The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
Metal Tech News - October 30, 2024
An Early Learner Cat 793 XE mining truck being tested at Caterpillar's Tucson Proving Ground in Arizona.
Marking a major milestone along the path to achieving the net-zero-carbon-emissions targets set by Newmont Corp. and the wider mining sector, the world's largest gold mining company has received its first battery-electric large mining truck at the Cripple Creek and Victor (CC&V) mine in Colorado.
"As we look toward the future, our focus remains on creating a safer and more productive mining environment and this battery-electric large mining truck is one more step we are taking to further advance our safety and sustainability commitments," said Newmont COO Natascha Viljoen.
The recently delivered, assembled, and commissioned truck is an Early Learner Cat 793 XE, a prototype model that transitions the large battery-electric mining truck technology developed by Caterpillar Inc. from its proving grounds in Arizona to real-mine applications.
"We are excited about our collaboration with Newmont and working with them to truly understand the implementation and impact of the Early Learner 793 XE at CC&V," said Caterpillar Resource Industries Group President Denise Johnson.
Roughly as tall as a two-story building and capable of carrying 240 metric tons (more than half a million pounds) of rock, the 793 class Cat truck represents the type of heavy haulers used to effectively and efficiently move ore at mining operations around the globe.
With virtually every major mining company in the Western world committing to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, alternatives to the diesel that traditionally fuels these rock-hauling behemoths are needed.
This is why global mining companies such as Newmont, BHP, Freeport-McMoRan, Rio Tinto, and Teck Resources have joined Caterpillar's Early Learner program focused on accelerating the development and validation of the battery-electric technology powering the Cat 793 XE truck.
The commissioning of Early Learner Cat 793 XE at Newmont's Colorado gold mine is an integral part of Caterpillar's multi-faceted strategy to develop the equipment and technologies that meet a broad spectrum of challenges and opportunities being faced by mining clients transitioning to zero emissions.
For example, the emissions-reducing solutions for a remote Arctic mining operation with no ability to plug into a clean energy grid will be much different than a desert operation powered by an abundance of solar electricity.
"As the mining industry navigates the energy transition, we know a diverse set of solutions will be required for our customers to achieve their operational and sustainability objectives," said Johnson.
For Newmont, the delivery, assembly, and commissioning of the 240-metric-ton battery-electric truck at its Cripple Creek and Victor gold mine in Colorado is an important early step in achieving its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
"The arrival of the Early Learner Cat 793 XE underscores our ongoing commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our business," said Viljoen.
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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