription-based pricing with minimal upfront costs,” Castle says. “Theirs is a camera system and the non-dynamic site and object detection require manual interactions. However, it is controlled by a user-friendly mobile app and routes can be easily changed by manually driving them. It is also possible to run this system over a private LTE network.”

He concluded: “The beauty of both systems is the flexibility they offer our customers. Bell provides a standard cab with no extra hardware taking up space to create an environment where manual, remote or autonomous operation is interchangeable. This means that once an ADT has finished a contract on an autonomous site, the sensory and control system can easily be removed and the truck either fitted with a new system for another site or be used in a manual operation.”

Caterpillar gears up for SME and CONEXPO-CON/AGG shows

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Caterpillar has a busy few months lined up on the conference circuit, with major product releases, service options and technologies to be highlighted at the SME MINEXCHANGE 2023 event in Denver, Colorado, and CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Focusing beyond the iron, the Caterpillar MINEXCHANGE 2023 exhibit will highlight the company’s innovation, technological advancements, and how Caterpillar is solving mining challenges today and innovating for the future. With its “Big Difference” theme, the company will showcase how it positively impacts miners and offers a range of careers within the mining industry at the event, which runs from February 26-March 1.

This includes:

  • Big Innovation – details how Caterpillar commits significant R&D investment to technology and automation that help mining customers succeed and contribute to a better, more sustainable world; and
  • Big Opportunities – covers career opportunities at Caterpillar for creating high-tech solutions.

Inside the Cat exhibit, a Cat D8 simulator will allow conference attendees to experience operating the dozer in a virtual environment. A video wall features the themed “Big” messages that include more details on Caterpillar and its mining solutions, autonomy leadership, a real-world sustainability journey and testimonials from Cat employees. Subject matter experts will be on hand to discuss Caterpillar’s latest technology, autonomy and equipment solutions for the mining industry. In addition, seven Caterpillar subject matter experts have been selected to present eight technical abstracts at MINEXCHANGE covering diversity in the workplace to technology and automation to implementing change management.

In Las Vegas at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 from March 14-18, meanwhile, Caterpillar will highlight its latest products, services and technologies while paying tribute to those who build the world’s infrastructure in what is its largest exhibit to date at the event.

The company’s 6,500 sq.m outdoor demonstration arena will anchor the massive display known as Operator Stadium (visualisation pictured below)

New Caterpillar Technology, Services and Sustainability hubs provide visitors the opportunity to look for ways to increase operating efficiencies and improve machine uptime, while new and current models and battery-electric machine prototypes will be highlighted.

The extensive Cat® equipment display in the Festival Lot is set to include more than 30 machines, including model unveilings and battery-electric model prototypes with charging stations. Visitors will see two main equipment demonstrations each day; one focused on the latest Cat technology, and one that will spotlight the company’s full equipment line up. Additionally, Caterpillar will be providing daily spotlight demonstrations that will take a deep dive into key industry topics including improving fuel efficiency and job site efficiency, the evolution of technology, and convenient, scalable solutions for all customers.

The new Cat 950 medium wheel loader on display offers, Cat says, premium performance and simple-to-use technologies to help boost operator efficiency and increase productivity, while extended service intervals help lower maintenance costs. Visitors will be treated to a preview of the Next Generation Cat 926, 930 and 938 small wheel loaders – slated for production in late 2023 – which feature new technologies designed to make work easier, a reimagined operator environment and extended service intervals.

Caterpillar Industrial Power Systems Division, meanwhile, will exhibit a wide and rapidly growing portfolio of high-efficiency Cat industrial power solutions. The exhibit includes the unveiling of a new high power internal combustion engine, as well as lithium-ion battery technologies under development. Engines on display, such as the C3.6 IPU, C7.1 and C9.3B, meet EU Stage V, U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards and are compatible with biodiesel up to B20 and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to EN15940. The booth will also showcase Caterpillar’s technical services and market expertise leveraged by the global Cat dealer network to maximise the efficiency and extend the lifecycles of off-highway equipment, including Cat remanufactured and service replacement engines.

Caterpillar says it offers a range of service options that are easy, convenient, flexible and sustainable, and will be featured in the Services Hub at the event. The new Cat Central app is the latest tool for convenient access to genuine Cat parts and support. Another new service-related solution is the new Cat SIS2GO app which, Caterpillar says, takes the guesswork out of maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing Cat equipment. Both apps are available on Windows, iOS and Android platforms.

Team members from Cat Financial will also be available to discuss the latest leasing and financing programs.

The Caterpillar Technology Hub will offer attendees the ability to experience a range of new and existing Cat technologies – VisionLink, Cat Command, VisionLink Productivity, Cat Detect, Cat Grade and Cat Payload. Caterpillar SMEs will be on hand to assist each customer in finding a scalable solution designed to fit the business’s needs and budget.

Its centerpiece exhibit, the “Looking Glass” cube, displays and interactively showcases the five key capabilities of the new Cat VisionLink® application – Geofence & Location, Fuel Theft Alerts, Diagnostics, Idle Time/Fuel Burn, and Maintenance. An interactive wall will invite visitors to explore the full suite of VisionLink capabilities for both Cat and non-Cat equipment and non-machine assets.

The hub’s multiple Cat Command stations allow attendees to remotely operate Cat machines located more than 640 km away at the Tinaja Hills Demonstration and Learning Center. They are positioned to allow attendees to better experience and learn more about the Command for Dozing, Excavating and Loading technologies.

The Caterpillar Sustainability Hub will spotlight fuel efficiency and alternative power sources; technologies to fit every operation and budget; and parts and service designed to make uptime fast and easy, the company says. Plus, customers will learn about sustainability benefits they can choose today and plan for tomorrow.

Outside the Sustainability Hub, exhibit attendees can view components of Caterpillar’s total site solution for the energy transition, including four battery-electric machine prototypes – the Cat 301.9 mini excavator, 320 medium excavator, 950 GC medium wheel loader and 906 compact wheel loader – in addition to AC and DC charging solutions. The Caterpillar-designed batteries powering these battery-electric machines are built on lithium-ion Cat technology with a modular design that offers flexible configurations across multiple applications.

Bechtel wins EPCM contract for Lithium Americas’ Thacker Pass project

Energy minerals, Mineral project development, Mining services, , , , , , , ,

Lithium Americas says it has awarded the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract for the construction of the Thacker Pass lithium project, in Nevada, USA, to Bechtel.

Lithium Americas has all federal and state permits needed to commence construction at Thacker Pass, a project with the potential to produce 40,000 t/y of battery-quality lithium carbonate in its first phase. The company says it anticipates a ruling on the Thacker Pass Record of Decision appeal in early 2023 and looks forward to working with Bechtel to begin construction activities shortly thereafter.

Jonathan Evans, President & CEO of Lithium Americas, said: “Awarding the EPCM contract is a significant milestone in advancing Thacker Pass towards production. Bechtel is a globally recognised and respected engineering firm with deep understanding of value-driven project delivery. This key partnership is a big step forward towards enabling North American production of battery-quality lithium carbonate to help secure our nation’s clean energy future.”

Bechtel’s Mining & Metals President, Ailie MacAdam, said: “By partnering with our customers and collaborating with contractors, suppliers and local communities, we’re able to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges and I’m excited to have this opportunity that will enable the project to responsibly unlock the resources needed for the energy transition.”

Lithium Americas and Bechtel share a commitment towards a safer, cleaner, more equitable and prosperous future, by advancing towards increased energy security and advanced decarbonisation targets, the company says. By working closely together, Lithium Americas can leverage Bechtel’s world-class team, a suite of seamless execution systems, global logistics and innovative construction strategies, it says. Bechtel will be fully integrating into the owner’s team and will be responsible for engineering, procurement and execution planning services, along with overall project management.

Nevada Gold Mines kicks off construction of 200 MWAC TS Solar Facility

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Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) says it is building a 200 MWAC (Megawatt, alternating current) photovoltaic solar facility to accelerate its decarbonisation program in line with Barrick’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Roadmap.

NGM, majority owned and operated by Barrick Gold Corporation, hosted a celebratory groundbreaking ceremony this week, marking the commencement of construction of its TS Solar Facility. The facility is adjacent to NGM’s TS Power Plant near Dunphy, Nevada.

The solar array will be constructed in a single phase with commercial production expected in the June quarter of 2024.

NGM is partnering with three Nevada-based contractors to complete the civil, solar substation and mechanical construction. Domestically-sourced steel piles are arriving on site in preparation for module foundation construction and tracker installation. At peak, the project is expected to employ approximately 250 people.

NGM Executive Managing Director, Peter Richardson, said: “At NGM, we embed the principles of partnership and sustainability into every decision we make. We continually seek opportunities to source materials and labour as close to our projects as possible. The TS Solar Facility is a great example of how we can partner with local resources on a project that not only benefits the environment, but also provides sustainable long-term social and economic benefits.”

Upon completion, the project will supply renewable energy to NGM’s operations and realise 254,000 t of CO2-equivalent emissions reduction per year, according to NGM. This will result in an 8% emission reduction from the company’s 2018 baseline.

NGM has committed to a 20% carbon reduction by 2025, which will be achieved through the TS Solar facility and the modification of NGM’s TS Power Plant, providing the ability to use cleaner burning natural gas as a fuel source.

Barrick is targeting an overall 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 with the goal of achieving net-zero by 2050.