Gold mining company Newmont has commissioned its first battery-electric large mining truck, dubbed Early Learner Cat 793 XE, at its CC&V mine in Teller County, Colorado.

This initiative is part of Newmont's strategic alliance with mining equipment manufacturer Caterpillar aimed at reducing the company's carbon emissions from diesel-powered machines in mining operations.

According to Newmont, diesel combustion machines used in surface and underground mining contribute significantly to its carbon emissions.

Newmont chief operating officer Natascha Viljoen said: "As we look toward the future, our focus remains on creating a safer and more productive mining environment and this battery-electric large mining truck is one more step we are taking to further advance our safety and sustainability commitments.”

The collaboration between Newmont and Caterpillar will concentrate on the validation and testing of the Early Learner 793 XE. These activities are crucial for understanding how battery-electric large mining trucks can be integrated into mining operations and are expected to establish a new benchmark for the industry.

Caterpillar Resource Industries group president Denise Johnson said: “As the mining industry navigates the energy transition, we know a diverse set of solutions will be required for our customers to achieve their operational and sustainability objectives.

“We are excited about our collaboration with Newmont and working with them to truly understand the implementation and impact of the Early Learner 793 XE at CC&V.”

Caterpillar's development of its first battery-electric 793 prototype was supported by key mining customers through the company's Early Learner programme, which was launched in 2021. The prototype's successful demonstration took place in November 2022.

The Cat 793 XE reached select customer sites for further testing and validation in September 2024. Seven of these trucks were constructed and tested at Caterpillar’s Tucson Proving Ground facility in Green Valley, Arizona.

This step signifies the second development phase of Caterpillar's Early Learner programme and continues the momentum from the prototype's demonstration.

"Newmont launches first battery-electric mining truck at Colorado mine" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.

 

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