Modern Mining September 2021

equipment gathers pace

says, “Our ambition to reach net zero emissions across our operations is a priority. Reaching this ambition will require new and innovative solu- tions and partnerships with supplier partners like Caterpillar. This collaboration represents a small but important step on that journey. Caterpillar’s Johnson says, “The integration of autonomy with a zero-emissions fleet demonstrates Rio Tinto’s commitment to reach net zero emissions. By leveraging these technologies across its sites, Rio Tinto can more safely increase productivity, effi- ciency and be more sustainable. We are pleased to be part of Rio Tinto’s sustainability journey and look forward to building on our long-standing collaboration.” More agreements Earlier this year, another mining company, Nouveau Monde Graphite also announced an agreement with Caterpillar pursuant to which the OEM will develop, test and produce Cat zero-emission machines for the mining company’s Matawinie graphite mine, with a view to becoming the exclusive supplier of an all- electric mining fleet to be deployed at this mine by 2028. “I recall our first meeting with Caterpillar some two years ago, outlining our vision of a zero-emission mine in Québec. Our commitment to this vision has taken us to this very important moment, not only for Nouveau Monde, but for the global mining industry as a whole. Today, alongside Caterpillar, which in my

Above: The BELAZ-7558E is a completely new type of mining haul truck, featuring batteries instead of a diesel engine. Left: Caterpillar has signed agreements with several large mining houses for the development and deployment of zero-emission haul trucks.

the trucks will be safer and easier to operate for a workforce that’s more diverse than ever.” Denise Johnson, Caterpillar group president, says: “Caterpillar is pleased to work with BHP on the next generation of large mining trucks and mine site technology. Deeply integrating our teams and timelines will allow for faster deployment to deliver zero-emissions solutions.” Earlier this month, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Caterpillar’s development of zero-emissions autonomous haul trucks for use at one of Rio Tinto’s Western Australian mining operations. The collaboration will see Rio Tinto work with Caterpillar to advance the development of the OEM’s future 220-tonne 793 zero-emissions autonomous haul truck, including the validation of Caterpillar’s emerging zero-emissions technology. Rio Tinto and Caterpillar will progress a series of development milestones to include a 793 prototype pilot pro- gramme, testing and pre-production trials. It is anticipated that the world’s first operational deployment of approximately 35 new Caterpillar 793 zero-emissions autonomous haul trucks will be at Gudai-Darri once development is complete. Gudai- Darri is Rio Tinto’s most technically advanced iron ore mine, in the Pilbara, Western Australia. Rio Tinto’s chief commercial officer Alf Barrios,

feature

September 2021  MODERN MINING  31