Construction Machinery ME September 2022

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FOR A WORLD THAT’S ALWAYS ONTM

SEPTEMBER 2022

6_NEWS

The latest news from across the region and further afield.

12_HEAVY HANDLING

CMME examines the dangers and safety measures that come with transporting heavy equipment.

16_THE DRIVE TO NET ZERO

Volvo CE moves forward in the sustainability race with emissions reduction programme.

POWER CONTENTS

24_NEW RELEASES

The latest releases from the world of construction machinery.

26_MAKING THE GRADE Bobcat levels up in the Middle East with its Heavy-Duty Box Blade.

30_DIGGING DEEP

The region’s top excavators make their mark through reduced costs, low fuel consumption and increased reliability.

36_MINING NEWS

Catch up on the latest international and regional mining news.

40_FUTURE TRENDS AND TREADS

Mr. Vijay Nambiar, Managing Director of Magna Tyres Middle East & Africa discusses tyre technology trends.

42_THE INTEGRATED SOLUTION

Weir Minerals expands its capacity to deliver ‘all-in-one’ packages to the region’s mining industry.

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DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & BUSINESS OPERATIONS

SHIYAS KAREEM shiyas.kareem@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5474

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

ANDY PITOIS andy.pitois@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5473

LEADING THE CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION

Last year was a bumper year for some of the world’s top mining companies with revenues rising by 32% and net profits soaring by 127% on the back of high commodity prices and prudent cost management. These were some of the findings in PwC’s 19th annual review of the Top 40 mining companies— Mine 2022—which examines global trends in the mining industry.

What this highlighted was the fact that miners have never been better placed to take advantage of new opportunities and ensure sustained outcomes, and that future success is more dependent than ever on whether or not the Top 40 can take a leading role in the world’s clean energy transition. With that being said, will there ever be a better time than now?

In this issue, we use the first edition of the CMME Mining Report to look at some of the leaders of the industry in the Middle East region and how they are positioned to meet the ever-present challenges of development timelines, price volatility, geopolitical risks and more.

The world’s shift to net zero is set to require more mining, not less to keep up with future demand in solar and wind power, electric vehicles and grid-scale batteries. According to PwC the production of a solar farm, for example, requires three times more mineral resources than a similar-sized coal plant, and a wind farm needs thirteen times as much as a comparable gas-fired plant.

In Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s ViceMinister for Mining Affairs Khaled, AlMudaifer remarked at this year’s Future Minerals Summit, that mining investments in the Kingdom could jump by 150 percent in the next decade with an estimated potential value of $1.3 trillion. Currently, gold, copper

and phosphate still dominate but a total of 48 materials have now been identified.

Of course, it is not just the mining industry that is helping move us down the path towards lofty sustainability goals. The drive to net zero continues apace at Volvo CE in this month’s cover story. Rather than wait for the arrival of electric machines and green charging infrastructure to the Middle East they have also realised that the time is now and have been making strides with their step-by-step CO2 reduction programme developed to help customers meet their own unique zero net goals. It is not just to do with the machines that contractors are using but the way that these machines are being used and managed. It is also to do with how telematics data is being used and analysed, how proposed services and outcomes are being implemented and how improvements are being sustained.

Finally, we take a look at a signature piece of machinery in the Middle East –the excavator, and some of the top models that are being kept busy in the region. It is a popular machine for obvious reasons, possessing strength and size that truly reflects the term heavy machinery and it is no surprise that this continues to represent one of the most competitive markets in the Middle East.

Mark Dowdall Editor, CMME mark.dowdall@cpitrademedia.com

EDITORIAL

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Supporting

and

MACHINERY Leica Geosystems launches safety awareness solution for construction sites

PROPERTY

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NEW MACHINES, NEW OFFICES, NEW PROJECTS, NEW INITIATIVES – WE LOOK AROUND THE REGION AT WHAT’S NEW THIS MONTH

MANITOWOC CONFIRMS JENNIFER PETERSON AS GENERAL COUNSEL Global crane manufacturer, Manitowoc has announced the appointment of Jennifer Peterson as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.

Terex Corporation has announced that it is making a Series A investment in Acculon Energy, a Columbus, Ohio-based engineering and connectivity company focused on developing the next generation of electrification solutions for non-automotive equipment.

Husqvarna appoints

AABTools as UAE distributor

AABTools has completed a deal with Husqvarna Construction to become an authorised distributor for a range of its equipment and tools in the region.

These include heavy-duty and highfrequency concrete coring machines, wall saws designed for brick and reinforced concrete, remote-controlled demolition robots, twenty-plus models of handheld power cutters, dust extractors, and floor saws.

In addition, Husqvarna Construction’s coring machines, power cutters, dust extractors, diamond blades, and diamond coring bits for complex concrete applications will be available for demonstration at AABTools showroom and Experience Centre in Dubai Investment Park.

Husqvarna Construction’s organic products such as heavy duty and high frequency coring tools are used for

making penetrations up to 650mm. The company provides this tool for construction professionals in electric, high frequency, hydraulic & batteryoperated models. Wall saws range up to 730mm cutting depth while the company offers a wide range of handheld power cutters in the market with over 20 models and cutting depths up to 450mm.

Speaking on the announcement Jeff Bennett, General Manager at Husqvarna Construction, said: “This partnership with AABTools is a very important milestone in our growth strategy. With this association, we ensure that our products are available to construction professionals to perform all sorts of tasks at the construction sites in a safe manner. Together our mission is to bring unparalleled levels of service and industry knowledge direct to end users and our customers.”

She has served as Manitowoc’s Interim General Counsel and Assistant Secretary since May 2022 and joins the executive leadership team with more than 20 years of legal experience from both in-house and private practice.

Ms. Peterson’s other previous roles include serving as Vice President and Associate General Counsel since April 2021 and Associate General Counsel – Litigation and Product Safety since 2018.

As part of the deal, Genie, which is owned by Terex, will partner Acculon, which through its founders, brings 13 years of experience operating at the forefront of advanced battery technology solutions.

“For decades, Genie has been a leader in developing and refining industryspecific technologies to electrify aerial equipment. Now, as the global construction industry gears up to get to the next level of emissions reduction, Genie is excited to be teaming with Acculon,” said Simon Meester, Genie President on the announcement.

“Together, we will continue leading the charge toward a greener and cleaner future, while maintaining the focus on the quality, reliability and performance for which Genie is known.”

Acculon’s team has a significant amount of experience not only in the research and development of advanced battery technologies, but in artificial intelligence and cloud-connected products too.

“We are excited to partner with Genie and Terex, whose names are synonymous with quality and safety. Our partnership will accelerate the delivery of next-generation electrification solutions for Genie equipment and the people who count on that equipment every day,” said Acculon’s President, Andrew Thomas.

Tadano delivers four cranes to Descon’s UAE branch

DRONE TECHNOLOGY DJI INTRODUCES AVATA DRONE FOR IMMERSIVE FLYING

Descon Engineering has received delivery of four Tadano rough-terrain cranes for its UAE branch, the crane manufacturer has announced.

The cranes, which include one GR-800EX-3, one GR500EX-3 and two Tadano GR-1000EX-4 units, will be used on the site of Descon’s Gasco Habshan 5 gas processing plant.

The GR-1000EX-4 is one of Tadano’s latest models and offers the longest boom in the 100t class, the company says.

It is also made of high tensile steel and allows for decreased boom weight and increased boom strength. The Smart Counterweight system allows the counterweight to be moved between two mounting positions which is said to increase lifting capacity by up to 20%

According to Descon Engineering, the cranes were chosen for three main reasons: their reliability, high safety standard, and ease of maintenance.

JOHN DEERE UNVEILS G-TIER COMPACT WHEEL LOADER MODELS

“That is why we decided to order four new Tadano GR cranes for our branch in the United Arab Emirates,” explains Operations Manager, Imran Chaudhry.

“On this project we are only using machinery and equipment that meets the very highest standards. The Tadano rough terrain cranes definitely fit into this category. With their high reliability, they will ensure smooth operation on our construction site day and night.”

DJI has introduced the Avata drone, offering an unparalleled experience of immersive flight, the company says.

Coupled with the company’s newest flight control technology, DJI Goggles 2 and the DJI Motion Controller, the Dji Avata drone can be steered according to the movement of the user’s hand. It can also be controlled with the existing DJI FPV Remote Controller 2 and the DJI FPV Goggles V2.

DJI Avata strips down the chassis of a traditional drone into a body built for speed and agility, weighing only 410 grams while still integrating aerodynamic propeller guards for added safety.

Its stabilized camera features a 1/1.7” CMOS sensor with 48 million effective pixels and delivers premium imaging features of 4K/60fps and 2.7K/50/60/100/120fps video. It has a total flight time of up to 18 minutes.

Drones are increasingly being used in construction for surveying and inspection purposes with the market expected to double by 2027.

VOLVO PENTA APPOINTS HANNES NORRGREN AS INDUSTRIAL PRESIDENT Hannes Norrgren will take up the position of President of Volvo Penta’s Industrial Business Unit on November 1, replacing Giorgio Paris who will retire after a 25year career at the company.

John Deere has extended its line-up of compact equipment with three new G-tier wheel loader models. The 184 G-tier, 204 G-tier and 304 G-tier machines have been designed to complete everyday tasks in applications such as landscaping, site development, agriculture, snow removal and rental. According to the manufacturer, these G-tier models offer “optimal performance with lower maintenance costs” and come with limited slip differential that automatically engages if one wheel loses traction, providing enhanced safety for the operator and the machine. There is also an optional ride-control that can be set to engage and disengage at certain speeds, reducing spillage from the bucket when travelling over rough terrain.

Case produces 50,000th backhoe loader at its plant in India

CASE Construction Equipment, a brand of CNH Industrial, has produced its 50,000th Backhoe Loader, from its state-of-theart facility in the district of Madhya Pradesh in India, the manufacturer has revealed.

Built in 1989, the CNH Industrial plant in the town of Pithampur, has been manufacturing a range of construction equipment including backhoe loaders, compactors and crawler-excavators.

In a statement announcing the milestone Mr. Fabrizio Cepollina, Vice President CNH Industrial

Construction Segment in Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific said, “CASE has been manufacturing

FLEET MANAGEMENT TRACKUNIT LAUNCHES 5G DEVICE FOR EQUIPMENT TRACKING

Global IoT solutions provider Trackunit has launched a 5G-ready, battery-powered device to connect and monitor non-powered construction equipment and accessories.

According to the company the new Spot 2 device offers increased connectivity and visibility to the full fleet, significantly reducing operating costs and increasing the utilisation of each machine in real-time.

Equipment and site managers can quickly locate equipment at depots and worksites using the Trackunit platform.

Among Spot 2’s features, operators can set tracking frequency while the new power efficient design is said to have doubled estimated battery life allowing 4,000 message transmissions. When

by CASE; and the brand’s latest range of those machines further drive our legacy of excellence to newer heights. This is a moment of pride for us, and we are working towards making our well-equipped plant a global manufacturing hub for CNH Industrial products.”

configured for two messages per day, the batteries are expected to last for at least five years.

“This is very much in alignment with the Eliminate Downtime movement as it cuts down on inefficiency and contributes to making construction a better, more useful industry,” said Lærke Ullerup, Chief Marketing Officer in a statement.

Dave Swan, Senior Vice President Products added: “We see Spot as a natural complement to Trackunit’s Raw (Cellular) and Kin (Bluetooth) products, providing a capability in between the two. With Spot, users don’t have to guess and search for equipment, and will always be the first to know if something moves without permission.

Backhoe Loaders since 1957 when the industry’s first factory integrated BHL was produced

MANITOU GROUP ACQUISITION

Manitou Group has announced the purchase of the intellectual property rights of ATN Platforms, a specialist in the design and assembly of aerial work platforms. According to the manufacturer of forklifts, telehandlers and other heavy equipment, the purchase will allow the group to extend its existing product range and accelerate the product developemnt of the company by benefitting from the experience of ATN Platforms’ employees.

“The 50,000th Backhoe Loader rollout is a proud moment for us at CNH Industrial; and reaffirms our potential, encouraging us to continue to produce versatile machines for our customers all over the world,” Mr. Satendra Tiwari, Pithampur Plant Head, added.

Leica Geosystems launches safety awareness solution

Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, has announced the launch of a new safety awareness solution designed to increase safety on construction sites by collecting and visualising data that enhances awareness, speeds up hazard response and provides better insights.

Through its new safety awareness module in the cloud-based collaboration platform Leica ConX fieldgenerated safety data will be integrated into the platform allowing decision makers to review incidents and assess the entire operation over time and space.

Leica Geosystems previously introduced the

safety awareness solution portfolio, including Leica iCON PA10, iCON PA80 and iCON CAS, which addressed the need to immediately warn of potential machine-to-people, machine-to-machine and machine-to-object collisions.

“Our ConX cloud platform leverages machine and sitespecific data and has become an integrated site management solution for many contractors,” says Kris Maas, Director Product Management at Leica Geosystems.

“With the new safety awareness module in ConX, contractors can improve communication, interaction and safety for all workers,” he added.

LIEBHERR WORKS ON CANADIAN SKYSCRAPER

Liebherr’s new 280 HC-L Luffing Jib crane is out on its first job in Burn aby, Canada where a 56-storey residential tower is being erected as part of a development project.

According to the company, the 280 HC-L 12/24 Litronic was chosen by Cambie Forming LTD because of its “fast working speed, simple operation and re liable service.” In addition, experts from Tower Crane Solutions have provided climbing concept support.

The 280 HC-L in the version with its maximum 24-tonne load capacity is helping to build Hillside East Tower 1 to a final height of 182 metres. The skyscraper is part of a neighbourhood development project in the city Burnaby in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Several buildings are being constructed in the Brentwood district to accommodate residential and retail units as well as cafés and restaurants.

“The 280 HC-L is an extremely reliable and responsive crane. It’s by far the best crane I’ve worked with in my 25-year professional career,” says crane operator Richard Out. He points out two technologies as being particularly useful: Micromove and level luffing at the push of a button. These functions have allowed him place concrete formwork panels with millimetre precision while the modern LiCAB crane operator’s cab, which features an ergonomic control stand, has provided an unrestricted view of loads from inside.

At the same time, a Liebherr 355 HC-L 16/32 Litronic is working on Hillside East Tower 2. The building is to be 142 metres high. Two further skyscrapers, directly

adjacent to the Hillside East Towers, have now been completed having been erected with the help of two Liebherr 280 HC-Ls.

To ensure the appropriate handling capacity, the cranes offer straightforward load hook re-reeving from one to twoline operation. The level luffing function is designed to make work easier for the crane operator and ensure safe and efficient operation on site. When the jib moves, the control system automatically readjusts the hoist unit so that the load hook travels along a horizontal path.

One of the challenges the construction side presented was having an optimal climbing process for safety and efficiency. The 280 HC-L crane climbs up the building just like its 355 HC-L neighbour. Both cranes could only be assembled in one place, however, as site operations would have been disrupted otherwise. Liebherr’s Tower Crane Solutions project department, together with Cambie Forming Ltd, developed a climbing process to minimise the loads on the building and the crane guy wires. Despite these challenges, only six guys were needed to safely climb the cranes to the great heights.

“We’ve owned Liebherr products for more than 15 years and have complete confidence in the reliability, quality of manufacturing and usability of these cranes as well as the provided customer service,” says managing director, Cambie Forming Ltd, Peter Betz.

The new 280 HC-L’s current job is expected to last until November this year while the 355 HC-L is scheduled to be disassembled in October.

“The 280 HC-L is an extremely reliable and responsive crane. It’s by far the best crane I’ve worked with in my 25-year professional career”

Al Faris Equipment Rentals is one of the leading heavylift specialists in the Middle East with a large fleet of equipment for lifting, transport and energy solutions.

“Ensuring the equipment gets to its destination on time may be integral to keeping a large project on schedule and advance planning is an essential part of making this happen”

Whether you need to transport a crane, a drilling rig, an exca vator, or any other piece of heavy ma chinery the con sequences can be catastrophic if not done properly. Be ing informed of just how much risk is involved and tak

ing the time to properly prepare is crucial when dealing with the transportation of equipment that can sometimes weigh astronomical amounts. Typically, for a piece of machinery to be included in the heavy equipment category it must weigh at least 5,000 pounds. So, whether you are travelling a long distance or just around the corner hauling heavy equipment is a serious operation. Crashes involving large vehicles do happen, each year, with nearly half of heavy equipment transport injuries a result of inadequate loading or unloading methods that can cause the machinery to shift and even fall off the bed of the trailer.

To prevent this, it is vital that some key safety considerations are taken into account. There are a range of actions that trailer owners can take to ensure a safety-first approach towards heavy transport operations for construction machinery and equipment. Here are some of those essential steps:

OFTEN THE MOST DANGEROUS PART OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IS GETTING THE EQUIPMENT TO ITS DESTINATION. HAVING THE RIGHT APPROACH TO HEAVY TRANSPORTATION CAN NOT ONLY PREVENT SERIOUS ACCIDENTS BUT CAN SAVE TIME AND MONEY IN THE LONG RUN

•

equipment such as transformers, turbines, and generators and refinery equipment such as pressure vessels and exchangers over public roads

Lowboy trailer: Similar to a Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RGT) a lowboy is a semi-trailer with two drops in deck height: one right after the gooseneck and one right before the wheels. Since Lowboys are very close to the ground they can transfer legal loads up to 12 feet tall and are an excellent choice if transporting heavy machinery and equipment.

Know exactly what is being moved

It may seem like a given but knowing the type of cargo that is to be moved is only a start when you are dealing with extremely heavy and potentially dangerous pieces of equipment. The very first thing that needs to be taken into consideration when transporting a machine is its size. Knowing its weight, length, height and width will not just make a difference when it comes to choosing the correct transportation equipment, but for trips that cross country borders any load will need to comply with individual country laws in order to move equipment legally from one place to another.

Knowing the different dimensions of the equipment is also a factor when it comes to deciding how to best position it on the trailer platform. Making sure it is centred on the bed with an even space at both sides will significantly reduce the risk of tipping. It is vital to have the vehicle standing on even terrain before the loading of heavy equipment begins while the vehicle, equipment and surrounding area should be well cleaned. Not only will this make it easier to load the machinery onto the trailer itself but the risk of accident will be minimised as a result.

Choose the right equipment for the job

It is equally as important to have a complete understanding of what it is that is being hauled when selecting a trailer for the job. If it is an excavator, for example, you may need to consider what else is being hauled along with the machine such as an extra bucket, attachments or hand tools? When it comes to heavy hauling and deciding which trailer is most capable of handling the equipment there are a variety of options available:

• Tilt trailer: As the name suggests, this is a type of adjustable trailer that tilts back and down to help with loading. With a tilt trailer, there’s no lifting so heavy items are significantly easier to load. Aside from removing the need to buy a ramp it is also safer and more convenient than trying to

hoist equipment onto the deck.

• Flatbed trailer: The standard flatbed trailer is an incredibly common type of trailer. Flatbed trucks are made to handle mammoth loads. They are highly efficient at carrying heavy weight and unique shaped loads that may be too much for other trailers or vehicles to handle.

• Dual-lane trailer: Dual-lane trailers are designed to spread the load to meet highway and bridge-load limits. They are ideal for moving power plant

It is worth keeping in mind that as freight grows in size and the more specialised trailer that is required the more shipping costs can be expected to increase. Additionally, with oversised loads there can sometimes be extra costs to do with permits and escorts. All of this should be accounted for and planned well ahead of time.

Plan well in advance

Planning the trip out well ahead of time can help pinpoint potential hazards and find the safest, most efficient route from pickup point to destination. This could mean determining

not only the way that is fastest but the route that is the least congested, has the fewest sharp turns and whether permits may be needed for any bridges or border crossings.

When transporting large and oversized loads heavy haul companies often need to consider several other factors too such as road renovations and construction operations, time of the year, travel restrictions and any other distinctive features on the route that may cause delays or increase the risk involved. Should any unforeseen obstacles come up on the trip itself prior, proper planning can make it easier to revert to other alternatives without compromising safety or dramatically increasing time or costs.

As well as this, long delivery time and late delivery of construction machinery or equipment can often be a fundamental cause of delay in major construction projects. Ensuring the equipment gets to its destination on time may be integral to keeping a large project on schedule and advance planning is an essential part of making this happen.

Inspect the Towing Truck or Trailer

The towing truck or trailer should always be

checked to make sure it can safely handle the added weight of the equipment. Before loading any new equipment, a thorough examination should be completed on the tyre condition and air pressure, the brakes and the headlights.

• Tyres: Assess the condition of your trailer and truck tires, as weak tyres will quickly deflate under the toll of huge amounts of weight.

• Lights: Always confirm that front and brake lights work properly as towing a trailer with insufficient lighting can be especially dangerous.

• Brakes: Just like tyres, brakes will be put under even more duress when used with oversized loads. If all brake functions and components aren’t in good working order under normal conditions then they will likely be found out with the extra load.

Owners should conduct a pre-trip inspection of the trailer including key parts that can wear easily before taking off with each load. It is also critical to establish a preventive maintenance program that focuses on lubrication intervals to prevent wear. A good maintenance program will reduce breakdowns and increase the life of the trailer.

Use the right tie-down points

Although dependent on the height, weight and size of a machine, for a large heavy machinery load over 5,000 pounds, at least four tie downs are generally required to prevent movement on all sides of the machine. There can often be more than one way to achieve this. An indirect tiedown, for example, which is routed through an anchor point and attached to both sides of the trailer is a single tiedown. Tie down chains and chain binders, which are chain tensioning devices used to anchor down large cargo loads for transport, are also commonly used. If properly attached to two anchor points using two binders a chain can be used as two tiedowns. It is important to leave some slack in the middle of the chain, so that a break in the middle would not impact either tiedown. Remember to inspect the binders themselves to make sure they are in road ready condition and can securely and safely tighten the chain connection before setting off.

Go Slow

One of the most important things to do at all levels of the operation is take your time. It may be tempting to rush onto the next part of the process to get on the road or to load or unload the heavy equipment. Taking shortcuts, however, can cause delays in the long run. Worse still, it can cause serious accidents or fatalities.

So whether it’s on the road or it’s moving the equipment up the trailer bed it’s important to do this slowly and with precision. Once the journey has started trailer sway or whipping is increasingly likely to occur at higher speeds. Taking a slow, measured approach on the trip will not only increase reaction time but reduce the risk of accident. Having a similar mindset for each and every other part of the process in planning, loading and unloading will be equally as valuable in completing any heavy transport trip safely and securely.

Crossing bridges with heavy loads can bring its own level of risk and is something that should be noted during the planning phase of the transportation process.

The way in which the machine is used on the jobsite is an important factor as well as the quality of the powertrain in reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Nations across the Middle East are in creasingly seeing the construction industry both as a stimulus for the economy and an opportunity to tackle the issues of air pol lution and climate change. The Saudi Arabian government, in particular, has cre ated the National Transformation Proj ect and Vision 2030 strategy to integrate sustainable development goals into the national planning process. By 2030, Saudi Arabia is planning to invest approximately US$1 trillion in the country’s non-hydro carbon sector, with key projects including Neom City, the Red Sea Project, Qiddiya Entertainment City, King Abdullah Financial District, and Amaala.

On these projects, contractors are required to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of their impact on the environment, and innovate their methods and processes to reduce energy, emissions, and resources to an absolute minimum. For approximately the last decade, electromobility has been considered a silver bullet by many to eliminate carbon emissions from the construction process. However, there is still a way to go until the technologies for larger electric construction equipment – and

Telematics is playing an increasingly important role in understanding the impact of carbon emssions on the environment and reducing these from the construction process.

the renewable energy infrastructure to power them – reaches maturity.

Change starts here

That is why Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has launched a CO2 Reduction Program to help construction companies in the Middle East achieve a significant and immediate decrease in the carbon footprint of their operations using technologies widely available now. At the same time, Volvo CE can also simulate the right fleet

make-up and charging infrastructure for contractors’ sites to ensure a smooth and efficient transition to electromobility when the moment comes.

“With each new machine generation, our technology teams strive to make them more fuel efficient and give off fewer CO2 emissions. This is a key differentiator for Volvo in the market, but the quality of the powertrain is not the only factor impacting fuel consumption and emissions. It is also the way the machine is used on the jobsite.

Is it left idling for longer than necessary?

Could it take a more direct driving route? Could the operator drive more efficiently?

Luckily, these are all questions we can address to help construction companies achieve even lower fuel consumption and emissions from their Volvo machines,” explains Ilkay Fidan, Commercial Manager for Sales Region International at Volvo CE.

Structuring the conversation

According to Ramez Hamdan, Managing Director of Famco, these are precisely the discussions the Volvo dealer for UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain has been having with customers recently. “We see a huge desire in the market to decrease fuel consumption and emissions even further. Our customers are looking into waste and inefficiency in their operations and are curious about how the CO2 Reduction Program can make a difference,” he says.

Although the CO2 Reduction Program

itself is new, the principles and suite of Volvo services underpinning it are not. CareTrack, the Volvo proprietary telematics system, for example, was first launched in 2006. What the CO2 Reduction Program offers is one cohesive solution that bundles Volvo services together according to customers’ needs and follows a simple four-step methodology to ensure success.

“The CO2 Reduction Program is a new way of thinking about Volvo services and is a valuable tool for having meaningful conversations with customers about their goals for carbon neutrality and how our services can contribute, as well as demonstrating their impact and return on investment,” Hamdan adds.

CO2 reduction in four simple steps

1. Insights: Volvo CE and its dealers first seek to establish the customer’s current carbon emissions using telematics data from connected machines to set a baseline for measurement.

2. Analyse: Next, the data is analysed and a site study conducted to understand how material flow, fleet composition, and operator behavior impacts emissions at the customer’s site and identify opportunities for improvement. Volvo CE then illustrates the actions that can be taken and sets targets.

3. Improve: Once the customer agrees the recommended packaged of services and proposed outcomes, Volvo CE and the dealer then support the customer to implement them.

4. Sustain: Finally, Volvo CE and the dealer measure the KPIs and the CO 2 per tonne reduction, give feedback to the customer in a way that is easy to digest, and set new targets to sustain the improvements.

“The four-step process should be a

continuous cycle to avoid slipping back into old habits and find new ways to reduce emissions even further in the future. As for the services implemented, these could involve digital, training, or consultancy services,” Fidan explains.

Maximizing fill, minimizing traffic

Volvo CE’s Efficient Load Out digital service, for example, can significantly help to lower emissions on mass excavation projects by ensuring a 95-99% fill rate on

each pass and, therefore, reducing the number of truck passes and the amount of traffic on site.

Truck drivers download the Efficient Load Out app prior to arriving on site and register the license plate number and maximum payload of their vehicle. The machine operator logs into the same system to see the list of trucks on site waiting to be loaded and calls an available truck to be loaded at the press of a button.

Ramez Hamadan, Managing Director of Famco says the Volvo dealer for UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain has had several discussions with customers on further decreasing emissions.

“Our customers are looking into waste and inefficiency in their operations and are curious about how the CO2 Reduction Program can make a difference”

The truck is then filled to its optimum payload according to the weight and type of material registered on the system.

Efficient Load Out was developed in 2019 in partnership with Swedish contractor NCC, which was looking to optimise the excavation of over two million tonnes of material for an underground tunnel and bridge over the E6 motorway in Gothenburg. NCC connected three excavators and 20 trucks to Efficient Load Out, which over twelve months reduced site traffic by 10%. This equated to 1,600 fewer truck journeys, 32,000 fewer litres of fuel consumed and 85 tonnes less of CO2 emitted.

Connected Map is another digital service that can help to significantly lower emissions by minimising traffic on site. This global positioning service provides a visual overview in real time of the position of every machine vehicle, and person on site that is connected to the App, even if they are non-Volvo. It works by extracting the positioning data from machine telematics or Android/iOS devices with SIM cards and uploading it to a cloud-based Volvo platform, where it is then visualised on the Volvo Co-Pilot screen in a machine cab, on an Android/iOS device, or via the Office Portal web portal.

30% more efficient operation

Operator training can also have a significant impact on emissions. Several years ago, Volvo CE conducted a study of eighty operators ranging from rookie to professional to determine the impact of operator skill on tonne per hour and tonne per litre performance. The results showed a difference of up to 30% in fuel consumption even among the professional operators.

To establish the right type of training

for a customer, Volvo CE carries out an initial assessment and then recommends options ranging from basic to advanced, such as the EcoOperator Program. After the training has taken place, Volvo CE can monitor and follow up on the operators’ improvements as long as their machines are connected to CareTrack.

Fleet and site optimisation

Finally, Volvo CE may recommend a consultancy service such as Site Simulation. By modelling a customer’s site, Volvo CE can calculate the optimum number and capacity of machines and driving routes to minimise traffic and distances travelled on site, as well as unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions through idling.

“We don’t need to wait for the arrival of electric machines and green charging infrastructure in the Middle East to start making a difference,” Fidan concludes. “Using the new CO2 Reduction Program as a guide, there is already so much we can do to support customers in this way with our existing portfolio of services, as we prepare them for the transition to emobility in the future. It is what our customers have been asking for and will bring valuable results for both our customers and wider society.”

Ilkay Fidan, Commercial Manager for Sales International at Volvo CE believes the CO2 reduction programme is already preparing customers for the emobility transition.

“With each new machine generation, our technology teams strive to make them more fuel efficient and give off fewer CO2 emissions”

RADISSON RED / DUBAI

About the A&H Summit

Wave upon wave on new generation machinery is constantly changing even the most basic aspects of access and handling. But do you know the working practices this equipment requires and how to reap maximum return from this strongly mechanised culture?

The Access & Handling Summit assesses the impact of increasingly ‘smart’ machines, bound together by the Internet of Things, and presents detailed accounts of safe, efficient working – always focusing on real-world applications and the routes to best practice.

There is also a unique showcase of the latest equipment and inaction demonstrations of features and capabilities.

2022

Conversations

The one-day conference will feature high quality dialogue and provocative discussions; we will be hosting leading names from across the region, providing a terrific opportunity to see how the realities behind the major debates are progressing.

for free and stay connected

Networking

Opportunity

The event presents you with an opportunity to interact with regional industry decision makers and influencers. There are several innovative ways to sponsor, from interactive live polls to session background branding, and from lead generation campaigns to presentations. Contact us now for detailed information.

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Content

Mark Dowdall | +971 58 297 7094 mark.dowdall@cpitrademedia.com

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BY PRESENTED BY

JOHNSON ARABIA

Mobile Crane and Aerial Work Platforms

24 NEW RELEASES

The latest releases from the world of construction machinery.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

DIGGING DEEP

The region’s top models make their mark through reduced costs, low fuel consumption and increased reliability.

26_MAKING THE GRADE

Bobcat levels up in the Middle East with its Heavy-Duty Box Blade.

48_CAT MINING TRUCK SHOWS SKILLS

Cat Trial 12: No Hands showcases the agility and precision of Cat’s autonomous mining trucks.

LIEBHERR INTRODUCES ALLELECTRIC HEAVY LIFT SHIP CRANE

WHY GET IT?

OPERATES WITH IMPROVED SPEED AND PRECISION DUE TO LITRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM

Liebherr has expanded its heavy lift ship crane series with a fully electric 800t model to meet a growing demand for larger wind turbine components.

The LS 800 E, which has been designed to reduce overall ship emissions, includes a new ‘Master V’ control unit with high computing power and data processing that will enable the integration of future assistance systems and semiautomated process applications. The crane also includes the Litronic control system developed

in-house for speed and precision.

Gregor Levold, sales director for Liebherr Offshore, Ship and Port Cranes said:

“The new cranes follow on from a long tradition and decades of experience in building ship cranes. The first ship crane was delivered by Liebherr in 1958. The push into the 800t size segment does not represent new territory - Liebherr has already supplied onshore and offshore cranes in the 3,000 to 5,000t category”

1958

He added: “We have many years of experience with all-electric drives from the port equipment sector, among others. As usual, the development of the crane is done completely inhouse. We can also cover the procurement of individual components largely in-house at Liebherr. These are invaluable advantages for our customers, especially nowadays. In addition, all drive components are installed inside the crane. This facilitates the integration of the crane into the ship’s design and enables better utilisation of the areas below deck.”

MITAS INTRODUCES NEW CONSTRUCTION TYRE SIZE

WHY GET THEM? PROVIDES EXTRA DURABILITY FOR WHEELED AND BACKHOE LOADERS WHEN HANDLING HEAVY LOADS

Tyre manufacturer, Mitas has expanded its GRIP’N’RIDE construction range with a new, larger size tyre for wheeled and backhoe loaders. The new 21L24 IND tyre is designed for improved performance even on softer terrain and features strengthened sidewalls for greater durability when handling increased load capacity. As well as this there is a special tread pattern that delivers increased grip and selfcleaning properties, the company says.

The new GRIP’N’RIDE construction tyre is larger than the existing 19.5L - 24 IND tyre and delivers almost 1,000 kilograms greater load capacity when stationary, and 400 kilograms greater load capacity at a speed of 40 kilometers per hour. When compared to other construction tyres, both GRIP’N’RIDE tyres in this range have a reduced height to width ratio and corresponding profile number.

Marcello Mantovani, Product Manager for Construction tires at Trelleborg Wheel Systems, says: “Initial production of this new tyre will serve the extensive North American market, where it is in high demand. This is due to the high number of backhoe loaders in use, which require wider tires and greater load capacities. Shortly thereafter, we will roll out the new 21L – 24 IND tyre for customers globally.”

The first ship crane was delivered by Liebherr in 1958

CASE Construction Equipment has launched the CASE Minotaur™ DL550 compact dozer loader, as part of an allnew, industry-first equipment category, the manufacturer has revealed.

In a special launch video, the company described the new machine as having “the heart of a dozer and the versatility of a loader.”

Weighing in at more than 18,000 pounds, the new first-of-its-kind machine which is initially being launched for the North American market delivers true dozing performance with 114 horsepower and relentless hydraulics, all in a single platform that’s compatible with hundreds of attachments

It operates as a compact dozer when equipped with the fully chassis-integrated C-frame and six-way blade but that C-frame can be dropped, allowing the machine to serve as a loader with a 1.25-cubic-yard bucket. Alternatively, it can be run with any of the hundreds of attachments equipment owners already have for their current loaders.

“The Minotaur is truly a fleet of one, that

is second to none,” says Jeff Jacobsmeyer, product manager, CASE. “Business owners and fleet managers looking for a compact solution that delivers countless benefits in a single footprint will immediately see the versatility this exciting new machine brings to their fleets and will quickly understand what a ‘compact dozer loader’ is capable of accomplishing.”

“It’s what the industry has asked for,” he adds. “Customer input has been a major part of the design and engineering process since the first concepts were discussed, and the result is an entirely purposebuilt, intentionally designed machine proudly built here in the United States.”

Among the defining features of the new CASE Minotaur DL550 compact dozer loader is its exclusive chassisintegrated C-frame with sixway blade and optional fully integrated rear ripper for tearing tough soils. It also has a choice of steel or rubber tracks to match jobsite profiles.

Available in either 90- or 96-inch widths, the six-way-blade on the CASE Minotaur DL550 features the same full range of motions for cutting,

carrying and windrowing material.

According to CASE, the machine’s adjustable electro-hydraulic controls dial in blade, steering and shuttle sensitivity to smooth, moderate or aggressive while blade responsiveness can also be dialed to operator preference by independently setting the speed of the blade tilt, lift and angle.

CASE Minotaur DL550 offers many of the most popular features from the CASE line of full-sized dozers, including blade shake for shedding sticky material from the blade, and fine grading for added control when it is needed the most, the manufacturer adds.

A vertical lifting path with a massive hinge pin height of 140.2 inches and a rated operating capacity (ROC) of 5,500 pounds makes this machine a powerful site loader while through CASE Universal Machine Control, it can integrate machine control solutions from any of the big three providers of precision construction solutions — Leica Geosystems, Topcon and Trimble. The CASE Minotaur DL5550 is built to work with 2D, 3D and CASE SiteControl CoPilot machine control solutions.

WHY GET THEM?

PROVIDES POWER AND VERSATILITY AND IS COMPATIBLE WITH A WIDE RAGNE OF ATTACHMENTS

When measuring the true value of a ma chine simply looking at its cost tells only part of the story. It is becoming increas ingly necessary to also examine how it can be paired with a whole host of at tachments that are on the market today.

And for good reason. The construction equipment market is expected to reach $180 billion by 2030, not only signalling the importance of construction as an industry but the consequent growth of the equipment market too.

Keeping up with this demand it is fair to say that the attachment market will see significant growth too. Afterall, it is often attachments that help get the most out of these machines. A skid steer, for example, that loads, lifts, hammers, digs and crushes has inherently more value than one that can do only some of these.

A report on the global market trends for the construction equipment attachment market by Fact.MR at the end of 2020 revealed that the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the decade would be 2.4% and that by 2030 the attachment market would surpass $6.7 billion.

Fast forward two years and attachment specialist Bobcat is one manufacturer that continues to pursue an aggressive expansion strategy to meet growing demand for attachments, notably in its skid-steer and compact track loader ranges.

The latest release comes in the form of a HeavyDuty Box Blade, aimed at both 2d and 3d grading applications and offering a Plug & Play integrated

solution, that can be installed on Bobcat loaders within a minute. According to the manufacturer, it is suitable for use with most of the models in the Bobcat skid-steer and compact track loader ranges while it produces a more accurate and higher precision finish grade, in effect, saving time and money.

A large part of this efficiency can be attributed to Bobcat’s compatible laser guided control systems for precision grading which allow the operator to maintain the same plane on the graded surface. Laser grading can be explained as the use of laser technology to grade an infield to the desired slope. Depending on which type of laser is used, the laser is set up on a fixed point and sends a laser beam to a receiver mounted to a pole on the box blade. In Bobcat’s case, the company says this offers more precise control of up to 6mm accuracy when grading.

“We are seeing more demand for laser grading attachments, and we have enjoyed some good success in Europe & other locations,” says Alastair Jones, Bobcat Application Sales Manager for U.K, Ireland & Middle East.

With increased precision comes greater savings and on smaller jobs, in tight areas such as landscaping, asphalt, curb, gutter and concrete flatwork projects, users often favour smaller equipment and attachments rather than larger dedicated units.

Of course, the new HD Box Blade which covers all applications can also be used for rough grading whether it is levelling ground in roadwork or construction, creating bases for car parks or pavements. When it is set up for 3D applications, this new Bobcat solution is capable of grading complex designs on landscaping projects with either GPS or UTS guidance, the company adds.

MAKING THE GRADE

LASER GRADING TECHNOLOGY IS THE LATEST MUST HAVE IN THE ATTACHMENT WORLD. FOLLOWING ON FROM ITS SUCCESSFUL SWEEPER RANGE BOBCAT’S NEWEST ADDITION IS GEARED TOWARDS MAKING THE GRADE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

In addition to the Box Blade Bobcat recently launched a range of new sweeping attachments which are making the grade in the Middle East.

“In addition to the new Box Blade, we have also recently launched a range of new sweeping attachments. We now offer in addition to the standard sweeper, which is most commonly sold in the Middle East market, and was also last year upgraded to a new Gen2 design, reversible Angle Brooms, HD Open Frame Sweepers & Multi-Purpose Sweepers. We now have a greatly improved portfolio of sweeping attachments which cover most of our machine range,” adds Jones.

In recent years, the loader market has continued to see huge demand in the Middle East region and earlier this year Bobcat launched eight new 500 and 600 Series compact loader models, completing its extensive loader range for the region. It is no surprise then that this is the segment where the manufacturer offers the most attachments in its portfolio with the highest revenue.

“We also sell buckets of course with every Loader,” explains Jones “and a relatively high volume of augers & backhoe arms for general construction work and some sand cleaners for the beach cleaning application. As we also see the Telehandler (TLS) business increasing, we are providing buckets, jibs & man platforms while we sell a number of breakers with the Backhoe Loaders.

Currently in the MEA region, the company

offers approximately 150 attachment families and globally it offers more than 400. As CEO Scott Park described in last month’s interview with CMME it is based on a philosophy of putting the building blocks in place in the form of hardware or “tool carriers,” while at the same time, expanding the product portfolio.

At Bobcat, the parts and attachments business already makes in excess of a billion dollars a year, which Park explained, not only makes it a massive part of Doosan Bobcat but also one of the largest parts and attachments businesses in the world.

It is a market that continues to evolve to meet the needs of the customer and society and one that is already transforming how contractors conduct on-site operations more efficiently. As Jones finishes by saying, “It is a big market, but we believe there is room for further growth and there are many opportunities to be explored.”

QUICK COUPLING SYSTEM

LIEBHERR TO DISPLAY RAIL-ROAD EXCAVATOR AT BAUMA 2022

Liebherr will present its A 922 Rail Litronic excavator with hydrostatic drive and LIKUFIX quick coupling system at Bauma 2022, the company has announced.

The A 922 Rail Litronic is a dual-purpose machine that can be operated either on the road or on railway tracks. The machine has an operating weight of around 23,000 kg, and meets the requirements of exhaust emissions standard Stage V while its 120 kW / 163 hp engine is matched to its hydraulic system.

The concept consists of a Liebherr variable displacement double

pump with a volume of 2×220 l/min and independent control circuits.

As a result, “high-performance, hydraulic attachments can be operated independently of the working and travel movements of the machine,” says Liebherr.

With the new hydrostatic rail travel drive of the A 922 Rail two drive motors drive the rail-road excavator directly in the rail axis. This leads to lower tyre wear as there is no direct rail contact.

According to the company, in the trade fair configuration the machine will be equipped

with a standard gauge of 1435 mm but more track gauges will also be available in the future.

Another highlight of the A 922 Rail is the new quick coupling system LIKUFIX 33-9. With this quick coupling system attachments such as tamping units, mulchers with flaps or Liebherr stick extensions can be changed more efficiently from the operator’s cab due to the integration of the second high-pressure circuit, as well as the overflow oil line and lubrication line. “

Under the new LIKUFIX® 33-9 attachments which are

equipped with the current quick coupling system LIKUFIX 33 can also be changed, Liebherr adds. The A 922 Rail exhibit will also give visitors the opportunity to experience solutions in terms of intelligent handling of attachments. In addition to displaying tool, application and location information, Liebherr’s new track-based attachment detection solution recognises the respective Liebherr attachment and automatically adapts it to the machine, which is equipped with a MIC 4.0 interface.

Bobcat’s SelfLevelling Wheel Saw is designed to cut through asphalt, rock and concrete surfaces and is a popular attachment in the Middle East.

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Each site presents a specific climate, geography, and material, and no two operators are the same. That’s why material handling firms based in Northern Ireland customise their solutions in collaboration with customers. The result is machinery that operates around the clock in the most demanding markets and harshest operating environments.

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“We have looked at every aspect of this machine and tested it across a number of challenging working applications. With all this research and development we have created a machine capable of delivering on any worksite”

The CX220 LC HD comes with a Heavy-Duty boom, Dipper Arm and bucket link with an operating weight of 22 tonnes and six cylinder engine.

DIGGING DEEP

Go to any construction site and the thing that is instantly most like ly to catch the eye is a true heavyweight machine that pos sesses that enviable combination of size and power. It is not only impressive to look at but extremely effective; the fact that it can be found on most sites, on tracks or on wheels, is not just down to its sheer power and dependability but its increasing ability to perform a wide range of tasks through a whole host of attachments. Exemplifying the meaning of heavy machinery, the excavator is undoubtedly a signature item for many fleet owners across the Middle East and continues to make a significant contribution to both the earthmoving sector and the industry as a whole.

Catering to demand in the Middle East region, CASE construction increased its offering recently by introducing the CX220C LC HD, adding to the growing list of heavy equipment being manufactured at its stateof-the-art Pithampur Plant in India.

Boasting a Heavy Duty (HD) configuration as standard, the CX220C LC HD excavator is a classic example of a powerful machine that gets the job done with minimal effort. The machine includes the Heavy Duty boom, Dipper Arm and bucket link with an operating weight of 22 tonnes and 117.3kW,six cylinder engine. Adding to a

heavy duty machine structure the machine is equipped with a super tropical cooling package with a class leading ambient temperature +55 °C, further improving machine reliability in the harshest of working conditions.

“We have looked at every aspect of this machine and tested it across a number of really challenging working applications. With all this research and development we have created a machine capable of delivering on any worksite. Our Pithampur plant where the CX 220C LC HD model was created and tested is testimony to the compnay’s efforts to nurture the best technology and organisational practices under one roof,” the manufacturer says.

Multiple excavator models from CASE construction are regularly seen around the region, carrying out construction and maintenance work, and the last twelve months have been no different. The manufacturer points towards the rehabilitation and extension of the Dubai-Al Ain road, which widened the road from three to six lanes in each direction over 17km and was officially opened earlieir this year. According to the Roads and Trasnport Authority (RTA) this new Dubai-Al Ain Road Improvement Project cost AED2 billion dollars and has the capacity to serve 1.5 million people daily.

Several other projects, meanwhile, have been keeping CASE excavators busy in the last several months including the Valley Community project by Emaar, maintenance and infrastructure on Umm Suqeim road, Etihad Rail and Al

KNOWN FOR ITS SIZE AND POWER THE EXCAVATOR IS A TRUE FLAGSHIP PIECE OF MACHINERY ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST REGION. CMME LOOKS AT THE MACHINES MOST MAKING THEIR MARK THROUGH REDUCED COSTS, LOW FUEL CONSUMPTION AND INCREASED RELIABILITY

Saadiyat Lagoon in Abu Dhabi.

With any heavy-duty equipment especially the excavator, which tends to be quite capital intensive, the challenge of machine ownership is becoming an increasingly important consideration for owners in the region. It is also something that Caterpillar dealer Al-Bahar is keenly aware of and in the last year the company has taken more steps to make machine ownership as attractive as possible for the end user.

The most recent additions to their line-up

The Cat 333 is said to offer up to 10% fuel savings by using Smart Mode which automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions.

of Cat excavators, the 320 GX, and 323 GX, were introduced earlier this year offering “lower fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs, and a convenient initial purchasing price,” says. Samer Ismail, Product Manager - Earthmoving and Excavation, Al-Bahar. Further shining the spotlight on the kind of value that can be provided, the dealer recently launched a series of promotional offers to make machine ownership even more manageable.

“We currently have an ongoing

promotional campaign namely ‘Get-It-All’, wherein we are offering an all-inclusive support package, with selected Cat Machines, including excavators. The offer aims to give hassle-free ownership enabling our customers to get better performance from their machines,” Ismail says.

He adds: “The offer comes with a comprehensive support package including free Customer Value Agreement (CVA) and Equipment Protection Plan (EPP), as well as free Cat® Connect. All the mentioned support solutions included in the promotion will be valid for 2 years or 4,000 hours. In addition to this, the offer includes the Fuel Promise Programme offering guaranteed consumption savings.”

Among the dealer’s comprehensive excavator fleet including new, used and rental, its recently added GC and GX Series, such the 320 GX rank high on the popularity list.

“Demand for the right machine has always been there and will continue to be there,” Ismail explains. “New projects and growth are inevitable. It is all about tapping into this demand with the right product and a legacy of support excellence, and at Al-Bahar we have a rich legacy of more than 8 decades of serving our region.”

As Caterpillar explains, in recent times GC models have become the standard CAT offering.

EXCAVATOR LAUNCH

CAT 333 EXCAVATOR REDUCES COSTS, OFFERS GREATER DIGGING FORCE

Built for tough applications, the Cat® 333 Hydraulic Excavator was launched recently for the Middle East market, offering an increased bucket size, up to 10% more bucket force and up to 15% more stick force than the Cat 330 to maximise performance. In addition to its 15% more digging force, the 333 excavator boasts wide track gauge and reinforced structures for increased stability and durability. Extended maintenance intervals combine with a fuel-efficient hydraulic system and two engine power mode options to lower cost-per-hour operation.

According to the manufacturer, the 333 excavator delivers reliable operation and increased

productivity when working in challenging applications. Reinforced linkage, sticks and booms help to deliver higher digging forces when excavating tough materials while the frame of the machine is reinforced to ensure a long service life while performing at a higher capacity.

Powered by the 194-kW (260-hp) Cat 7.1 engine, the new 333 excavator features two engine operating modes – Power and Smart – to match the machine to jobsite conditions. Power mode delivers maximum power to meet the most demanding tasks. Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, offering up to 10% fuel savings.

15%

The 333 excavator has 15% more digging force and up to 10% more bucket force than the 330 model

Combined with higher digging forces, the excavator’s large bucket capacity efficiently moves more material in fewer passes to improve productivity. The versatile 333 excavator offers auxiliary hydraulic options to power a wide range of Cat attachments, including buckets, grapples, hydraulic hammers, pulverisers, sheers, vibratory plate compactors and multi-processors. It has a working capability of up to 50˚C and can start at temperatures as low as -18˚C.

Customers are looking for simply reliable, economical, fuel competitive and durable excavators with Roll-Over-ProtectionStructure (ROPS), low fuel consumption, cost per hour and low owning and operating costs all critical,” the manufacturer says. Among the large, heavy-duty range of excavators that continue to show popularity in the GCC region is Sany’s SY365, aptly named to portray the performance it delivers 365 days a year in a wide range of conditions and terrain.

“This is the one that construction companies have wanted the most,” Tim (Leashine Chen), Sany’s UAE country manager tells CMME. “Most construction sites in the region,” he says, “want a strong machine with high efficiency and stability and this excavator gives them that.”

The company points towards several good references from previous customers as well as comparisons that have revealed low levels of fuel consumptions, adding value in a time where diesel prices remain sky high, both in the Middle East and around the world.

The SY365 comes with a powerful and robust powertrain and hydraulic components for long life in demanding applications, the manufacturer says, highlighting its high-

performance cooling system equipped with electronic control fan clutch for clean and quiet operation and a range of selectable working modes that match machine performance to the application. In doing so this helps maximise productivity whilst reducing operating costs.

Speaking about the ability of the machine to excel in conditions specific to the Middle East, Tim explains that it is more than 15 years since Sany moved to the Middle East, during which time they have paved the way for further Chinese manufacturers to enter the region. Even with this experience one of the things the company does each year is assess the suitability of different kinds of machinery for the specific jobs and conditions that they are required to operate in.

“The excavator that we sell in the GCC, for example, is completely different to what we sell in China,” Tim says, highlighting three main areas where a Sany excavator is specially customised for the Middle East region: first the engine that can avoid over heating and function to capacity even during hot summers, then the special paintings on their machines that do not disappear in sandstorms and finally special designs that help give better cooling.

“The excavator is not necessarily something that is typically high-tech. But every year Sany puts about 5% of sales revenue into R&D. We always get the same question about our key components, and we

always say the same thing. We are using a Mitsubishi engine and Kawasaki system for the hydraulic system. When Sany purchases those key components from outside China we do not simply purchase and then put this inside the machine. We do the adjustments on the performance of those components first.”

Elsewhere in the

Sany’s SY365 is popular in the large, heavy-duty range and has been tailored to prevent overheating and function well in extreme temperatures.

Middle East region Komatsu has seen further evidence of customers looking for large bucket size with low fuel consumption technology, with its PC500LC-10R Excavator offering just that.

“It was December 2019 when this model was first launched,” says Yuki Sugiya, Product Marketing Manager. “We believe this machine has pleased our customers by providing additional productivity to one of the largest segments in the region, the 40-tonne class excavator. In the region, we can see our machine in mega projects like NEOM, while it is also popular in the quarry industry. Continued demand for new equipment is expected due to ongoing infrastructure projects throughout the region.”

According to the manufacturer, the low fuel consumption of the PC500LC-10R comes as a result of Komatsu’s new engine technologies.

“Engine management is enhanced. The variable speed matching of the engine, hydraulic pump and a viscous fan clutch guarantee efficiency and precision. Through the in-house development and production of main components, Komatsu has achieved great advancements in technology, providing high levels of performance and efficiency in virtually all applications,” the company says. With further fuel saving functions users have the option to select a working mode specifically suited to the job purpose. Whether this is P mode for large production or E mode for low fuel consumption, selecting the working mode provides the best performance in demaning applications.

HAS THE ANSWER TRIO

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NEW MACHINES, NEW OFFICES, NEW PROJECTS, NEW INITIATIVES – WE LOOK AROUND THE REGION AT WHAT’S NEW THIS MONTH

EPIROC COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF MANUFACTURER OF ROCK DRILLS

Epiroc, a leading productivity partner for the mining and Infrastructure industries, has completed the acquisition of RNP México, a manufacturer of rock drills and related spare parts.

Caterpillar inks deal for new haul trucks in Chile

Caterpillar and its dealer Finning International have signed a deal to replace BHP’s entire haul truck fleet at the Escondida mine in northern Chile, it has been announced.

This agreement is part of the strategic equipment renewal process developed by Escondida which is the world’s largest copper producer.

The first trucks are expected to arrive at the mine in the second half of 2023, with delivery of the remaining trucks to extend over the next 10 years as the three companies work to replace one of the largest fleets in the industry, currently consisting of over 160 haul trucks.

Maintenance and support services provided under the agreement advance BHP’s local employment and gender balance strategies while Finning´s Integrated Knowledge Centre, located in Antofagasta, will provide industry

technical support for the fleet.

The agreement also allows Escondida and BHP to accelerate the implementation of its autonomy plans by transitioning the fleet to include technology that enables autonomous operation. Included in the fleet will be the new Caterpillar 798 AC electric drive trucks.

“This agreement is an important step to continue projecting into the future Escondida | BHP´s leadership in the industry. said James Whittaker, President of Escondida | BHP.

“It will allow us to generate significant efficiencies at the operational level, but it is also in line with some of the main challenges that drive us as a company: innovation for the future of mining, decarbonisation, and development of capabilities in Antofagasta´s community,” he added.

RNP México is based in San Luis Potosi state, Mexico, and has branches in Chile and Peru. The company develops, manufactures, and sells rock drills and related components, serving mining and construction customers mainly in Latin America.

Epiroc announced, last month that it had agreed to acquire RNP México subject to the completion of certain closing conditions.

CDE’s wet processing technologies have helped divert over 100 million tonnes of construction, demolition and excavation (CD&E) waste from landfill globally, over the past three decades, the company has revealed.

The supplier of sand and aggregate wet processing solutions for the waste recycling and natural processing sectors has reached the milestone as it celebrates its 30th year in business.

CDE’s Chief Executive Officer Marc Jennings said: “We’re very proud to announce that in our 30th year, together with our customers, we have diverted 100 million tonnes of CD&E waste from landfill while continuing to support our customers to maximise their natural resources in the most sustainable way possible, with greater efficiency and less waste than ever before.

He added: “It’s a direct result, too, of the past and present talent at CDE. We know our success is dependent on our people and that’s why we are so focused on developing, promoting, and retaining great talent so that we can continue to develop innovative solutions that empower and equip our customers, and the wider industry, to build a more sustainable future.”

Headquartered in Northern Ireland, CDE operates across five regions – the UK & Ireland, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Australasia and the Americas – with regional headquarters in each. The firm says it plans to celebrate its 30th year in business by strengthening its manufacturing capabilities and regional hubs, and expanding its workforce in response to increasing demand for innovative waste recycling solutions.

MATERIAL HANDLING TELESTACK INTRODUCES KORE-MAX TRACKED MAGNETIC SEPARATOR

Sandvik wins order for battery-electric equipment

Sandvik has been awarded an order to supply a fleet of batteryelectric trucks, loaders, drills and on-site service support for Foran Mining’s McIlvenna Bay project in Saskatchewan, Canada, which is designed to be the world’s first carbon neutral copper development project. The order, valued at $32m, is Sandvik’s largest to date for batteryelectric equipment, and will be booked in the third quarter.

Under the contract Sandvik will supply a fleet of 20 battery-

electric vehicles as well as Battery as a Service. The delivery of the equipment is scheduled to take place during 2023-2025. McIlvenna Bay is an underground copperzinc mining project located in the Flin Flon Greenstone Belt with an objective to be carbon neutral. The project will be powered by clean hydroelectric power and designed to take advantage of Sandvik’s latest technological advances in sustainable mining.

“I am very pleased that we have been chosen by Foran Mining to deliver our leading battery-electric solutions for the pioneering McIlvenna Bay project. Sandvik sees very strong momentum for our mining electrification offering, which offers great potential in driving more sustainable mining, helping customers to boost productivity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve workers’ health,” Stefan Widing, President and CEO of Sandvik, said in a statement.

The order comes after Foran Mining conducted a thorough analysis during its 2020 pre-feasibility study to determine the investment case for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) compared to diesel.

Battery as a Service by Sandvik allows a mine to get the most out of its electric vehicles by relying on Sandvik’s expertise to manage the capacity and health of batteries and chargers throughout their lifecycle.

Material handling specialists, Telestack has introduced its Kore-Max tracked magnetic separator which allows mine operators and contractors to separate mill balls or other metal objects from contaminated ore material.

The fully mobile unit, which is the latest in its mining range, has a capacity of up to 300tph and can be fed by a wheel loader or excavator. The hopper has a capacity of 7m³ and is loaded from the rear.

It features a 1200mm wide belt feeder with hydraulic speed adjustment and hosts a combination of impact bars and impact rollers that help create a robust feeder module.

International Sales Manager, Alan Gilmore says: “This design of the metal separator has been the result of much discussion with our dealers and end users who have urged Telestack to design a mobile metal separator that can go into a mine and add value to previously unusable contaminated material.”

FP MCCANN ADDS ANOTHER ROKBAK TO ITS QUARRY FLEET

FP McCann, one of Northern Ireland’s largest quarry operators, has added a second Rokbak RA30 articulated hauler to its fleet that already includes nine Terex Trucks models. “All our haulers work long hours but have proven their worth over the years as tough and dependable, so there was never any real incentive to change brands,” says Chris McCloy, Quarry Manager at FP McCann’s Knockloughrim Quarry where the new Rokbak RA30 is currently working. Our mechanics were already very familiar with the Terex Trucks machines, so routine servicing and maintenance has become second nature to them, which helps keep downtime to an absolute minimum.”

ENVISIONING THE FUTURE

CMME ANALYSES THE CAPABILITIES OF TECHNOLOGY

MOTION METRICS AND HOW IT IS USING AI AND MACHINE VISION TO MAKE MINES SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT

ineral particle size is a critical parameter in any process involv ing the separation of minerals in the mining industry. In most min eral processing plants, there needs to be just the right amount of mineral liberation and size distribution. To achieve this, it is im portant to ensure that mineral particle size is anal ysed correctly and efficiently.

Think of a stockpile being loaded by small excavators, for example, when an in-shovel

Msystem has not been installed. Or a mine where it is necessary to evaluate particle size distribution in a salvage pile. Although smaller mines that blast less frequently may not need both an in-shovel and a handheld solution, larger operations can benefit from more comprehensive coverage.

TruckMetrics, the newest addition to the Motion Metrics mine-to-mill ecosystem, does just that by providing a system that uses a 3D camera mounted on a gantry above the mine road as well as computer vision algorithms to provide fragmentation analysis, boulder detection, volume monitoring and load profiling.

It is also one of the new additions that comes under the Weir ESCO brand since Motion Metrics became part ESCO’s division just before the turn

of this year. Since then, it has been serving as a global centre of excellence for AI and Machine Vision technology in Weir whilst supporting the increased digitalisation of the broader ESCO product portfolio.

Part of an acquisition deal by the Weir Group that was completed for an initial consideration of £89m, the added branch of Motion Metrics made sense as Weir ESCO, already a leader in the provision of Ground Engaging Tools (G.E.T.) for large mining machines, was in the midst of global expansion through its increasing cutting-edge technology and equipment used by companies in mining and infrastructure markets

Mine-to-Mill Ecosystem Technology

One of the main challenges that Weir Motion

Metrics helps solve is mine-to-mill optimisation. Although the mining industry has talked about mineto-mill optimisation for the past three decades, implementation has lagged.

“As part of the Motion Metrics mine-to-mill ecosystem, we offer three ways to analyse your blast,” the company says, “in-shovel particle size analysis; haul truck load size analysis by a system above the haul road; and a handheld, point-andshoot device.

“All three solutions use precise algorithms that provide fast and accurate particle size without the need for an object to compare the size to. Each are capable of different use cases and different levels of functionality. An in-shovel or haul roadbased system offers additional boulder detection capabilities and provides a higher sample rate, whereas the handheld solution performs only size analysis but has greater flexibility.”

The idea behind the mine-to-mill concept is that monitoring particle size to tailor blast parameters rather than that simply increasing blast intensity, can dramatically increase performance and reduce costs in the process.

Comminution (ore size reduction) consumes more than 50% of the power used at the average mine site and four percent of global electrical energy. With escalating climate concerns and the need to protect natural resources, technologies that reduce energy consumption are a high priority for mining operations in 2022.

The Motion Metrics mine-to-mill ecosystem provides particle size analysis at various stages of the size reduction process. Using rugged stereo cameras and computer vision algorithms, Motion Metrics provides accurate and non-interruptive

fragmentation analysis in a portable format for shovels, excavators, haul trucks and conveyor belts.

According to the Canadian mining technology company “by using our proven technologies to optimise particle size at each stage of the size reduction process, mines can dramatically reduce energy consumption while boosting throughput by up to 30%. The Motion Metrics mine-to-mill ecosystem provides fragmentation analysis at various stages of the size reduction process.”

The developer of artificial intelligence and machine vision mining solutions has actually been deploying its technology since 2004, during which time it has installed rugged smart cameras at openpit mines around the world, using AI to turn that video data into actions to improve mine safety, energy efficiency and productivity.

“Our advanced systems have been installed at more than 70 mines worldwide and are trusted by the largest mining companies – including Antofagasta, Anglo American and Codelco. Our Santiago, Chile office is home to one of Weir Motion Metrics’ largest regional teams,” the company says.

Optimising and Measuring Impact

As part of its mine-to-mill ecosystem technology it says it also offers a particle size analysis solution for conveyor belts that provides 24/7 monitoring – no belt cuts, calibration or size scaling objects required.

According to the company, “mines can use the system to optimise production. This technology also monitors uneven load profiles which may cause uneven belt wear and conveyor damage; and empty belt detection to alert mine personnel of blocked screens or chutes.”

Pairing conveyor belt analysis with in-shovel and

portable solutions provides the insight into blasting, crushing and grinding that mines need to continually optimise. Collected data can be used to automate workflows – for example, adjusting the crusher gap automatically. Even used in isolation, these technologies can provide a high return on investment.

The company gives the example of a Teck coal mine which installed its shovel-based particle size analysis system to study the relationship between powder factor and excavation efficiency over a twoyear period. The mine, which blasts 80 to 100 million cubic metres of waste rock each year, reduced their powder factor while measuring the impact on particle size distribution and shovel loading times.

To measure the impact on particle size distribution, the mine sieved the blasted material and determined the screen size through which 80% of the particles would pass (P-80).

“By the end of the study, the mine had reduced their powder factor by 15% and increased P-80 by more than 20% without impacting the efficiency of excavation,” the company says, adding that by continually analysing particle size, “the mine optimised their blast performance to save 8.6 million kilograms of explosives.”

Weir Motion Metrics will be exhibiting their latest technology at the Bauma 2022 construction and mining tradeshow taking place this fall in Munich, Germany from October 24th – 30th. A shared exhibit will feature Motion Metrics solutions alongside Weir ESCO’s industry-leading GET product line and will have experts on-hand to give product demonstrations and discuss how AI-enabled machine vision solutions can improve mine safety, productivity and efficiency for multiple mining environments.

FUTURE TRENDS AND TREADS

What are the biggest trends you are seeing in tyre technology currently?

The upcoming trends that we see in tyre technology are:

• Telematic trends that enables real-time alerts to make more value driven decisions.

• Radialisation that is due to its durability and fuel efficiency compared to bias tyres.

Magna Tyres has almost four decades of experience in manufacturing and trading premium quality rubber compounds. From this experience, Magna Tyres started developing high quality tyres. Our innovative European engineered technology and in-dept knowledge guarantees high standard products and service.

We always develop and customise products by listening to our customers, to suit their local

operations and responding to it with Tyres that offer the lowest cost per hour. We earlier introduced MAGNA MA04 and Magna M-Rigid for size 33.00-51 and 27.00-49. Now launching MAGNA MU30 and MAGNA MA60. We know exactly what drives our customers and we grab every opportunity to get the job done. We are working on other additional sizes and variants to increase the product line in the coming years to introduce sustainable tire solutions for our customers.

Regarding innovative technologies, Magna has introduced its tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to enable total tyre management with very little human interaction at operational level. The TPMS serves as a remote diagnostic tool to alert customers of potential problems and avoid downtime.

The introduction of Magna’s web portal during the

pandemic has enabled customers to check product availability and place orders 24x7. Irrespective of the current challenges worldwide, we continue to support our customers to ensure that all their requirements are fulfilled.

What are your most popular Tyres in the Middle East currently and why?

Magna Tyres manufactures all fast-moving sizes in OTR segment. Cut resistant & Heat Resistant products are available to suit one’s operational requirement with highest TKPH. In addition to our Radial options, a few Bias variants are also obtainable for price-conscious customers.

The most sought-after sizes of Magna Tyres in the Middle East OTR segment start from 17.5, 23.5, 29.5R25, 445/95R25, 18.00R33, 35/65R33, 27.00R49,

MAGNA TYRES RECENTLY ANNOUNCED IT WOULD UNVEIL TWO NEW MINING TREAD PATTERNS FOR UNDERGROUND TRUCKS AND WHEEL LOADERS AT BAUMA. IN ADVANCE OF THIS LAUNCH,

VIJAY NAMBIAR, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MAGNA TYRES

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA FZC, GIVES CMME THE LOWDOWN ON TYRE TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN THE “OFF THE ROAD” SEGMENT

PRODUCT LAUNCH MAGNA TYRES TO INTRODUCE NEW TREAD PATTERNS AT BAUMA 2022

Magna Tyres has announced it will unveil two new mining tread patterns at Bauma 2022 – the Magna MU30 and Magna MA60.

The Magna MU30 mining pattern will be introduced for underground trucks and wheel loaders and includes several new features such as large lugs and a cut-resistant centre. This is expected to ensure a robust tread area and increased service life.

According to the company there is also a specially reinforced radial casing that “provides outstanding damage resistance and load capacity” while increased rugged sidewalls improve shock and abrasion resistance.

Magna Tyres is also planning to showcase a new OTR pattern at the event – The Magna MA60 articulated dump truck (ADT) tyre. The MA60 has a special rubber compound and robust casing that offers high resistance to damage impact. It will eventually become available in size 800/80R29.

“The Magna MA60 will offer a unique tread lug and groove to give a powerful forward and lateral traction arrangement plus superior operator comfort. Whilst a radial E3/ L3 long-lasting tread ensures maximised productivity and reduced long-term operating costs,” the company said.

33.00R51 which is available in MA01+, MA10+, M-TERRAIN, MA04, MA04+, M Rigid, MA03+, MA02, MA08, MA07 pattern. Our 27.00R49 has validation of high performance in various mine operations in different countries. This size has given the lowest cost per hour in operations mainly because of the premium quality at a competitive price. Also, a bias option is available in the MB440 pattern. The most popular Industrial sizes are 10X16.5, 15.5/80-24, 16.9-24 available in M-SKID2, M-SKID4, MB250, MB410 pattern. TBR sizes 14.00R20, 12.00R24, 315/80R22.5 in the pattern MSS, MSC, MSO, MSHR

How is Magna Tyres making life easier for operators and contractors?

Magna Tyres is a family-owned company with a flat organisational structure. This means for customers that it is easy to do business with Magna Tyres. Decisions, processes are swift and will not be delayed as customers come first. Our customer service is exceptional and will do everything to keep our customers on the move, every day.

Loyal customers are especially important to us, which is why we often offer our customers an extra service. We believe it is important

that our distributors have the right knowledge of our tyres. So as part of our added value to distributors, strategic partners, end-users, and others who are interested and involved in the OTR Tyre industry, Magna Tyres Middle East & Africa regularly organizes technical training to enhance technical knowledge in OTR Tyres as well as in the Magna Tyres Group product range. Moreover, we give regular visits to end-users to provide on-site supports to understand their needs and suggest periodical changes in practices with a change in operation.

always develop and customize products by listening to our customers, to suit their local operations”

THE INTEGRATED SOLUTION

ALMOST TWO YEARS AFTER MOVING TO ITS NEW MIDDLE EAST SERVICE CENTRE IN DUBAI INVESTMENTS PARK , WEIR MINERALS IS BUSY FURTHER EXPANDING ITS CAPACITY TO DELIVER ‘ALL-IN-ONE’ PACKAGES TO MINING COMPANIES IN THE REGION

It is coming up to two years since Weir Group moved to its new Middle East service centre in Dubai Investments Park, since which, it has acted as an import ant base for the Weir team in the region, allowing them to assist customers not just in the UAE but across the Middle East. At the time, the move suggested a greater emphasis on providing mining solutions and support in the region and over the last 24 months that has certainly played out. Through its increased service offering Weir Group has been able to focus on expanding its pres ence across the region both in terms of its head count and the support it can offer.

“Services has been our main focus for the last couple of years and we are going to continue to enhance that in terms of our presence across the Middle East, says sales director for the Middle East, Shvetank Saxena.

“We are trying to get into long-term service contracts in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Jordan, he adds.”

Weir Minerals is increasing its team across the Middle East and enhancing its overall solutions by providing a more ‘all-in-one’ integrated services package.

Explaining what this really means Saxena points out that it is not just about fixing something but is mostly about consulting and making improvements on the customer side. And very often this involves travelling to location with a team to do this. This is one of the reasons why Weir is increasing the number of personnel at its disposal, to expand the service side of the business without comprising on the quality that it has always provided. Another is the integrated solutions concept that Weir has had relative success in over the last two to three years.

“Obviously Weir is known as gold standard as far as the slurry pump is required. But along with the slurry pump comes hoses, cyclones and everything else. Right now, we have gained the experience and expertise to be able to give all of this as one solution to our customer. A customer is not just coming and buying a pump from us but they are now buying an entire solution,” says Saxena.

He adds: “Previously we had a slightly smaller team but now we are increasing our head count so that’s a positive. There are more new people joining us and its mostly in the service team. Our integrated solutions, where we give the customer the entire solution, will be more enhanced and we will give our customers more options in that way.”

In 2020 and 2021, Weir commissioned a record number of crushers and screeners across Kuwait, Saudi, Oman and UAE, and with the pandemic now firmly in the rearview mirror for most, it is a trajectory that has continued apace.

“All the crushers that we have sold in the last 18 months they have been commissioned and they are running. So, once they are installed and commissioned the attention turns to aftermarket. Our aftermarket is bound to increase along with the level of services and stockholding that we are doing. It is something that continues to move very fast”, says Saxena.

The commissioning of these crushers, designed to process a wide range of applications from primary, secondary, and tertiary hard rock crushing, exemplifies not only the work that Weir has been doing over the last couple of years but how this work is helping set up the company for future success.

In Jordan, for example, the company

continues to pursue ongoing pipeline work as well as providing existing major clients with stocks and spare parts from Weir factories around the world. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is showing

resources into that market.

“In both countries, we will be working on pipelines in gold, phosphate, and limestone. This is what the market is. Global demand for these is up so obviously the customer in both places is investing in new lines,” says Saxena.

“We are banking on Jordan bigtime because they are building a good pipeline over there. Right now, we are doing the decommissioning and installation in Jordan with the team and support that I have here. But we are working to recruit some engineers within the country and are looking for a permanent headcount of three people there. We have 25 people across the Middle East and this will be 30 by the end of the year with a couple of new appointments which will be based in Jordan”.

Kuwait in another place where Weir has been busy laying the groundwork. It has also become an active market for sand washers with Weir’s first wash plant commissioned there last year. Building on this, the company held a customer event there in March which provided an opportunity to get people together, take stock and be

prepared for some of the challenges it is facing as it moves forward.

“Obviously there are heavy challenges in the market in terms of liquidity and finance availability but this year we have done what we committed to do,” Saxena explains.

“Everybody is aware of the bottleneck in the global supply chain and obviously for all the factories, globally, import costs have increased because of raw materials pricing. But we have to look at what is under the control and influence of Weir and that is ensuring that we do the best as to what we have committed to.”

He contiues: ‘I am very confident that 2023 will be the biggest year for Weir Middle East. And I say that based on the competitive pricing which is on the upswing plus the feedback we are getting from the customers that things are moving very well.”

Moving forward, one of the key assets at Weir’s disposal is its HPGR technology which Saxena describes assuredly as ‘the future of mining.” While it has been used in mining applications for the last 30 years its technology is being upgraded all the time. It involves high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) that reduce particles by compressing and crushing the feed

MINING PARTNERSHIP

between two counter rotating, parallel rollers with a small gap between them. This forces the rocks against each other and compresses the feed’s density to 80% of its solid volume.

Although it has been around for a while it is something in which Weir commands a strong market share in and has been using to good effect.

“Compared to the conventional system it utilises less amount of power, as less than 30% in most cases,” Saxena says, “so we

are pushing for this technology as it will help enhance our sustainability targets as well as reducing energy costs. As of now we have some big projects lined up all of the world. The first HPGR is getting commissioned in the Middle East, in Saudi Arabia, as we speak, and I think by end of November this will be commissioned. Obviously we are trying to replace the traditional way of milling. It is the future and is a technology that we are pushing.”

With the shift towards services and integrated solutions further complementing its existing product portfolio of pumps, crushers, hoses, valves, wash plants and more, Weir Minerals is confident it is on the right path in the region and that the foundations it has set can provide a platform for its next steps.

“This was the year to take stock and get resources right and start generating pipelines for the coming years. It’s the work that we put in this year that will benefit the next two or three years. We have our strategy plan every five years (2022-27) and 2022 was the first year of that fiveyear strategy. So we are embarking on that journey and I am very happy to share that in the last five year we have made great progress and brought the costs down very handsomely.”

WEIR MINERALS PARTNERS WITH ERIEZ TO OFFER COARSE PARTICLE FLOTATION SYSTEMS

Global mining solutions provider Weir Minerals has partnered with Eriez Flotation to design and develop coarse particle flotation (CPF) systems, the companies have announced.

Course particle flotation allows for more efficient separation, while reducing water and energy consumption and producing safer tailings. As a specialist in this area Eriez’ range of products include the HydroFloat® Separator for coarse particle mineral concentration, which delivers the capacity of a density separator while maintaining the selectivity of a flotation device.

“This cutting-edge technology is a step-change improvement over conventional flotation systems,” said Eric Bain Wasmund, Ph.D., Professional Engineer, Vice President of Eriez Global Flotation Business.

The agreement also enhances Weir Minerals’ “all-of-mine” capabilities from the pit to the processing plant, with leading brands such as Warman pumps, Cavex hydrocyclones, GEHO positive displacement pumps, Linatex rubber products and Enduron HPGRs.

“The cooperation allows both companies to better connect the Eriez equipment with the slurry classification and conveying expertise of Weir Minerals. As mining companies look to optimise their plant and processes while also reducing their carbon footprint, we’ll see CPF being more

“We have an Integrated Solutions team – made up of a diverse range of product experts, process engineers, design engineers and materials scientists, among others – that works closely with miners to deliver reliable solutions that help solve their specific problems. In the current regulatory environment and with an increased focus on ESG issues, miners are being asked to produce more with less and CPF systems are a vital technology that allows them to do that,” he added.

Warman mill circuit (MC) pumps are one of the most recognised products in Weir’s portfolio and are designed for severe mill circuit duties and aggressive slurry applications.

widely adopted,” said Ricardo Garib, Division President of Weir Minerals.

ELECTRIC VISION

Can you tell me a bit about Keestrack’s global presence and what the company is most wellknown for?

One of the reasons Keestrack is well-known is because of Mr. Kees who invented the system of the scalper and direct feeding screen, which became a standard of the industry from the late ‘90’s. Aside from that we’re well-known for our state-of-the-art technology, that has allowed us to cover 100% of our crushing division products, with full electric, zero emission machines. In relation to Keestrack’s presence, we’re on average reaching 15% market share for North-Middle Europe, North America, Oceania, while looking at the world market we’re talking about the 6-7%.

Why is now a good time for the company to expand into the Middle East region? It’s a good time to expand into the Middle East region because our technology falls in line with the vision most of these countries have towards the green and cycle economy. We want to spread the importance of our mobile systems, around not

only the business of quarries but material recycling systems too.

Aside from that, we can see that the infrastructure development industry is still expanding in the Middle East so there are several advantages of getting the raw material processed on site and producing asphalt or concrete. Besides that, the electric version of our machines mean that all these processes will benefit from cost savings and savings to the environment. Economies are becoming more and more conscious and reducing carbon footprint is a continuous process. We are moving more and more towards the Middle East because we believe we can play an important role in making this happen.

Can you describe your most popular product and features?

Although we have grown in the industry it is not necessarily due to our individual products alone but rather to the value that is recognised in these machines as a whole which means reliability, robustness and high advancements in technology.

All our crushers and screeners machines are well known in the industry as a result and well utilised for related processes.

Which sectors/projects do you expect Keestrack to have the biggest impact in the Middle East?

We expect to make a growing impact in the industry of concrete and asphalt raw material production, whilst also improving the mindset of the industry on how to make money from scrap material by reutilising the same in a clever way.

Does Keestrack have plans to expand its presence on the ground in this region in the next 12 months and beyond?

Over the next few years we are planning on targeting at all countries in the Middle East, which are important markets to us, starting from Saudi, U.A.E. and Qatar then each of the other remaining markets. In terms of dealerships we will be looking at best in class organised and structured local organisations with a vision for the new technologies and business digitalisation.

JUNE, MOBILE CRUSHING, SCREENING EQUIPMENT AND STACKER SPECIALIST KEESTRACK APPOINTED GIOVANNI BARTOLI AS ITS NEW AREA SALES MANAGER FOR THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA. CMME SPEAKS TO THE NEW APPOINTEE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE COMPANY, ITS PRESENCE IN THE MARKET AND ITS GREEN AMBITIONS FOR THE REGION

CAT MINING TRUCK SHOWS SKILLS

Every operator wants a job site that’s as safe and productive as possible and at Caterpillar that means a focus on autonomy. The latest installment of Cat Trials returned recently with Cat Trial 12: No Hands showcasing the agility and precision of Cat’s autonomous mining trucks, something not too dissimilar to what you might see from a world class football player. To prove this comparison and give a sneak peek of where autonomous technology is going next Caterpillar

not only brought in four-time FIFA World Cup participant DaMarcus Beasley to run through a Cat® themed obstacle course but did the same with a 794AC autonomous mining truck.

The 794 AC is the first electric drive model to join the expanding Command for autonomous haulage fleet, which includes the Cat 789D, 793D, 793F and 797F models. It also enables total autonomous operations of the mining trucks, interaction with other equipment, and integration with customer mining processes and systems, all managed by MineStar.

The video also gives a preview of how autonomy is coming to other industries, featuring a semiautonomous version of the Cat® 299D3 Compact Track Loader(CTL) while the course features obstacles made up of officially licensed Cat merchandise including phones, coolers, lights, tool bags and shovels.

According to Caterpillar, the inspiration came from Cat Trial 3: China Shop, where it had a mini excavator navigate through tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of glassware. Cat autonomous equipment was originally introduced at MINExpo 1996, and the 794AC was showcased at MINExpo in 2021. The first autonomous 794 AC electric drive mining trucks were deployed in South America. In Chile, the first of 28 autonomous 794 AC trucks began arriving in May 2021 to be part of Teck Resources Limited’s low-cost, long-life Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 (QB2) copper project. It is the latest autonomous mining truck equipped with Cat® MineStar™ Command for hauling, an autonomous hauling solution.

Cat autonomous equipment was first shown at MINExpo 1996 1996

“Caterpillar has decades of experience with autonomy –specifically in the mining sector. A 2020 acquisition has helped advance our experience in large mining equipment and start on a path that features new, nimble, miniaturised technology. So, while not commercially available yet the semi-autonomous 299D3 points to the potential Cat Command for Construction has to enhance your jobsites,” Caterpillar says.

The manufacturer adds: “Cat Trial 12: No Hands highlights the teamwork, agility and precision that goes into success for your team and your job site. And we know you’ll get a kick out of how it all comes together.”

On your site

Back where we belong – at the world’s leading exhibition for the construction industry. We’ll proudly present some world premières and, in true Liebherr style at Bauma – the future.

www.liebherr-bauma.com