New decarbonisation and electrification solutions will be created by the two companies after signing a strategic collaboration agreement.
Mining companies across the globe are hunting for a route to net zero emissions for heavy industrial machinery which has led to Komatsu and ABB signing a strategic collaboration agreement. This agreement sees both companies agree to collaborate on developing and bringing net zero emissions heavy industry machinery to market. By combining expertise and equipment, the two companies hope to create world-class interoperability, from renewable energy generation to fully electrified mining equipment.
Joachim Braun, division president of ABB Process Industries, said: “By working together, we will tackle electrification and make a revolutionary difference to the way mining companies operate their sites in the near future.”
Komatsu offers to lend its expertise in providing construction and mining machinery and combine this with ABB’s expertise in automation and electrification. The aim of decarbonisation will not hinder customers, as they plan to keep mining alongside customers, partners and suppliers, integrating their technology in a way that does not result in loss of production.
Braun added: “We recognise the strategic importance of this agreement and believe there will be mutual business benefits and potential technology solutions for the mining market. Collaboration across the industry has already been proven to enable real and faster progress and we look forward to driving what happens next.”
McKinsey & Co. found that 7% of global greenhouse gasses are caused directly by the global mining industry. A large amount of this is down to the diesel-driven vehicles operating in open-pit and underground mines. Unless mobile mining equipment is altered the industry will not be able to reach its targets for decarbonisation. The two companies will be focusing on reducing the amount of diesel consumption via electrifying mining operations.
Dan Funcannon, Sr. Vice President of Surface Haulage for Komatsu said: “We’re pleased to embark on this collaboration with ABB and are excited to leverage one another’s industry-leading products and technological expertise to help move mining operations toward net zero emissions, empowering a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together.”
Through innovation, the two companies are hoping to help the wider mining industry reach its accumulative goal of reducing its carbon emissions. Advanced energy management systems can play a large role in this, as they can ensure electrified mining operations do not have unnecessary electrical waste. Specialists from each company will come together to develop new strategies and processes to highlight what is required to reach net zero emissions.
ABB’s Robot Automated Connection Device (ACD) will be on display at Komatsu’s MINExpo 2024 booth from September 24th to 26th to highlight the beginning of this partnership. ABB eMine technology will be combined with the robot ACD by Komatsu to create a fully automated interoperable connection device.
