DIGITAL MINING
E ON
E ON
The Charge On Innovation Challenge – founded by BHP , Rio Tinto and Vale , together with multiple industry patrons – aims to solve one of the biggest challenges in decarbonising mining operations : the electrification of haul trucks .
The eight innovators , whittled down from 350 companies and the penultimate 21 companies that made the shortlist , are ABB , Ampcontrol and Tritium ( Australia ), BluVein XL , DB Engineering & Consulting with Echion Technologies , Hitachi Energy , Shell Consortium , Siemens Off-board power supply , and 3ME Technology .
Diesel-powered haul truck fleets are responsible for up to 80 % of a mine ’ s emissions , but electrifying them requires charging systems capable of delivering energy at unprecedented power levels during operations .
Developments are moving fast in the transport arena , and what is billed as the ‘ world ' s largest zero-emission haul truck ’ – which can carry up to 290 tonnes of ore
– recently made its debut ( see Supply Chain article ).
Next steps in Charge On Innovation Challenge Winners are collaborating with interested mining companies , OEMs and investors to accelerate the technology development to support the future roll-out of zeroemissions fleets .
BHP ’ s Group Procurement Officer , James Agar , says the truly global nature of the final eight technology innovators selected from across industries demonstrates the level of interest that exists to work closely with the mining industry in seeking solutions to decarbonise mining fleets .
“ The Charge On Innovation Challenge is a great example of the current collaborative work being done to reimagine traditional models and relationships , which will enable innovative solutions to be designed , tested and implemented , fast-tracking the adoption of new technology ,” he says .
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