Mining

Representatives from Liebherr-Components, Liebherr Mining and BGG. (Image source: Liebherr)

Liebherr has announced that its mining and components product segments will collaborate with Bruno Generators Group (BGG) to investigate low emission power generation through the use of green ammonia as fuel

Having already investigate ammonia as a power source for dual-fuel internal combustion engines, Liebherr will now pool its expertise with BGG, a company that specialises in the design, development and production of power generators, battery energy storage systems and mobile energy solutions.

“We’re thrilled to be working with BGG in this incredibly exciting project. Their innovative mindset and tracked development and delivery of low emission solutions are a perfect match for us as we work towards our zero emissions targets,” remarked Oliver Weiss, executive vice president, R&D, engineering and production, Liebherr-Mining Equipment SAS. “When our combustion engines business unit saw promising results from ammonia as a low and zero emission power source after multiple test bench runs, we were excited to see how we could capitalise on this to provide even more ways our customers can pursue zero emissions.”

Sustainable solutions

Renato Bruno, chief executive officer, BGG, added, “We are very proud of partnering and joining forces with Liebherr Mining in this project. Together, we share a common vision with an uncompromised commitment to sustainability, and we strive to lead the industry in responsible practices.

“This partnership represents an incredible milestone in our pursuit of sustainable solutions for the benefit of our customers in the mining segment. Sharing and blending our respective expertise will further enhance and naturally boost our innovation mindset, accelerating our journey toward a net zero future.”

Bernard Kaninda, FLS president sales and service for Europe, Middle East and Africa. (Image source: FLSmidth)

Customers can benefit from stronger regional capabilities developed by FLS, according to Bernard Kaninda, FLS president sales and service for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

According to newly appointed FLS president sales and service for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Bernard Kaninda, regional capabilities are important for customers. As a leading full flow sheet technology company, FLS occupies a distinctive place in the market, says Kaninda, giving it a special relationship with customers.

“Being a partner through all their mineral processing requirements, FLS walks with customers throughout the lifecycle of a comprehensive range of equipment and solutions,” he says. “This engagement gives us greater impact in helping the mining industry achieve its sustainability goals.”

FLS aligns itself with industry imperatives by committing to energy and water reduction targets, and committing to reach zero emissions by 2030. To achieve these goals, he says, it was imperative to further grow the region’s capability – shifting from the previous regional definition which comprised sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and Southern Asia to a more cohesive EMEA region.

“We believe the move to an EMEA region will better create the capabilities we are looking for, combining the strengths of Africa and Europe, and our learnings in the Middle East,” Kaninda explains. “We expect to be able to respond more quickly with services, spares and equipment, and are building local resources to achieve these improvements.”

The focus on communication and partnership is being fostered through clusters within the region, which are empowered with adequate resources for quick response times and effective support for end-users. “As a partner that tailor-makes solutions for our customers, we go further by guaranteeing the performance of that equipment,” he says. “This means being able to respond effectively as and when the situation demands, so we need to be in close proximity to the customers’ sites – and very familiar with the conditions they experience.”

“The mining sector is dynamic, however, so we are constantly expanding our equipment footprint and will be establishing a presence wherever we have a significant installed base,” he says. “It has always been a matter of pride for us that FLS customers will receive the same close attention irrespective of where they are around the globe.”

Streamlined logistics are an important aspect of the strategic shift, which will reduce delivery times through better availability of inventory in-country, facilitating faster access to service and parts. “We are also committed to the communities in the regions where we operate and are increasing our local employment as we develop our presence in different countries,” says Kaninda. “We believe in building local capability and this is visible in our teams, in which 90% to 100% of staff are already local in the region.” These teams are supported by specialised training provided by facilities in South Africa.

PICO, as the authorised distributor for Powerscreen, will provide a wide array of services such as equipment sales. (Image source: Powerscreen)

Powerscreen, a global leader in mobile crushing, screening, and conveying equipment, has appointed PICO Engineering Group as its new authorised distributor for Egypt.

This partnership is aimed at expanding Powerscreen’s footprint in the region while offering improved customer support through PICO’s extensive industry experience and distribution network.

PICO, widely recognised for its strong presence in construction equipment and customer service excellence, will now provide access to Powerscreen’s complete range of advanced crushing and screening solutions. This collaboration ensures that Egyptian customers can benefit from direct access to Powerscreen’s cutting-edge technology and equipment.

PICO, as the authorised distributor for Powerscreen, will provide a wide array of services such as equipment sales, expert technical assistance, spare parts availability, and ongoing maintenance. This ensures that Powerscreen customers receive comprehensive support, maximising the performance and longevity of their machinery.

“We are thrilled to welcome PICO into the Powerscreen family as our authorised distributor in Egypt,” said Imran Kazi, regional sales manager at Powerscreen. “Their deep understanding of the local market, combined with their commitment to excellence, makes them the ideal choice to represent the Powerscreen brand. We are confident that PICO will provide unparalleled support to our customers, helping them to maximise productivity and efficiency with our industry-leading equipment.”

“We are honoured to be appointed as the Powerscreen distributor for Egypt,” said Shahir El Essawy, PICO Engineering group CEO. “Powerscreen’s reputation for quality and innovation is well-known, and we are excited to bring their cutting-edge solutions to our customers. Representing Powerscreen aligns with our commitment to delivering world-class products and services, and we look forward to a successful collaboration.”

Caterpillar's Cat DET revolutionises mining energy management with groundbreaking tech for efficiency and sustainability. (Image source: Caterpillar)

Caterpillar Inc. has introduced an innovative OEM-designed solution to address one of the mining industry’s most challenging aspects of the energy transition: energy management

The Cat Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) system is entirely developed by Caterpillar and can transfer energy to both diesel-electric and battery-electric large mining trucks while they operate on a mine site. Additionally, it can charge a machine’s batteries while operating with increased speed on grade, enhancing operational efficiency and machine uptime. The Cat DET system offers the industry options to support both near-term and long-term sustainability strategies.

Denise Johnson, Caterpillar’s resource industries group president, stated, “We believe Cat DET provides a technological leap for the mining industry. Our team of innovators designed this system to provide immediate benefit to miners who want to lower their operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions today while also creating flexibility for the future. We know customers need choices to fit their unique site objectives. We are proud to deliver an innovative, integrated solution that can support their needs of today and those of the future.”

Flexibility through innovative design

The Cat DET system consists of a series of integrated elements, including a power module that converts energy from a mine site’s power source, an electrified rail system to transmit the energy, and a machine system to transfer the energy to the truck’s powertrain.

The rail system is a highly deployable, mobile solution that can be customised to fit customers’ specific site layouts, including high-speed and curved haul roads, which boosts productivity. The connecting arm can be mounted on either side of a truck and on various truck models, offering flexibility to meet customers’ specific operations. It can be used on both mature and developing sites and is easily movable or expandable to maximise mine site coverage.

Cat DET will integrate with the Cat MineStar Command for hauling solution, combining autonomy and electrification technologies to provide a comprehensive site solution.

Marc Cameron, Caterpillar senior vice-president, explained, “We believe mine sites will benefit from enhanced efficiency with the integration of electrification and automation. When combined, these technologies will help miners achieve production targets while simultaneously managing energy demands.”