International Mining

International Mining July 2025 issue live! The International Mining July 2025 issue - which has a major underground mining focus - is now live and online! As is normal, the issue includes a great mix of tech news, features and interviews to keep readers' engaged and wanting more content. Articles include: ◼️ Insights on both the #UndergroundDrilling and #UndergroundLoadandHaul sectors ◼️ All the latest from the world of Surface #MiningTrucks ◼️ A deep dive into the #MiningTyres market ◼️ An overview of the #MiningFuels and #MiningOils sector This is on top of several of the month's biggest news stories from the mining technology and innovation sector. Read on and enjoy! #miningtechnology #mininginnovation #miningequipment #openpitmining #undergroundmining #OTRtyres https://lnkd.in/exGJhDpP

Trimble focuses on mining as a key technology partner Trimble Inc. is a well known globally, especially in the construction sector as well as agriculture, #geospatial & transportation. But it is also strong in mining, and is actively growing its visibility in the industry. International Mining Editorial Director Paul Moore caught up with Louden Grieser, its Product Manager – Monitoring & Mining, for some insights. On its current mining strengths: "Trimble technology is actively used to optimise resource extraction, enhance productivity & reduce risk, across mining operations. It achieves this by creating a connected #dataecosystem that delivers real-time insights for informed decision-making both in the field and in the office. Key applications include providing site-wide #GNSS/#GPS positioning, where Trimble deploys reliable #basestation infrastructure to provide the mining industry with robust, site-wide GNSS coordinates and corrections. Our high-performance GNSS receivers, strategically placed across the mine site, serve as crucial reference points, continuously broadcasting precise correction data...then we offer connected workflows utilising tools like the Trimble Groundworks guidance for open-pit drill and blast optimisation, Trimble Business Center Mining Edition for slope and mine design conformance reporting, and SX12 with Trimble Access Mines streamlining underground productivity. Trimble also offers a powerful approach to risk management in mining with its comprehensive monitoring solutions, featuring #Trimble #4DControl (T4D) software seamlessly integrated with automated #totalstation monitoring. This robust combination provides mining operations with continuous, real-time insights into the stability of critical infrastructure such as slopes and tailings dams." On its greater recent focus in mining he adds: "The industry is rapidly embracing advanced technology to meet critical demands for enhanced productivity, uncompromising safety, and greater sustainability. Our core strengths in precise positioning, geospatial solutions, and data analytics directly address these needs, enabling mines to optimise operations from exploration to remediation. By providing integrated hardware, software, and services, Trimble empowers mining companies to achieve more efficient workflows, reduce costs, mitigate risks, and make data-driven decisions in an increasingly complex global environment. Trimble is strategically increasing its exposure to the mining industry because we recognise the sector’s critical need for advanced, integrated solutions that drive efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Our expertise in #positioning technologies, #dataanalytics & #workflow optimisation is perfectly aligned to meet these evolving challenges, helping our mining customers extract more value while minimising their footprint." #futureofmining #mineofthefuture #minepositioning Read the full interview here👇

Thiess signs MoU on autonomy, new energy with XCMG China’s XCMG Group, whose HQ and factories in #Xuzhou were recently visited by International Mining, continues to grow its list of new collaborations with global heavyweights in the mining operations sector. Following similar agreements with BHP and Fortescue, plus close cooperation with Rio Tinto, mining services major Thiess has now announced that it partnering with #XCMG, “to develop #autonomous solutions, #maintenance services, and products to enable #electrification and #decarbonisation of mining operations.” The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding that sets up a ‘foundation of collaboration’ – combining XCMG’s expertise in mining equipment, automation and electrification with Thiess’s proven operational capabilities, skilled global workforce and established network of machine and component rebuild facilities. Under the MoU, Thiess says it intends to collaborate with XCMG on various initiatives including services and product support in relation to XCMG equipment and new energy products such as heavy mobile equipment, road trains, #charginginfrastructure, #batteryswap stations and #batteryrebuilds. Thiess Group Executive – Assets & Autonomy Ryan Kirkwood commented: “Building on Thiess’ 90 years of proven experience managing one of the world’s largest mixed mining fleets, we will leverage XCMG’s innovative technology and equipment to drive greater value for our clients.” XCMG Australia Managing Director Heming He said: “XCMG and Thiess are forging a unique partnership to accelerate decarbonisation and capital optimisation for #newenergy solutions. This partnership will accrue benefits of XCMG’s long history of smart manufacturing and Thiess’ unparalleled knowledge of mining operations. With key initiatives identified, this relationship will flourish rapidly.” Thiess said this new partnership is another milestone that supports the newly launched #ThiessAssetServices business “delivering client focused assets and technology solutions, providing clients with flexible options to boost productivity, lower total cost of ownership and reduce carbon footprint.” #futureofmining #theelectricmine #ChinaOEMs

Arizona AHS at Freeport Bagdad and ASARCO Ray #Copper miner ASARCO recently paved the way for the future of mining at its Ray copper mine in #Arizona with the launch of its new #autonomoushaulage system, adding 11 new 327 ton payload Caterpillar Inc. 794 autonomous haul trucks to the fleet. In a statement shared in May with Arizona’s CopperArea.com, #ASARCO said that together with Caterpillar and its dealer, Empire Cat, it is proud to be embarking on a transformative journey at its Ray Mine operations with the introduction of Caterpillar’s autonomous haulage system (AHS), Cat® MineStar™ Command for hauling. It is making history as one of the first mines in the US to be fully autonomous using MineStar™ Command for hauling after Freeport-McMoRan’s Bagdad copper operation, which began the conversion of its 256 ton payload Cat 793D trucks to autonomy in January with haul truck 230, with the main rollout having started in March. It is also working with Empire Cat and expects to have its entire fleet of 33 haul trucks driverless by the end of 2025, which will be responsible for more than 95% of Bagdad’s total haulage needs. There, four autonomous trucks were initially operated in a pushback dedicated to autonomous haulage only, followed by a larger pushback being dedicated to autonomous haulage. In May, a new autonomous command centre started running, operating 24/7 to provide real-time visibility and control that enhances safety, efficiency and communication. Also by May, the autonomous fleet had expanded to 15 trucks and moved more than 3 Mt of material. Back to ASARCO’s Ray mine: “This groundbreaking initiative marks another milestone in our journey towards safer, more efficient, and sustainable mining operations. By embracing innovation, we are setting new standards for the industry while creating valuable opportunities for our workforce,” said Michelle Lammers, ASARCO Operations Director in a statement. The deployment of round-the-clock autonomous haulage technology is anticipated to enable production efficiency, equipment utilisation and operational reliability. Most importantly, it will enhance workplace safety, creating a more secure operation for ASARCO’s valued workforce. “Transforming our operation creates compelling career advancement opportunities for all our current team members for developing expertise in digital systems and autonomous technology – positioning ASARCO as an attractive destination for digitally skilled professionals looking to build careers at the intersection of technology and mining innovation.” “We are proud to support ASARCO’s journey with the integration of Cat MineStar Command for hauling at Ray Mine. This highlights our collaboration and ASARCO’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to optimise mining processes for operational excellence,” shared Marc Cameron, Senior Vice President of Sales, Services & Technology at Caterpillar. #futureofmining #miningAHS

OEM-agnostic AHS consolidation as Pronto buys SafeAI Pronto.ai, Inc, an industry leader in scalable, affordable, OEM-agnostic #AutonomousHaulage Systems (#AHS), today announced it has completed its acquisition of SafeAI, Inc., another pioneer in safety-focused, multi-sensor autonomous solutions for heavy industry. Pronto says the transaction “further establishes Pronto as the world’s most capable and technologically advanced autonomy provider for the off-road sector.” The combined entity it says “will offer the industry’s first and only tiered technology portfolio, capable of serving the full spectrum of customer needs, from small quarries to large mines.” This includes Pronto’s commercially proven, camera-only AHS for customers prioritising affordability and rapid deployment, as well as a multi-sensor premium offering, both of which will benefit from #SafeAI’s safety framework that has been ASIL D-certified, the highest safety integrity level in the industry. “Pronto is automating everything with wheels, starting with mining trucks, focused on becoming the first profitable autonomous vehicle company,” said Anthony Levandowski, CEO of Pronto. “This acquisition solidifies our leadership in the automation of the mining, quarrying, and construction industries, and will help us further accelerate the commercial deployment of our technologies to sites around the world.” This strategic transaction comes as Pronto is experiencing rapid growth and gearing up for its next phase of expansion, after recently announcing a global agreement to deploy more than 100 autonomous trucks with Heidelberg Materials and expanding its team in Brazil. The acquisition brings together two of the most experienced teams in autonomy, with decades of experience spanning the DARPA Grand Challenges, Google, Waymo, Uber, Apple, Caterpillar, Lucid, Ford, General Motors, Tesla, and Topcon. Pronto’s AHS is currently operational on Komatsu’s HD605 and HD785 platforms, and that it will soon support all Komatsu rigid HD and articulated HM base trucks. This would include all of Komatsu’s rigid mechanical drive trucks up to the HD1500. The HM trucks are the HM300 and HM400 articulated dump trucks (ADTs). On electric drive rigid trucks, covering the 730E up to the 980E, Komatsu uses its own FrontRunner AHS together with its Modular DISPATCH® FMS. #futureofmining #miningAHS #mineofthefuture

Autonomous ultraclass Komatsu mining fleet for Mesabi Metallics Mesabi Metallics has announced a major US$110 million purchase of an entirely new fleet of #miningequipment from global heavy equipment leader Komatsu, through #MesabiMetallics’ partnership with Road Machinery & Supplies Co., a #Minnesota-based distributor of construction & mining equipment with offices in Virginia, Minnesota. Mesabi Metallics expects the new mining equipment to arrive in October. The purchase includes a fleet of Komatsu Mining 980E-5 haul trucks. Featuring the #FrontRunner #AutonomousHaulage System, these state-of-the-art machines are some of the largest mining trucks in the world, and Mesabi Metallics will be the only mine in Minnesota to operate them. Mesabi Metallics, located in #Nashwauk, Minnesota, is on track to complete construction of its mine, beneficiation plant and pellet plant for the production of #DirectReduction grade pellets in the first quarter of 2026. The new fleet marks a major step forward in Mesabi Metallics’ commitment to safety, efficiency & environmental responsibility. The ultra-class 400-ton trucks are engineered to deliver maximum payloads with best-in-class fuel efficiency and industry-leading safety features. Mesabi Metallics’ haul trucks from Komatsu will be fully equipped to operate autonomously, increasing health & safety on site by minimising the number of people required around mining equipment; limiting mining equipment to specific, pre-determined paths; and limiting haul-truck accidents due to driver fatigue or error. Mesabi Metallics will form a committee to evaluate the implementation of autonomous haulage & plans to operate the trucks autonomously as soon as feasible, while maintaining the total number of jobs on site. “This investment isn’t just about a dollar amount – it’s about setting a new standard for how iron ore mining is done. By deploying a fleet of 400-ton autonomous haul trucks, we are building the safest, most efficient & most environmentally sustainable mining operation anywhere on the continent,” said Joe Broking, President & CEO of Mesabi Metallics. “We’re proud to partner with Mesabi Metallics and provide a fleet that includes some of the largest and most advanced mining haul trucks operating on mine sites today. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to safety, efficiency and long-term sustainability in mining operations,” said John Ward, Senior Vice President for Mining and Company Stores at Komatsu North America. “As the first new mine in 50 years in Northern Minnesota, Mesabi Metallics is incorporating exciting new technologies into its equipment operations,” said Michael Sill II, CEO of Road Machinery & Supplies Co. “This is a historic project for Northern Minnesota, and our nation’s steel industry, and we are honored to be part of it.” #miningAHS #futureofmining #minnesotamining #AHS

BHP bets on Chinese battery expertise for furthering decarbonisation ambitions BHP has signed a MoU with two Chinese #batterytechnology pioneers, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited, & #FinDreams Battery Co Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of BYD, focused on identifying pathways for #electrification at its mining ops. The efforts are aligned with #BHP’s long-term goal to achieve #netzero operational GHG emissions (Scopes 1 & 2 from its operated assets) by 2050. First off, BHP and #CATL will explore opportunities in battery development for mining equipment & locomotives, including rapid charging infrastructure, as well as seeking to understand energy storage systems & battery recycling options for BHP mining applications. CATL, a global leader of innovative energy technologies, is committed to building options to enable a net-zero future leveraging advanced tech. It is developing cutting-edge battery technologies & energy solutions that support the energy transition and e-mobility, BHP says. #BYD Group is one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers that, among other things, makes & sells battery systems used for commercial vehicles, power batteries & #energystorage batteries. Recognising the need for innovative solutions to tackle Scopes 1 & 2 emissions, BHP is also working closely with BHD-owned FDB to explore the application of existing and emerging technologies across its ops. BHP & FDB will jointly investigate powertrain battery solutions for heavy mining equipment & locos with their adjacent flash-charging infrastructure, as well as explore BYD commercial vehicles & light vehicles for use in BHP’s mining applications to support its diesel displacement journey. BHP Group Procurement Officer, Rashpal Singh Bhatti: "CATL is a global leader in advanced battery technology, energy storage solutions & #batteryrecycling and is a natural partner for BHP. Working with organisations such as CATL, BHP is continuing to seek solutions that can drive a more efficient and sustainable future for the resources industry.” On BYD he commented: "BYD is a leader in their field and at the cutting-edge of what’s possible in battery technology and advanced manufacturing and have already made significant progress with electric vehicles." CATL Head of Overseas Business, Tan Libin: “We aim to demonstrate how advanced battery technologies can decarbonise mining operations, logistics and product delivery, accelerating a more sustainable, efficient future while creating long-term value and transforming the global resources industry through innovation.” FDB GM of Global Commercial Vehicle Business Unit Jack Li: “The signing of this MOU represents a pivotal milestone, not only for FDB’s commitment to advancing the low-carbon revolution but also for accelerating decarbonisation across the global resources sector." #futureofmining #theelectricmine

Continental mining conveyors – unmatched durability In October 2024, Continental expanded its plant in Brazil to manufacture very heavy duty steel cord conveyor belts for mining. International Mining Editorial Director Paul Moore caught up with Sven Hlywiak, Vice President, Customer Engineered Solutions, Industrial Solutions Americas at #Continental and Lucas Sielemann, Senior Product Owner at Continental to discuss its leadership in #miningbelts and its latest monitoring technologies. Hlywiak directly discussed ultra high strength steel cord #ST10000 belts: "When it comes to the ST10000, we remain the only company with a steel cord belt of this ultra high strength actually in service – our Phoenix Phoenocord ST10000 belt was first put into service in 2020 at CODELCO – Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile’s #Chuqicamata Underground #copper mine on the TAKRAF Group 7 km inclined tunnel #conveyor flight that brings copper ore to surface with an elevation gain of 950 m. This is something our team is rightly very proud of, as its development took a long time, working out how we could produce a belt of this strength and complexity efficiently. And today we have gone into serial production at our newly expanded #PontaGrossa, Brazil operation – the investment included production lines featuring advanced new rubber mixing, rubber blanket calendering, #vulcanisation, and inspection technologies, with the aim of guaranteeing excellence at every stage of the process. We can produce the ST10000 in lengths weighing up to 60 metric tons." Sielemann talked about the Conti+ 2.0 digital hub and the potential it has to add value to mining customer operations: "Conti+ 2.0 is our comprehensive and state of the art asset management tool for conveyor systems. With it we can import both static and dynamic data – essentially covering everything related to the conveyor health and performance. It includes a complete #conveyorsystem visual overview with movement direction plus all the main data points that you can manage and which are important in understanding the health of the system covering the belt itself but also idlers, pulleys and other components. If you need to replace something, we can also capture that process in our system, making it much easier to plan component replacement and management." #futureofmining #miningconveyors #materialshandling #theelectricmine

OLKO & Innomotics achieve SIL3 certification for winder braking system Thyssen Schachtbau GmbH member company OLKO-Maschinentechnik GmbH, a globally leading provider of #shafthoisting technology, and Innomotics, have achieved #SIL3 certification for their COBRA 02 S #brakingsystem for #minewinder installations. The COBRA 02 S multi-channel-controlled safety braking system they state “integrates seamlessly with the Innomotics winder controller, which is already SIL 3 certified, enhancing operational safety.” This comprehensive braking system addresses both hydraulic and electrical control functionalities, enabling its application across all types of mine winder machines. This cutting-edge technology has achieved SIL 3 certification per IEC EN 61508 and IEC EN 62061, validated by TÜV SÜD in Germany, ensuring highest safety for mine winder operations. One of the standout features of the COBRA 02 S is its electro-hydraulic brake control system, which ensures constant deceleration under any conditions. Whether facing varying load levels, changing movement directions, or friction-related fluctuations during safety mode activation, the system guarantees a preset, steady deceleration to safely halt the winder. To achieve the stringent SIL 3 certification, a significant number of fail-safe components were incorporated. The COBRA 02 S ensures precise, delay-regulated braking independent of the winder’s operational state. Its multi-channel capability is tailored to each unique application, allowing for a controlled and consistent stop under all circumstances. The statement concludes: “After many decades of working together in mine winder installations around the world, #OLKO and #Innomotics have developed the multi-channel-controlled braking system, intensifying their cooperation and partnership. Both companies are pioneers in developing innovative mine technologies.” #minehoisting #minewinders #mineshafts #futureofmining

First Quantum’s Trident – innovation insight from the Sentinel mine First Quantum Minerals last week hosted a media tour to its Trident and Kansanshi #copper operations in #Zambia. With respect to Trident, the major mine is #Sentinel with Enterprise a much smaller nickel focused pit that entered production June 2024. FQM Zambia said that the current Sentinel mine fleet includes 48 ultra-class trucks – Komatsu 860E (255 t), Komatsu 960E (327 t) & Liebherr Mining T 284 (363 t) models. These are loaded by an extensive shovel fleet including three Caterpillar Inc. 7495HR rope shovels, a Komatsu Mining PC8000 (800 t class), plus two Komatsu PC5500 (550 t class) hydraulic shovels & two large Komatsu L-2350 wheel loaders. The PC8000-11E is notable as it is electric (cable powered). All of the truck models operate on the mine’s #trolleyline which on the tour was cited at comprising 8% of the total haulage routes, with the company actively targeting trolley expansion. The trolley line allows a fully loaded truck speed of 20 km/h with time on that ramp of 3 mins compared to 11 km/h and 5.5 mins. Diesel use on trolley is 50 l/h equivalent compared to 650 l/h if not connected. Mining capacity will eventually increase to around 60 million bcm of ore & waste mined per annum. The mining fleet was expanded during 2022 & 2023 to support the mining capacity increase. In 2024, Sentinel saw almost 110 Mt of waste mined & over 51 Mt of copper ore. Sentinel adopted #inpitcrushing as part of the initial design concept in 2012 primarily to reduce haulage costs with ore being crushed in-pit. Three in pit crushers (IPCs) were installed in Stage 1, one IPC in Stage 2 & one in Stage 3 with a total nominal throughput of 25 Mt/y. The existing three IPCs are being upgraded to a similar annual productivity rate. These are thyssenkrupp (FLSmidth) 63-89 gyratory crushers. In 2025, the focus at Sentinel is on increasing mill throughput with various ongoing initiatives in place to optimise blast fragmentation, maintaining full stockpiles, improved milling rates and flotation recovery. Grades are expected to be lower than 2024, in line with the pit development sequence. Stage 3 will supply a majority of the ore with lower volumes from Stage 1 and Stage 2 compared to prior years. The relocation of in-pit crusher 2 has been planned for the 2025 year, ‘including installation of an innovative rail-driven conveyor system that is expected to result in reduced electricity & maintenance costs.’ This is understood to be the #RailRunningConveyor (RRC) from FLSmidth, where between the head and tail, the belt rests on wheeled carts, which are carried along by their interface with the belt. This lowers friction & thus belt tension, allowing for lighter weight belts & smaller drives. This is notable globally as it will be the first mining-scale RRC reference. #futureofmining #theelectricmine