Sibelco Archives - International Mining

Sibelco’s china-clay Cornwood quarry in Devon, UK, has, today, played host to the launch of an autonomous ADT designed to help future proof the effectiveness and competitiveness of extractive operations such as mining within the minerals and aggregates industry.

The development of autonomous driving capability opens the door to a range of operational efficiency, safety, environmental and employee benefits to underpin the sector going forward, according to the compaies involved.

The UK-first project was initially conceptualised by Chepstow Plant International (CPI) and Bell Equipment following long-term trials between Bell Equipment and technology platform specialist, xtonomy.

CPI identified Sibelco, a long-term valued strategic customer, as the ideal partner to bring the project to reality in a live-working quarry environment. Collectively, the four stakeholders have collaborated to develop and launch a quarry transportation proposition that has its eyes on the future.

The launch event for the venture today saw key industry guests invited to witness a full demonstration of the new autonomous solution within a working quarry setting. Presentations highlighted the on-board hardware and software technologies, including radar sensors from indurad, high-precision GPS, multi-channel communication systems and on-board processing hardware. They have been incorporated by xtonomy into a standard B40E dump truck to create an Autonomous-Ready drive by wire B40E solution.

As a result, the combination offers true and safe autonomy with a resilient navigation system that dynamically plans ADT paths and predictively controls the vehicle around the entire quarry site, the companies say.

Among the key objectives with this pilot scheme will be to demonstrate the potential to reduce vehicular incidents and subsequent accidents as well as upskilling then the existing workforce to further support the future of quarry operations.

Operational efficiencies will be enhanced as the autonomous ADTs are able to operate for longer periods during the working day, deliver highly accurate tipping results and ensure that the existing quarry shift patterns can be tailored to improve productivity. Further benefits will be available thanks to improved component life and reduced wear and tear on the Bell B40E dump truck, leading to improved asset availability for the quarry, they say.

On-board hardware and software technologies, including radar sensors from indurad, high-precision GPS, multi-channel communication systems and on-board processing hardware have been incorporated by xtonomy into a standard B40E dump truck to create an Autonomous-Ready drive by wire B40E solution

Environmental advantages will also be leveraged through the AI-enabled transformation. With enhanced driving accuracy and efficiency across the quarry, less fuel will be consumed, helping to ensure reductions in carbon emissions from a a quarry’s daily activities.

To further enhance the autonomous ADTs impact on the environment, the Bell B40E uses HVO instead of diesel.

John Corcoran, Managing Director, at CPI, said: “CPI is delighted to be involved in this exciting and UK-first collaboration; one that is focused on a next generation adventure to ensure UK quarries continue to maximise operational efficiencies and remain competitive. It is important that stakeholders come together in this way to drive advancements and support the industry’s future prospects, whilst continually remain committed to our safety standards and net-zero commitments.

“We are sure that this pilot project will deliver both progress, as well as further challenges. Both of which will provide the pathway towards the ultimate goal.”

Ben Uphill, Director Operations – Kingsteignton Cluster at quarry-owner, Sibelco, says: “We envisage many benefits from having access to this sector-first autonomous ADT solution. The minerals & aggregates sector must embrace technology as a way of continually delivering improvements across our daily operations and cost base. At Sibelco we strive for continuous improvement, with a focus on safety, and the environment through energy efficiency and CO2 reduction. Automation is used in many parts of our operations and business to maximise efficiency and to also manage areas of skills shortage. This has been a fantastic example of collaborative ethos from all partners and has resulted in a safe and productive autonomous driving setup for a key part of our operations.”

Nic Grout, Managing Director at Bell Equipment, said: “Bell Equipment is a leading supplier in the ADT market and as such is proud to be part of this exciting project. Its success can help transform the future of the quarrying sector and we are pleased that our evolutionary E-series and the B40E dump truck sits at the heart of this innovative project. The ability to transform our market leading vehicle through added technology functionality into a safe, robust, effective, and autonomous quarrying asset is welcome and sets the standard for future developments across our vehicle range.”

Christian Riedel, CEO at xtonomy, says: “Supporting the quarrying sector through the appliance of result-orientated automation platform solutions is a key commitment for the business. Expectations and needs are changing as the industry looks to transition to a future where improved efficiency, better safety and targeted environmental considerations are key priorities. Our AI technology incorporated onto the already successful Bell B40E dump truck evolves it to a next generation payload transportation blueprint.”

Carlton Power says it has signed partnership agreements for the Langage Green Hydrogen project to supply hydrogen fuel to two international mining and materials companies: Imerys and Sibelco.

Both companies have clay mining operations within 8 km miles of the Langage site. Sibeclo’s Cornwood operation and Imerys’ Lee Moor operation both produce kaolin, mainly for the brick ceramics and tiles industries.

These agreements follow last month’s announcement that the Langage Green Hydrogen project in Devon, England, had been shortlisted by the UK Government for financial suppor.

Both Sibelco and Imerys plan to cut their greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade, and the transition away from fossil fuels to hydrogen is an important lever in their sustainability strategies. Carlton’s 10 MW hydrogen hub project at Langage, earmarked to enter operation in 2025, will help the two companies achieve their sustainability goals, Carlton Power says.

Ben Uphill, Director Operations at Sibelco, said: “The hydrogen scheme at Langage fits well with our drive to use greener fuel alternatives. With our site only a few kilometres away from the proposed hydrogen production facility, it seems an ideal concept to be involved with, and it’s good to hear greener energy being produced locally, securing energy supply. China Clay has been mined in the area for hundreds of years, and Sibelco plan to be in the area for many years to come.”

Mark Hewson, UK Hub Director at Imerys Minerals, said: “Imerys will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030, from the base-year of 2021. Our UK operations are committed to carbon emission reduction and one of the important strands of our strategy is the use of hydrogen to replace natural gas in our calcining operations. As such, the partnership agreement with Carlton Power in their Langage project is very important and will facilitate our transition from natural gas and consequently the reduction in our carbon emissions.”

Eric Adams, Hydrogen Projects Director at Carlton Power said: “We are delighted that Sibelco and Imerys, both major mining companies with operations across Devon and Cornwall, will work with Carlton Power to enable Langage to supply green hydrogen to their operations. Their move gives a strong and positive signal to other high-energy users in the West Country to make the switch. Following the development of our initial 10 MW project at Langage, we hope to increase its capacity to allow more companies – in industry, manufacturing and transport – to decarbonise their operations.”

The green hydrogen produced at Langage Green Energy will be supplied by an underground pipeline to Cornwood (Sibelco, pictured) and Lee Moor (Imerys Minerals).

Subject to reaching final agreements on the Langage project with the UK Government and a financial investment decision, Carlton Power is aiming to start construction onsite before the end of the year. Langage secured planning consent from South Hams Council in 2022.

CPI, Sibelco, Bell and xtonomy launch UK-first autonomous ADT pilot project

Carlton Power aims to supply Imerys and Sibelco with green hydrogen