The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
To develop zero emissions equipment for its mining operations Metal Tech News - January 26, 2022
Zero-emission versions of the Cat 794 ultra-class trucks are among the 30 large trucks expected to be deployed at Teck Resources' mining operations starting in 2027.
Toward its goal of reducing carbon emissions from its operations by 33% by 2030 and being a completely carbon-neutral mining company by 2050, Teck Resources Ltd. has entered into an agreement with Caterpillar Inc. to develop, pilot, and ultimately deploy 30 zero-emissions large haul trucks to its mines.
"Teck is already one of the world's lowest carbon intensity producers of copper, zinc and steelmaking coal, and now we are taking further action to develop and implement the technology needed to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations and support global efforts to combat climate change," said Teck Resources President and CEO Don Lindsay. "Decarbonizing our haul truck fleet is a critical step forward on our road to carbon neutrality and we are pleased to collaborate with Caterpillar to advance this work."
Partnering with mining customers to develop equipment and technologies that make mines more sustainable was a central theme for Caterpillar during MINExpo 2021 held in Las Vegas, Nevada last September.
Toward Caterpillar's MINExpo theme – "Together, we're mining better" –the famed yellow iron manufacturer has forged partnerships with BHP, Rio Tinto, Newmont, and now Teck to develop and deploy fully connected, automated, and zero-carbon emitting mining equipment for operations around the world.
More information on Caterpillar's partnership to make mining more efficient, effective, safe, and sustainable can be read at Caterpillar committed to better mining in the September 14, 2021 edition of Metal Tech News.
To help develop the zero-emissions equipment for these global mining firms, Caterpillar forged a partnership with a much smaller mining company – Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc.
An emerging Canadian miner that aspires to produce carbon-neutral graphite for the lithium-ion batteries powering electric vehicles and storing renewable energy, Nouveau Monde's coming Matawinie mine in Quebec provides Caterpillar with the ideal testing ground for development of zero-emissions surface mining equipment.
"It gives us that opportunity to be deeply engaged with the people on the ground and really understand their goals," Marc Cameron, vice president of Caterpillar's Resource Industries told Metal Tech News in September.
This collaboration is expected to result in Caterpillar becoming the exclusive supplier of an all-electric mining fleet for commercial deployment at Nouveau Monde's Matawinie graphite mine by 2028.
Find out more about the Caterpillar-Nouveau Monde collaboration at Electric Cats for a Nouveau graphite mine in the June 23, 2021 edition of Metal Tech News.
Now, Teck's Elk Valley steelmaking coal operations in British Columbia will serve as another Canadian testing ground for the development, piloting, and deployment of 30 Caterpillar zero-emission vehicles.
Already powered by a 95% clean electricity grid to charge the equipment, Elk Valley is an ideal location to introduce one of Canada's first zero-emissions large haul truck fleets, with options for trolley-assist technology.
Trolleys to assist trucks up steep slopes would not only reduce the drain on batteries but could be fitted with charging systems that could add some charge to the batteries while pulling the trucks along.
"We look forward to working with Teck to support their climate goals and developing solutions to increase operational efficiency while substantially reducing emissions," said Caterpillar Group President Denise Johnson. "We are excited to strengthen our collaboration and deliver results."
Under this collaboration, Caterpillar is expected to deploy 30 zero-emissions vehicles to Teck operations, including Cat 794 ultra-class trucks beginning in 2027.
More information on Teck's climate goals can be read at Teck commits to carbon neutrality by 2050 in the February 5, 2020 edition of Metal Tech News.
With more than 16 years of covering mining, Shane is renowned for his insights and and in-depth analysis of mining, mineral exploration and technology metals.
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