As the mining sector confronts the era of energy transition, it encounters a dual challenge: embracing carbon efficiency without compromising service certainty. This presentation will explore the landscape of opportunities such as technological innovation, competitive differentiation and cost savings, against the backdrop of obstacles including high upfront costs, adoption complexities and infrastructural limitations. Shane will offer strategic insights into the role of Automated Haulage Systems (AHS) in reconciling industry progression with environmental accountability. Attendees will gain an understanding of how to effectively balance operational excellence and climate commitments, paving the way for a responsible and forward-thinking mining industry.
Achieving a global net zero carbon budget by 2050 is going to require a radical transformation of all parts of society and the economy, including mining. Collaboration will be critical to overcoming the challenges faced by the mining industry and mining contractors are uniquely placed to play a pivotal role in this transition. As one of the largest contract miners globally, Perenti, including our subsidiary Barminco, has demonstrated industry-leading expertise in hard-rock underground mining and this deep domain experience, combined with our access to the critical operation data and know how, are the fundamental building blocks that will support our clients to electrify their mines. We have already adopted the approach that we will only learn by doing; partnering to trial some of the largest BEVs globally, collaborating with global leaders in electrification and automation to find electrification solutions while leveraging the wider capabilities of the Perenti group to create certainty in what is an uncertain arena.
Click Here to Download Session PDFLeveraging AHS as an enabling technology for electrification: It has been stated many times that automation and electrification should go hand in hand. This presentation will discuss how the autonomous haulage program being rolled out at Freeport McMoRan (FCX)’s Bagdad copper operation in Arizona is set to improve safety, operating efficiency and productivity, but also how it forms part of an early learning and blue-print approach to electrification by FCX. In 2023, FCX approved a new project to convert its fleet of 33 Caterpillar Inc. 793 haul trucks at Bagdad to become fully autonomous over the subsequent three years. This conversion project will make Bagdad the first US mine with a fully autonomous haulage system.
idoba: A sandpit for mine electrification and digitalisation: The mining industry is knee deep in a significant evolution. Operational practices and technology are evolving, the levers of value are increasingly complex and multi-dimensional, and mining businesses are actively working to diversify who contributes to our industry and how. Yet amid this progress, it has actually become harder to get a clear view on true performance, assess optionality in real time, and to optimise the future performance of mining operations and portfolios. In the new technology world of digital twins and artificial intelligence, navigating through solutions that can optimise the end-to-end mining value chain, connect systems and process optimisation models as well as raw operational data is highly complex. The DiiMOS™ approach is different. Built leveraging the intelligence of data scientists and the practical operational know how of mining subject matter experts with years of ‘boots on the ground’ experience, the DiiMOS platform is a revolutionary decision optimisation platform that enables operators to model, navigate and simulate the complex, messy, and deeply interconnected reality of today’s mining operations at scale and in real time. DiiMOS is a human and problem-centred approach that facilitates a shift in the way we operate.
The future of the old: As one of the largest mining contractors in Brazil, U&M has great responsibility when it comes to creating a more sustainable future for mining. Using its decades-long experience refurbishing its own off-highway truck fleet, the company has, in the past three years, embarked on a journey to create the first lithium-ion battery retrofit kit for a 200-ton truck. We are moving towards system validation of our hybrid platform by the end of the year at one of our client’s sites, following with the first commercial offerings by late 2025. Soon after that, we aim for the development of our battery-electric platform, which is key in achieving real sustainability. This venture, together with our autonomous retrofit kit, form the core of U&M’s strategy into the future. Merging them together will allow for even safer and sustainable earthmoving services for our clients.
Click Here to Download Session PDFConvergence in action: Integrating automation and digitalisation into the electrification dynamic: We are making headway in electric vehicle trials, digital solutions to improve mining efficiencies and in machine automation. As we move to a net-zero world, these technologies will need to be fully integrated. Join us as we explore what we can aspire to in an integrated electrified, automated and digital world, how we might get there, and what questions need to be answered.
Electrification unleashed: In the dynamic landscape of mining, the convergence of open autonomy and electrification holds immense promise. Join us as we delve into this powerful synergy, where open autonomy becomes the catalyst for electrifying mining equipment of all sizes. We will explore how interoperability, seamless collaboration and data-driven decision making empower mining companies to embrace electric vehicles with confidence. From civil-sized trucks to larger fleets, discover how the open autonomy advantage accelerates the transition toward sustainable, efficient and emission-reduced mining operations.
Nexgen SIMS: Nexgen SIMS was a major collaborative project run by a consortium of partners coordinated by Epiroc and partly funded by the European Union. It was completed in April 2024 and aimed to develop technologies, methods, and processes for the sustainable mines of the future. This presentation will outline how the partners within Nexgen SIMS developed and demonstrated a working solution for the work package: autonomous material handling at the face. The demo occurred at a depth of 750 m in Agnico Eagle’s Kittilä gold mine in Finland. It encompassed a fully autonomous cycle of material handling using battery-electric Epiroc underground loaders and mine trucks – evaluating the stope, filling the bucket, moving to a mining truck, and depositing the ore into the box, all without human intervention.
Integrating AHS and electrification through the lens of system safety: Advancing safety-centric mining practices in an era of automation and sustainability involves the integration of AHS and electrification within the mining industry, viewed through the lens of overall system safety. As mining operations increasingly embrace technological advancements, the synergy between AHS and electrification emerges as a pivotal strategy for enhancing efficiency while prioritising safety. By seamlessly integrating AHS with electrified equipment, mining companies can mitigate risks associated with human error and traditional diesel-powered machinery. This integration optimises operations, reduces carbon footprint and enhances worker safety by minimising exposure to hazardous environments. Taking a system safety approach provides an overview of safety-related activities throughout a systems lifecycle and helps ensure risks related to adopting automation are minimised as much as practicable. Moreover, the presentation will emphasise the critical role of a holistic safety approach, wherein technological innovations are implemented within a framework that prioritises the wellbeing of both personnel and the environment.
Electrification and automation at IGO’s Nova Mine: The battery-electric Sandvik DL422iE, which was introduced to IGO’s Nova Mine in July 2023, represented the first heavy batter-electric vehicle purchase for both IGO and Barminco Contract Mining Services. IGO and Barminco both recognise the positive decarbonisation impacts of using BEVs underground, as well as the improved conditions for workers which result from the removal of diesel from the workplace. As the battery-electric driveline is only used for tramming the vehicle, this drill was seen as a good steppingstone into underground electrification. To date, the production drill rig has steadily ramped up its drilling performance and is exceeding the drill metres of the other (admittedly older) diesel production drill rig. In addition, the successful implementation of remote drilling from surface is further boosting productivity by allowing drilling during shift change, blast re-entry times and when the drill is isolated behind an operating remote loader. Tramming distances achieved on a single battery charge have exceeded the guidance provided by the OEM, and comfortably allow tramming from drill site to drill site. Tramming to the surface workshop for maintenance requires a mid-decline battery charge, which is typically accomplished over shift change.
Automation and electrification to maximise resource value: The industry is continually hearing how the combination of automation and electrification – alongside complementary digitalisation – could fully optimise mining operations, as well as lower direct mine site emissions. The ability to move to smaller equipment, which is better sized for current battery technology, is a secondary outcome of integrating automation and electrification. At the same time, this enables sizing of equipment based on your resource characteristics as opposed to just reducing cost. During this presentation, we will display how this mindset shift has resulted in increased value generation – from an economic and environmental point of view – in a real-life concept study for an autonomous, connected and electric mine project in Australia and how we might model this in the industry in the future.
EcoHoist: iThe EcoHoist is a vertical material transport solution for underground mines, and is an alternative to truck haulage and skip hoist systems. Unlike a conventional skip hoist, the EcoHoist lifts material through two, circa-1-m diameter mine shafts, which drastically reduces the project capital cost and reduces geotechnical risk. The EcoHoist runs on clean electricity and can help underground mines dependent on diesel truck haulage to decarbonise while simultaneously reducing operating costs. Operating costs are reduced because of a reduction in fuel expenditure, personnel, ventilation and road maintenance, with the solution aiding the areas of automation and digitalisation through simplified working processes that are monitored remotely. The EcoHoist can help trucking constrained operations increase their production rate. The EcoHoist has a bi-directional option that can simultaneously lower material back underground for use as dry stacked fill.
Beyond Charge On: The Charge On Innovation Challenge sparked an industry search for design solutions to decarbonise mining haul truck operations. Two years on, this talk reflects on the experience of Echion, one of the winners of the Charge On Innovation Challenge and the only winning entry to include the use of a novel battery chemistry to solve the haul truck electrification challenge. Engaging with miners post-Challenge identified a central challenge, namely miners not having enough experience with battery electrification to facilitate the collaborations necessary to take advantage of new battery chemistries more suited to the high productivity and low total cost of ownership required by mining. This talk reflects on the experiences of Echion and its engagement with miners, OEMs and battery manufacturers. It gives insight into the development process for progressing new battery chemistries. It will help the mining community better understand the risks and opportunities of collaborating far up the value chain to access the best technologies for their needs.
Pre-electrification efficiency: The pathway to decarbonisation, ESG and other challenges for the mining industry is dependent on new platform technology and innovation. However, there is an underlying energy problem that must be considered first. Zero GHG efforts, like electrification, typically involve focusing on modifying existing platforms, offering the benefit of reduced Scope 1 emissions at the potential expense of increasing Scope 2 emissions (energy generation). With increased global pressures, the energy industry has had to progressively integrate more renewable sources of generation, however the maximum penetration of renewable and sustainable energy into mining is at risk of falling short of meeting demand. A co-developed, system-level approach to zero waste offers the potential to rethink traditional underground mining processes and synergistically couple new platform technologies to realise additional benefits such as reducing energy consumption. Led by the collaboration of 30-plus mining industry companies globally, Rethink Mining (CMIC) is working to reframe these challenges through the co-development of a pipeline of technologies with the potential to optimise mining at a system level. Currently, Rethink Mining are facilitating a number of consortia with the objective of developing ground-breaking solutions including mechanical cutting, ore sorting, new processing technologies, electrification and alternative haulage. Global pressures relating to energy necessitate that the mining industry collaborate to innovate for the benefit of a systematic and sustainable approach to reducing its energy demand.
Click Here to Download Session PDFAEOS: The global mining industry has made commitments to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050. Electrification is playing a significant role in assisting industry to make progress in line with these commitments. Diesel-powered mining vehicles, alone, account for 30-50% of direct emissions at a mine site – up to 80% in some cases – and electrifying them will be crucial to help achieve global decarbonisation goals. Resolving the challenge associated with such a large-scale transition of operations demands a systematic and robust prediction of possible outcomes based on a wide variety of operational scenarios. The proposed AEOS is a vertically integrated systems approach driven by MBSE and simulation to develop scalable, reliable and flexible solutions for mine operations. Similar approaches have been used by other industry sectors such as aerospace and automotive to meet emission targets. MEMKO, an engineering and technology company, will share the AEOS approach and examples from other industry verticals.
Tackling the net-zero transition with a measure, plan and implement philosophy: In navigating the urgent journey toward decarbonisation in mining, a measured and automated approach emerges as a beacon of progress. As global imperatives for sustainability intensify, the power of vertical integration comes to the forefront, offering a transformative pathway forward. Our session embarks on a dynamic exploration of the intricate relationship between vertical integration and decarbonisation, illustrating how these synergies can be harnessed to tackle the net-zero transition head-on. Drawing upon insights from energy, manufacturing and transportation, we delve into real-world examples and compelling case studies that illuminate the potential of a holistic strategy. By weaving together the best practices from adjacent industries, mining companies have started to unlock new efficiencies and synergies, propelling themselves toward enduring success in a rapidly evolving landscape. From optimising supply chains to leveraging cutting-edge automation technologies, attendees will gain actionable strategies to seamlessly integrate sustainable practices into their operations. By embracing this measured and automated approach, mining enterprises can secure their position as leaders in the global push toward net-zero emissions.
Click Here to Download Session PDFThe future of substation planning in mining: What comes to mind when thinking about the mining sector is harsh and inhospitable conditions with extreme temperatures, corrosive environments and high pollution levels that require the highest safety standards. Hitachi Energy’s Integrated Multifunctional Products (IMP) have been designed to meet the complex needs of the industry. With IMP, the mining industry receives modular and prefabricated switchgear installations based on well-proven gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and hybrid technologies. Various design and customisation options across the Integrated GIS Applications (IGA) and Multi-Functional Modules (MFM) support a stronger, smarter and greener grid. The IMP portfolio offers exceptional lead time, is relocatable and comes with a compact footprint while ensuring fast power deployment up to 420 kV. With industry needs at the forefront, it provides a combination of special equipment, high fire rating, flame-retardant materials and up to CX level of corrosion protection coating.
Click Here to Download Session PDFHow to select the right electric powertrain for your mining vehicle: As the mining industry moves towards electrification of their vehicles for environmental, cost and safety benefits, selecting the optimal powertrain is key to maximising the benefits of this new technology. Designing an electric powertrain is a complex multi-factor problem considering vehicle parameters, duty cycles and cost targets, which requires a novel approach to solve. In this talk, Infinite System Design will present a simulation-based, data-driven approach to optimising powertrains for an electric mining vehicle fleet. This will allow the user to make informed decisions early in the design cycle to understand the impact of design factors and reduce cost.
How NHL and ALTA are leading innovation for the electrification of mining trucks: This presentation outlines Alta'’s innovative Integrated Vehicle Electronics Control (IVEC) technology, aimed at transforming haul truck electronic systems into a unified, highly-responsive control framework. This technology, with potential future open-source applications, has significantly advanced the hybridisation and electrification of NHL’s haul truck fleet, from small to super-sized classes. Notable achievements include the development of fully-electric BEVs in the TR100E models and the hybrid NTE260s, highlighting IVEC’s role in enhancing haul truck efficiency and sustainability.
Triple bottom line win-wins: Are financial-only viewpoints costing us opportunities to deliver long-term ESG value? How does ESG valuation drive and create a positive business case in underground fleet electrification decisions? In this study between IGO and Adaptus, we modelled the environmental, social and governance costs and benefits of the Cosmos underground fleet electrification prefeasibility study, to assess their impact on the overall economics of the project. The analysis demonstrates that a comprehensive approach that considers both financial and ESG factors can lead to better decisions. In this case, by electrifying the fleet, the cost disadvantage of electric vehicles was reduced and approached parity. The study provided valuable insights into ESG factors most relevant to fleet electrification decisions, such as diesel particulate matter health impacts, safety benefits from reduced overall maintenance, the social cost of carbon and avoiding carbon tax penalties. This highlighted the hidden negative externalities associated with a traditional diesel fleet. Anticipating higher future energy costs and an increasing focus on sustainability, electric vehicles become superior to diesel, resulting in millions of dollars of financial and ESG benefit.
Vale’s path towards decarbonisation for surface mining: With the majority of Vale’s surface mobile mining fleets running at its iron ore mines in Brazil, Vale is looking at different options to meet its 2050 net zero and interim carbon emissions targets – the latter being a 33% reduction target by 2030, compared with 2017. For Scope 1 emissions, this includes the potential use of biodiesel on its larger class mining trucks, plus looking at alternative fuels like ethanol, as well as going battery-electric with smaller trucks, where Vale already has some experience. In the short-term other programs are also underway. For its ore railways, Vale is exploring a number of alternative fuels in replacement of diesel in its locomotives, including biodiesel, ethanol, and ammonia. Additionally, it is investigating the use of battery-electric locomotives to improve energy efficiency. Join us for this talk to find out more
Leveraging the learnings from the ICMM CharIN Mining Task Force initiative on charging interoperability for BEVs: The Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) Mining Task Force, with 82 company members, has recently completed its first year of focus on interoperability for mining vehicle electrification. The challenge is to safely deliver megawatts of electricity to each haul truck within each haul cycle and have ruggedised solutions that make megawatt charging work in extreme environments. The Mining Task Force have prioritised six elements of interoperability: charging protocol; static charge plug development; dynamic charging interface; grid interface; V2G; and external cooling interface. This presentation will provide the updates on progress including the ruggedised MCS plug; the extreme-MCS (XMCS) plug with an eventual aim for charging rates up to 30 MW; and the dynamic charging interface.
Pioneering decarbonisation in mining: Derek Alband, General Manager of Sales at Liebherr Mining, will provide an overview of the significant progress made and the ongoing efforts to offer solutions for decarbonising the mining industry. Liebherr’s presentation will showcase the steps taken to achieve zero emissions, highlighting one of today’s most comprehensive low-emission solutions for mines. This includes the use of trolley systems, a wide range of electric excavators and the robust support provided by Liebherr’s extensive service network.
Retrofitting large diesel excavators to electric: Electrification of mining equipment is the first necessary step towards a green future. With a large number of diesel machines still having significant residual life left, mine operators are faced with a difficult choice between continuing to use diesel machines or replacing perfectly functional machines with electric versions at huge capital cost. Thriveni tackled this problem by converting diesel-powered excavators to electric operation by retrofitting the prime mover with an electric motor. The results have been overwhelmingly positive, and Thriveni is well on its way to complete conversion of around 10 of the 120-ton, 250-ton and 700-ton class excavators into electric operation, thus making significant progress in the greening of its fleet. This presentation is an overview of this exercise.
BluVein1: BluVein is a pioneering charging technology designed to accelerate the electrification of heavy haulage in underground mining operations. BluVein's dynamic charging system allows heavy-duty battery-electric mining trucks to charge while in motion, significantly reducing downtime compared with traditional stop-and-swap and fast charge methods. BluVein overhead rails are IP2X-rated and designed to integrate seamlessly along existing tunnels. BluVein is OEM-agnostic, enhancing operational flexibility and scalability by delivering continuous haulage capability to miners. BluVein is engineered to comply with stringent safety standards in underground environments, effectively addressing the underground safety considerations of overhead catenary wire open style conductors and their inherent power limitations. BluVein supports robust power transfer, efficiently meeting the high-energy demands of large-scale underground mining fleets.
Click Here to Download Session PDFAn adaptive hybrid solution for mechanical haul truck decarbonisation: Haul trucks account for up to 50% of a mine’s total energy use. As mines increasingly set emission reduction goals and energy prices climb, there is a need for decarbonisation options that help reduce operating costs and are compatible with the large number of mechanical haul trucks in service. FLANDERS presents an adaptive hybrid retrofit system that offers mine operators the capability to meet corporate decarbonisation goals while also continuing to utilise their existing fleets of mechanical trucks across a variety of designs and sizes. The system consists of a specially designed next generation motor, high power density battery pack and custom mine duty traction drive system. The battery is charged during operation and does not require major mine infrastructure changes or investments in fast charging stations. The liquid cooled traction drive system is designed to be flexible across haul truck applications, upgradeable as new decarbonisation technologies are developed and simple to maintain. The entire system is non-intrusive with very little downtime required for installation. Simulation data over numerous mine profiles shows the adaptive hybrid solution can provide significant fuel savings and performance increases due to higher speeds on grades and rates of acceleration. Furthermore, engine life is increased due to the reduced load and fuelling. By increasing productivity and reducing operating costs, the hybrid mechanical truck decarbonisation solution provides a path forward to revitalise the investment mine operators have made in their fleet while meeting future emission reduction goals.
The Aramine L440B: The purpose of our presence at this event is to present Aramine’s latest mining machine: the battery-powered L440B mining loader, which operates in small to medium-sized sections from 7-14 cu.m. First, it goes back to the origin of the project: to extend the range of battery-powered vehicles following the release of the smaller L140B mini loader in 2016. It then explains the many advantages of a battery-powered machine and the various innovations developed by Aramine to offer this vehicle equipped with the latest technology. Finally, the presentation details all the technical features of the L440B, highlighting the choice to offer durable materials. All the data presented demonstrates our desire to guarantee the highest level of safety while ensuring greater productivity.
Powering progress: Challenges and opportunities in battery and fuel cell solutions for heavy haulage's decarbonisation: Underpinning First Mode’s decarbonisation product line of hybrid diesel, full battery and fuel cell electric drivetrain retrofits is a modular, feed-forward power architecture that can deliver multiple solutions across different platforms quickly. In this talk, key elements of this power architecture will be discussed at a high level, from the battery, fuel cell and control systems, to the platform engineering that supports its broad applicability to various applications in mine and rail haulage as well as stationary power.
Bortana: Steve Durkin, Founder and Managing Director of Bortana, presents an insightful overview of the journey from concept to production of the Bortana EV, a pioneering electric 4x4 specifically built for the underground mining industry. This presentation delves into the intricacies of developing an electric vehicle from the ground up, navigating through both challenges and opportunities. Durkin’s discussion offers a comprehensive examination of the technological, logistical and market-related hurdles encountered during the development process. From engineering innovations to supply chain dynamics, he provides valuable insights into the strategic decisions and adaptations crucial for success in the rapidly evolving EV landscape. By showcasing Bortana’s experience in pioneering sustainable mobility solutions, this presentation serves as a roadmap for mining industry professionals, offering a glimpse into the future of electric vehicles and the transformative potential they hold in the mining industry.
Stick with us to the very end as this esteemed panel evaluate the investment case for electrifying surface mining operations, reviewing what they have heard during networking and presentations during the event, as well as the major shifts that may influence this investment case going forward.
Click Here to Download Session PDFStick with us to the very end as this esteemed panel evaluate the investment case for electrifying underground mining operations, reviewing what they have heard during networking and presentations during the event, as well as the major shifts that may influence this investment case going forward.
