MINING
Battery Powered Mining Trucks to Support Customer Goals
I
t’s an exciting time at Caterpillar as they support their customers in achieving their climate-related objectives. No doubt, the world is on the cusp of an energy transition to address climate change, promote sustainability, and improve communities where we live and work. The energy transition may be uncharted territory, but we’re focused on teaming up with customers to develop solutions that work. THE FUTURE STARTS HERE BHP, a world-leading resources company and one of Caterpillar’s largest customers, announced an agreement with Caterpillar to develop zero-emissions battery powered large mining trucks. These brandnew trucks, to be designed and built by Caterpillar, will facilitate the trajectory of zero-emissions mining worldwide. Mining trucks are the lifeblood of mine sites around the world – which makes them a key component in plans to achieve sustainability and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions goals. Like Caterpillar, BHP is serious about addressing climate change; they are committed to being a net-zero operator by 2050. We’re excited to be part of a valued customer’s plan to reach aspirational goals to build a better world.
As part of the newly announced agreement, BHP will have early access to the Caterpillar-developed zero-emissions equipment and will provide input to the developing and testing processes. The resulting collaboration will shape the processes, technology and infrastructure that will ultimately support zeroemissions machines and mine sites of the future. This milestone is the result of more than 12 months of close teamwork between BHP and Caterpillar in analyzing energy demands and options to apply new technologies at BHP sites. DESIGNING FOR DIVERSITY Diversity and inclusion (D&I) is foundational to both companies’ business strategies. BHP has an unwavering commitment to D&I – in 2016, the company set an aspirational goal to achieve gender balance by 2025. Caterpillar’s continuing journey to build a more globally diverse workforce and inclusive environment is spelled out in its 2021 D&I Report. Given the D&I passion of both companies, it’s not surprising that a critical element of the newly announced agreement focuses on supporting a more inclusive mining industry. During the design process,
Boliden collaborates with Epiroc and ABB on journey towards fossil free mine
E
piroc, Boliden and ABB will develop and demonstrate an electric trolley truck system on a test track in the Kristineberg mine, Sweden. The electric trolley truck system is a vital component in enabling heavy transportation with electric driven battery vehicles. This development project will lower CO2 emissions, improve work environment and contribute to Boliden’s vision to be the most climate friendly and respected metal provider in the world. All three partners have clear corporate goals that support more sustainable operations, aiming to help mines improve sustainable production and meet growing metal demand across the world. The electric trolley assist concept is highly suitable for long haul ramps and builds on Epiroc’s proven Minetruck MT42 Battery. Battery electric vehicles improve operator health and safety, reduces CO2 emissions and lowers total operating costs. The zero-emissions mine truck will be joined by a
30
September-October issue l 2021
BHP will provide critical input to aid Caterpillar in designing machines that can be comfortably operated and serviced by a broad range of the workforce. BHP Chief Commercial Officer Vandita Pant said: “The opportunity for our teams to input into the design process also gives us confidence that the trucks will be safer and easier to operate for a workforce that’s more diverse than ever.” DOING WORK THAT MATTERS BHP and Caterpillar share similar values. Through our collaborative agreement and teamwork, we are putting our unique purposes into action, working together to redefine the mining industry, and helping build a better, more sustainable world for future generations.
“We are very proud to enter this collaboration and are excited to jointly take the next steps on Boliden’s journey towards a fossil free, automated underground mine. Our electrification solutions are well proven globally and contribute to substantial reduction of CO2 emissions, leading to a smaller environmental footprint”, says Lars Bergkvist, Global Key Customer Manager with Epiroc’s Underground division. “As part of the eMine™ framework and commitment, we build partnership and combine expertise to successfully integrate electrification in mines. We contribute with solutions that further reduce overall costs and improves mine performance while significantly lowering environmental impact,” says Björn Jonsson, Hub Manager, Process Industries at ABB.
trolley pantograph, which in turn is connected to an overhead contact power line. ABB's contribution includes design of electric trolley truck systems, definition of standards and vehicle interface, as well as rectifier substation for the test track. The electrical infrastructure is part of the ABB Ability ™ eMine portfolio of integrated portfolio of electrification and digital systems designed to accelerate the decarbonization of the mining sector. This project is supported by funding from the Swedish innovation agency Vinnova.
Boliden targets full scale electric trolley system implementation in the Rävliden mine, a satellite orebody and extension of the Kristineberg mine, in northern Sweden. The Minetruck MT42 Battery is part of Epiroc’s new generation zero-emission offering. Since earlier this year, Boliden is also testing Epiroc’s Scooptram ST14 Battery loader and the automated Minetruck MT42. Epiroc will offer its complete fleet of underground mining equipment as battery-electric versions by 2025.
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
