Komatsu and Cummins have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development of zero-emissions haulage equipment. Building on a legacy of diesel engine partnership across a wide variety of mining and construction equipment, Cummins and Komatsu will initially focus on zero emissions power technologies including hydrogen fuel cell solutions for large mining haul truck applications.

In August 2021, Komatsu announced its power agnostic truck concept for a haulage vehicle that can run on a variety of power sources, including diesel-electric, trolley, battery power, and hydrogen fuel cells. Working with Cummins is complementary to Komatsu’s development of this technology.

“Komatsu’s deep expertise in mining and equipment design and integration paired with our advanced power technologies including hydrogen fuel cells will accelerate decarbonization of mining equipment,” said Amy Davis, vice-president and president of new power at Cummins. “The mining industry has great potential to lead in adopting renewable solutions.”

As a leading independent power provider in the mining segment, Cummins provides unique application understanding that is critical to introducing reliable, quality products that can withstand the harshest environments. Cummins has a broad portfolio of batteries, fuel cell systems and electrolyzers (for generating hydrogen), that are key building blocks for decarbonization. Together, the two companies have a long history in the global mining market and strong technical capabilities necessary to develop these new solutions.

As a company, Komatsu is committed to minimizing environmental impact through its business, targeting a 50% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from use of its products and production of its equipment by 2030 (compared to 2010 levels) and a challenge target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Komatsu also announced in 2021 the creation of its greenhouse gas (GHG) alliance with customers to actively collaborate on product planning, development, testing and deployment of the next generation of zero-emission mining equipment and infrastructure. The alliance’s initial target is advancing Komatsu’s power-agnostic truck concept, with a goal of commercial offering in 2030.

The collaboration with Cummins is part of Komatsu’s efforts to provide zero emissions solutions for its global customers. Moving forward, Komatsu intends to explore further possibilities in zero emissions mining haul truck development.

To learn more, visit www.komatsu.com or www.cummins.com.

Epiroc has won a large order from Glencore in Canada for battery-electric equipment and automation solutions that will be used at what will be one of the world’s first all-electric mines.

Glencore’s Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations has ordered a full fleet of battery-electric equipment for the Onaping Depth project in Ontario, Canada. The nickel and copper mine is located below the existing Craig mine and is being developed to start production in 2024. The order also includes the capability for advanced automation solutions, including remote control. 

“Glencore is taking a major leap forward in the mining industry by going all-electric with its Onaping Depth project,” says Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s president and CEO. “We are excited to collaborate with Glencore and deliver battery-electric vehicles and automation features on their journey to build a mine of the future.” 

The benefits with battery electrification are significant, including eliminating emissions underground, reducing noise pollution, and lowering costs by lessening the need for ventilation and cooling when required; this is especially important as underground mines keep getting deeper.

“Epiroc scored high on safety, design and testing of the entire battery system,” says Peter Xavier, VP of Glencore’s Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations. “Epiroc also offers large capacity batteries, uses a standard CCS charging protocol, has a battery swap system, and the designs are universal and compatible. Also, the batteries have integrated cooling systems and safety systems built into the design.”

The ordered battery-electric equipment is manufactured in Örebro, Sweden. The 23 machines ordered include Scooptram loaders, Minetruck haulers, Boomer face drilling rigs, Boltec and Cabletec rock reinforcement rigs, and Simba production drill rigs.

The Simba rigs will be operated in part through tele-remote from the comfort of a control room. All units will be equipped with Epiroc’s Rig Control System, making them ready for automation and remote control, and will also be installed with Epiroc’s telematics system, allowing for intelligent monitoring of machine performance and productivity in real-time.

Learn more at www.epirocgroup.com.

Epiroc has won a large order for equipment, including battery-electric machines and automation solutions, from the Canadian Malartic partnership, that will be used in a major new underground gold mine currently under construction – the Odyssey mine in Malartic, Que. which will become one of Canada’s largest gold mines.

The Canadian Malartic is a 50:50 joint venture between Yamana Gold and Agnico Eagle Mines. 

The Epiroc equipment includes a variety of drill rigs, loaders and mine trucks. Some of the machines will be battery powered. Automation features include Minetruck and Scooptram, which are part of Epiroc’s Sixth Sense portfolio of digital solutions. By combining these solutions with Epiroc’s traffic management system, material handling is optimized within the mine, bringing benefits such as virtually eliminating the risk of collisions. The equipment order also includes education and training using simulators.

“The Canadian Malartic partnership is taking a massive next step with the new underground mine where our battery-electric and other advanced machines with state-of-the-art automation and traffic management solutions will help optimize safety and productivity. Epiroc and the Canadian Malartic partnership have a history of successful co-operation, and we look forward to continue contributing to their success,” Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s president and CEO, stated.

This is the second equipment order from the Canadian Malartic partnership. Epiroc also won a large order for drill rigs, loaders and mine trucks in the third quarter of 2021. Epiroc will also provide service and spare parts, as well as expertise on electrification solutions.

The Odyssey mine is located just west of the Canadian Malartic open pit gold mine, which is still in operation, and to which Epiroc in previous years has provided powerful Pit Viper surface drill rigs.

“Over the years, Epiroc has clearly demonstrated its willingness to be a leader in the technical evolution of mining equipment, whether in electrification or automation. Obviously, this transition will not happen by itself. We are privileged that Epiroc has proposed us a collaborative approach in order to effectively integrate their equipment into the Odyssey mine and actively participate in this evolution. The benefits from this collaboration will contribute to making mines even safer and jobs more accessible in the field,” Patrick Mercier, general manager of the Odyssey mine, added.

The equipment ordered during the first quarter includes battery-electric versions of the Boltec rock drill, Simba production drill and Boomer jumbo for face drilling. It also includes an Easer raise borer, Scooptram loaders and Minetruck haulers. The machines will be equipped with Epiroc’s telematics system Certiq, which allows for intelligent monitoring of machine performance and productivity in real time.

Learn more at  www.epirocgroup.com.

Continuing its commitment during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the U.S., Martin Engineering is inviting customers to “Go pink!” For the month of October, along with replacing the traditional Martin orange paint scheme on truck vibrators, the company will add the option of conveyor guarding, twist tensioners and inspection doors to go pink as well.

Along with the colour change, the equipment retains the same high-quality standards. Discharging heavy and often compacted material from dump trucks, hopper rail cars, and other vehicles can require a lot of vibration power in a punishing environment putting high demands on equipment. Operators choose Cougar DC truck vibrators and Cougar THD hydraulic vibrators to replace OEM vibrators that tend to have a limited service life. Reliable and durable truck vibrators like the DC and THD reduce manual labour and downtime while ensuring the safe evacuation of cargo. Faster unloading increases the number of trips by operators, improves efficiency and reduces the cost of operation.

By merely saying “Make mine pink” when purchasing of the company’s popular Cougar DC truck vibrator or Cougar THD hydraulic vibrator, Martin Engineering will donate a portion of its sales revenue to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

“Since 2017, this popular campaign has allowed Martin Engineering to donate almost $50,000 to the Susan G. Komen organization,” said vibration business development manager Susie Orlandi. “Every contribution supports those in need today, while the researchers continue their work for a cure.

In addition to its donations, Martin Engineering is also hosting a team in Komen Peoria’s More Than Pink Walk to raise awareness and encourage individual contributions to this worthy cause.

“Every year, our customers generously join us in this fight, placing orders to contribute to its success,” Orlandi added. “Programs like this allow the pink colour scheme to represent the cause year-round, generating awareness and getting people talking.”

To learn more, visit www.martin-eng.com.

If you work in the far North, you are no stranger to tough, remote conditions – and neither is your equipment. However, harsh winters can be especially hard on slurry systems, particularly if you have not properly winterized your pumps.

With so much moisture present during operation, slurry pumps become notably vulnerable to damage in cold weather. Frozen water in your pump system can lead to crippling issues ranging from improper functioning and premature parts failure all the way to more costly damage caused by freeze-and-thaw issues or thermal shock.

The good news is – with a little preparation and careful operation – your system can be winterized without trouble. Here are five steps to help you maintain your system in extreme cold conditions:

1. Protect your pipes and pumps from the elements.
   Since mechanical seals and bearings are particularly vulnerable to damage while operating in freezing conditions, protect them by heat tracing and wrapping your seal water piping. A heated shelter is ideal, but not every slurry pump in the North has this luxury. If this is not practical, do not stop the slurry flow! Instead, find a way to protect your pump from the elements and use an appropriate heat source to raise the temperature of the bearing assembly, lubricating oil, and pump casing before starting it up. Look to your local codes to determine the most suitable heat source for the job.
2. Prevent freezing during shutdowns.
   If you are shutting your unit down in sub-zero conditions, make sure it is completely free of water so it does not freeze, expand, and result in damage. Some pumps are designed for periodical stops with built-in plugs in the shell base. However, other systems require you to remove the system piping and pump out the casing. Looking for another option? Install a dump valve in the lowest point of the piping system and use it. Whichever method you choose, don’t forget about the stuffing box and lines.
3. Check your oil.
   Your pump’s bearings will need extra attention during the winter months. That is because any moisture or condensation inside the bearing races will quickly turn to ice, preventing smooth movement in the assembly and resulting in damage and untimely failure. Before cold weather arrives, change your CBA oil and check the viscosity or “weight” of the oil against the coldest expected air temperature to ensure the oil is correct for the conditions. Depending on your bearing size, a synthetic oil may be recommended. Unlike traditional mineral oils, the pour point of synthetics is designed to maintain effective lubrication at low temperatures.
4. Prepare your pneumatics and v-drives.
   If your isolation valves are pneumatically actuated, make sure your air dryer is functioning optimally. For v-drives, consider installing new belts for the winter so you don’t have to deal with replacing them when the temperature reaches –40°C.
5. Operate with care.
   When operating your slurry system in a wintery environment, take care to properly start up and oversee your system. Your pump casing should always be brought up to operating temperature gradually, either with process flow or external heat, to prevent thermal shock. The stuffing box also needs a constant supply of water, which may need to be insulated or heated, and flush water must be drained to prevent ice buildup.

These tips should help you keep your slurry system in working order through the winter and beyond. For those seeking to upgrade their system or purchase new pumps for their line, it is also important to keep in mind that pumps and slurry systems can be designed with harsh environments – and severe temperature fluctuations – in mind.

For more tips on the care and operation of GIW slurry pumps, visit www.KSB.com.

Caterpillar has launched the new Cat 789 mining truck, building on a legacy of proven performance to offer efficiency gains, the next generation of cab comfort and cutting-edge connectivity. Its design offers a weight advantage over the competition to haul more material every load and deliver a cost-per-tonne advantage. A proven performer, high uptime reliability reduces overall costs to deliver a better bottom line.

The new 789 moves more material with less fuel, offering up to 9% reduced fuel consumption compared to the Tier 2 design. An advanced powertrain increases engine life by 12% and delivers better shifting and acceleration. Offering the highest horsepower in its class, this mining truck features 10% more payload and is over 5% faster on grade than competitive trucks.

The Cat 3516E engine in the new 789 is fuel-optimized for lesser regulated countries or can be configured with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for meeting EU Stage V and U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final standards. Two power selections offer 1,417 kW to match performance of existing fleet trucks or 1,566 kW for faster cycle times.

Delivering long-life reliability, the new engine features design modifications to the camshaft and piston for optimal fuel efficiency, and structural improvements to the cylinder head and crankshaft deliver 12% more durability than the 3516C. The engine’s 23% net torque rise delivers unequalled lugging force during acceleration, on steep grades and in rough underfoot conditions.

The 789’s features advanced power electronic control strategy (APECS) transmission delivers productivity and efficiency improvements that can reduce cycle times. Forward momentum and torque are maintained while shifting with optimum gear selection resulting in faster acceleration. It offers more continuous torque and rimpull to deliver more power to the ground, making it possible to use a higher gear on grade to optimize fuel efficiency.

A choice of multiple body style configurations allows mines to equip the 789 to meet specific site needs. The high-performance body maximizes payload by reducing the weight by 2.0 to 5.0 tonnes or more. The mine specific body excels in mature mines, while the combination body combines features of high volume and optional liners to haul both ore and overburden. The original standard, dual slope body, provides excellent load retention, and the X body features the latest structural designs and offers more volume at a lower weight.

The 789’s larger, more ergonomic next generation cab has a walk-through design and more interior room. Featuring 40% less sound pressure level, the quieter cab includes automated temperature control and cab filtration for a more comfortable environment.

Two ideally located 254-mm screens consolidate all machine data, controls and guidance information, and applications like Cat MineStar to reduce the number of required displays. New speed coaching provides operators real-time feedback on truck operation to maximize productivity, while more accurate measurements on the payload monitoring system delivers improved load tracking. Its 360° surround view camera with object detection improves safety.

Cutting-edge connectivity

Fully integrated Cat electronics on the 789 includes 100 Mbps, two-wire ethernet connectivity for faster data transfer to improve access to information. The future-proof technology platform includes every 789 being factory-equipped with Cat Product Link Elite with standard connectivity via cellular 4G/LTE and available cellular or satellite radio for reliable data transfer. A new telematics platform promotes greater data acquisition and faster transmission to locally hosted or Cat’s cloud-based applications.

The 789’s next generation of enhanced serviceability incorporates extended-interval filters with ground-level access, grouped service points and a new centralized service center option. It features an extended 12,000-hour coolant life and double the hydraulic and transmission filter life to 1,000 hours to reduce service time. New remote flash and remote troubleshoot help to further improve machine uptime and performance by instantly providing access to the latest software updates and making it possible to remotely troubleshoot the truck.

Superior braking and retarding control for the 789 is delivered by Caterpillar’s patented, oil-cooled, multiple disc brakes to provide immediate, fade-resistant braking and retarding.

The 789 next generation mining truck replaces the current 789 Stage V/Tier 4 Final model. The popular Cat 789D will continue to be produced and is available to markets outside of North America and Europe.

More information about the new Cat 789 mining truck can be found at www.cat.com.