Teck Resources (TSX: TECK.A; TSX: TECK.B; NYSE: TECK) has announced an agreement with Caterpillar to work towards deploying 30 of Caterpillar’s zero-emissions large haul trucks at Teck mining operations.

Decarbonizing Teck’s vehicle fleet represents a significant reduction in Scope 1 emissions as Teck works towards its goals to reduce the carbon intensity of its operations by 33% by 2030 and be a carbon-neutral operator by 2050.

“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 Don Lindsay, Teck’s president and CEO. “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.”

Caterpillar Group President Denise Johnson added: “We look forward to working with Teck to support their climate goals and developing solutions to increase operational efficiency while substantially reducing emissions. We are excited to strengthen our collaboration and deliver results.”

Together, the companies plan to progress through a multi-phased approach that includes early development, piloting and deployment of 30 zero-emission vehicles, including Cat 794 ultra-class trucks beginning in 2027.

Teck anticipates initially deploying zero-emissions trucks at its Elk Valley steelmaking coal operations in British Columbia. The operations are already powered by a 95% clean electricity grid, making it an ideal location to introduce one of Canada’s first zero-emissions large haul truck fleets, with options for trolley-assist technology.

CIick here to learn more about Teck’s approach to taking action on climate change.

Click here to learn more about Caterpillar electric trucks.

The team at Gekko Systems released the next-generation Mark 6 Carbon Scout. The Carbon Scout is a self-contained, ground-level sampling system that measures the pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), slurry density and gold concentration in carbon-in-leach (CIL) and carbon-in-pulp (CIP) circuits.

An important new feature is the optional X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to measure gold on carbon for real-time gold circuit inventory.

The self-contained device collects slurry samples from CIL or CIP tanks to determine the concentration of the activated carbon in the pulp for each tank, to an accuracy of ±0.5 grams of carbon per litre of pulp. The concentration levels are then used to automate carbon movement to optimize the carbon distribution.

The Carbon Scout benefits sites by providing real-time data, which allows operators to significantly reduce soluble gold loss from the circuit by providing advanced measurements ahead of any unwanted excursions.

The Carbon Scout also allows for automation of the carbon movement, minimizing exposure to hydrogen cyanide gas and reducing the need for manual handling of samples.

Constructed from stainless steel, the system enhances operator efficiency by removing the need to undertake time consuming manual sampling and provides a single point sampling station to improve accuracy and increase safety. The automation of carbon movement increases the efficiency of the process, ensures carbon inventory set points are achieved and reduces the need for operator, metallurgist, and other processing staff input.

Learn more about the Carbon Scout and Gekko’s other innovative technologies at www.GekkoS.com.

As the coal mining industry in Indonesia seeks increased output, the need for quality workforce development tools has also increased. A holistic solution was needed to develop competent heavy equipment operators with a high awareness of safety, productivity and machine care. That demand was answered by the PRO5 advanced equipment simulator from Immersive Technologies.

Launched at MINExpo 2021, the PRO5 advanced equipment simulator set a new benchmark in realism, reliability and training value for operator training technology. PT Putra Perkasa Abadi (PPA) became the first company in Indonesia to incorporate the new technology by acquiring the first two out of four platforms ordered by PPA; these two simulators were commissioned in the PPA office at the PT Multi Harapan Utama mine site.

Equipped with a professional grade visual system, the PRO5 is the first mining simulator to combine stereoscopic 3D, a one-piece curved display, photo-realistic graphics and RealView head tracking technology. The PRO5 delivers realism at a level not previously seen by the mining industry. These advancements help new and experienced mining equipment operators develop competencies at a rapid pace, while maintaining high levels of learning retention.

The speed of growth requires an investment in the workforce and training tools to become more effective and efficient and to prepare personnel to become mine-ready. This year, PPA is targeting an additional 100 million bank cubic yards (bcy) above last year’s 267 million bcy. In order to achieve this target, an additional 3,200 to 3,500 operators are needed. They also need an additional 1,500 to 2,000 mechanics.

PPA is targeting an addition of 150 million bcy next year. To meet the target, the company needs more or less 6,000 mechanics and operators ready to work.

For more information, visit www.ImmersiveTechnologies.com.

Optimizing the productivity of mine sites while reducing costs, resource use and environmental footprint has long been the primary goal of FLSmidth. With the launch of PerformanceIQ Services, FLSmidth now promises to supercharge mine performance through a full flowsheet approach to optimization based on equipment knowledge, process expertise and digital solutions.

PerformanceIQ Services focuses on brownfield mining operations to detect performance gaps and identify and prioritize solutions that enhance operational efficiency. Working in partnership with customers, local FLSmidth experts provide defined improvement targets and suggest the most impactful actions an operation can take, given their specific production goals, challenges and mine characteristics.

The performance data of equipment and technology is monitored, adjusted and enhanced on a continual basis with the goal of achieving measurable, sustainable productivity improvements, such as the reduction of unscheduled downtime and more efficient use of energy and water.

The concept is straightforward and designed for fast and long-lasting results. After the initial scoping and onboarding phase, FLSmidth and the customer move to a cycle of analysis, value proposition, implementation and evaluation. Over time, this process of continuous step-by-step improvement provides the foundation to move beyond current objectives to support scalable, sustainable productivity and growth. All of this is underpinned by FLSmidth’s pit-to-plant portfolio of leading digital solutions that connect, monitor and optimize processes.

As part of one of the three pilot programs underway, FLSmidth was asked by a copper producer to evaluate the performance of its concentrator and suggest ways to increase recovery of copper fines, increase recovery of molybdenum fines, and improve water recovery. Through PerformanceIQ analysis, several improvements were identified that, combined, would result in a 9% improvement in copper and 2% improvement in molybdenum fines recovery, as well as a 1% improvement in water recovery.

“Real, tangible benefits come with a full flowsheet approach to optimization and through close work and partnership with our customers on site. This is how PerformanceIQ Services really delivers. Our experts bring local knowledge, process knowhow and experience and combine this with digital solutions that monitor, analyze and improve the performance of mine operations. It is an exciting proposition because we see a lot of improvements, both short-term and long-term that will be gamechangers for productivity, sustainability and our customers’ bottom lines,” says Joshua Meyer, service business line president.

For more information, visit www.flsmidth.com.

Metso Outotec will be supplying a high-capacity direct blister furnace to Kamoa Copper’s  copper mining complex expansion in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The 500,000 t/y copper throughput furnace will have the largest licensed flash smelting capacity in the world. The scope also includes safety and monitoring automation systems for the furnace. The value of this type of sale is typically between $40 million to $60 million.

“Non-ferrous metals play a key role in the green transition, and a major increase in global copper production is required to support this transition. We are pleased to support Kamoa Copper in their ambitious expansion project, in which high capacity and reliable, sustainable processes play a vital role. Our collaboration has been excellent throughout the initial stages of the process, including the initial study work, basic engineering as well as pilot testing,” Jyrki Makkonen, VP smelting at Metso Outotec said in a release.

For more information visit www.MOGroup.com.

The leading innovator of conveyor technologies, Martin Engineering, has a factory-direct replacement program to deliver polyurethane cleaner blades for conveyor belts. Custom-fitted on-site and installed free of charge, customers pay only for the replacement blades.

The program assures customers of accurately sized and professionally installed replacement blades that are matched to their specific application, providing optimum cleaning performance and service life to minimize the cost of ownership.

Manufactured in-house for the highest quality assurance, Martin’s replacement blades are made with specially formulated, colour-coded urethane to suit virtually any application. The blades have up to 53% more urethane in the wearable area than competitive designs, extending equipment life and durability as well as reducing operating costs.

To achieve consistent cleaning throughout all stages of blade life, Martin’s patented constant angle radial pressure (CARP) technology incorporates a specially engineered curved blade to maintain optimum cleaning performance and efficiency.

Martin is the only belt cleaner supplier that has designed its own equipment to manufacture molded blades. This innovative system maximizes quality control and eliminates shipping and labour costs by having the new blades delivered and installed direct from the factory.

The need for conveyor belt cleaning is well established, delivering long-term benefits in both safety and production. Excessive dust and spillage can foul rolling components and cause abrasion on the belt, reducing the life of equipment by as much as 30%. The belt is typically the most expensive piece of equipment on a conveyor, so not removing carry-back at the discharge will contribute to premature belt failure.

Martin also offers the N2 remote monitoring system to track tension and wear on all cleaners without having to physically visit the equipment. Customers have immediate access to details on the mounting assembly, tensioner and blade wear, along with total annual cost information for budgeting purposes. The intuitive system notifies technicians and plant operations personnel before re-tensioning or replacement is required and/or when abnormal conditions occur.  This critical intelligence reduces the need to expose personnel to moving conveyors, improving both efficiency and safety while lowering costs. It allows service personnel to deliver and install replacement wear parts during scheduled outages.

Martin offers the components and monitoring service free of charge for qualifying customers. The factory-direct replacement program is just one element of the company’s decades-long push to develop new and evolving technologies, improve bulk material handling efficiency and reduce safety hazards.

Learn more about cost-effective conveyor operation at www.Martin-Eng.com.

In what is believed to be a world-first, RCT, together with equipment manufacturer Rham Equipment, has deployed a fully autonomous battery-electric Rham loader into the African mining sector.

This technological feat saw RCT work with Rham to specifically engineer the automated loader to effortlessly work in height-restricted drives in a South African platinum mining operation.

RCT’s market-leading ControlMaster® automation technology was integrated with the Rham ultra-low profile (ULP) 25HD battery-electric loader with the package installed at Rham’s factory, prior to the loader’s deployment to the site.

This project showcases ControlMaster as a proven interoperable automation platform that can be integrated across any mobile equipment make, type or model, RCT said.

With the technology established on site, the loader operators are able to manage LHD operations from the safety of a ControlMaster Automation Centre on the mine’s surface.

In addition to this, RCT interfaced with the Rham dash display and replicated it on the Automation Centre, to provide the operator with important machine health information.

The project also includes the implementation of RCT Connect, a specialised underground communications network designed to enhance autonomous fleet operations.

Rham Managing Director, Kevin Reynders, said: “This joint venture project has run effortlessly creating safer machines for our miners.

“Rham Equipment, a Level 3 B-BBEE South African, (Pty) Limited Company, has been producing specialised mining equipment since 1980. The company has been providing the South African mining industry with quality products and top-of-the-range services for the past four decades.”

Reynders added: “The product range includes underground transporters, excavators, LHDs, dump trucks, roof bolters and conveyor drives, to name but a few. To date, Rham Equipment has supplied over 2,000 units to some of the most prominent South African platinum, gold- and coal mines who we count amongst our customer portfolios.”

RCT Business Development Manager for Africa, Mike Thomas, said the project represented an important milestone on many fronts.

“ControlMaster has an extensive history integrating with diesel powered equipment, but this project proves that the technology can interface seamlessly with battery-electric mobile machines.

“Battery-electric equipment fleets can significantly reduce a mining operation’s carbon footprint while eliminating the costs associated with diesel consumption, so we expect to see a greater uptake of the technology around the world. The technology will relocate the machine operators to a safe working area on the mine’s surface while enabling optimised autonomous machine operations.”

“A cornerstone of ControlMaster is its ability to integrate with any machine and this project proves that our technology can interface with Rham’s loader, which is an entirely new machine for us.”

RCT’s technical team will empower mine site personnel with comprehensive training and technical support to operate and maintain the equipment going forward, it said.

The company concluded: “The project demonstrates RCT’s automation technology can successfully integrate with battery-electric mining equipment and is an important step toward delivering an autonomous, carbon-friendly mining fleet of the future.”