IM 2018 January 18 | Page 27

HIGH PROFILE The T236 will be manufactured in Colmar, France, meaning the company will have mining truck expertise in two hub locations been easier to play in the larger class with bigger operators. On smaller truck classes, the TCO and life of mine cost arguments are new to some operators. We have to show these mines that run 100 t mechanical truck fleets through real data and training, including all that we have discussed here, what the real benefits are of this new truck in production. We know we have something new and innovative to offer and that it will prove itself in time. Important potential customers for us include the high quality contract miners, many of whom are already very familiar with our mining excavator performance, as well as many precious metals and other mines using 100 t fleets that could benefit from the operational flexibility of the T 236. Many of our excavators are put to use in the difficult parts of customer mines because of their higher performance and capabilities. Those customers that understand technology and know they can use it to get cost per tonne competitive advantage will be the ones most likely to opt for the T 236. Being a technology leader means we cannot be cheapest on initial cost. This is new concept for the market that the market we know will appreciate; as the existing 100 t trucks are based on 20-25 year old designs. We will start market introduction where we already have an established presence. Africa for example, is one of the top targets where we see a major market for this truck class and where we are already very well known. We also have the option of working with some existing customers. If the truck performs as we know it can, we can get to higher numbers of units as the size of the 100 t market is much larger in unit terms. We have no illusions that this is a new product in a well established market, there are a number of 100 t truck models already available. We just have to prove the technology argument, and back it up with our service support. Q: What about the big picture in terms of Liebherr’s growing mining product range potential? JL: We will also look to maximise on being able to offer the truck together with excavator package, and the new truck matches well with the R 9100, R 9150, R 9200, or R 9250 mining excavators. At one point we had nine excavator models and two trucks, now we are moving towards having a truck option for all of our main excavators in mining. And we have our increasing dozer options such as the new PR 766 and the PR 776, that was presented on at the last MINExpo. It is an exciting time for Liebherr in mining – our portfolio is getting there to make us a truly global player with a full product line. The two market leaders have 85% of the 100 t market. We own more of the powertrain technology than others meaning we can service it correctly, adapt it to customer needs more effectively, and offer the best performing rebuilds in the industry. We want to have full control of all the core technology, as you know we are already doing it with the key components and engines. IM TRACTION E L E VATO R S The leader in rack-and-pinion elevators now offers traction! Alimak Hek — the leader in rack-and-pinion elevators is launching a new series of traction elevators for use in challenging industrial environments. The com- pany now offers one of the world’s most comprehen- sive industrial elevator product portfolio with both traction and rack-and-pinion drive technology and a wide range of car sizes and capacities — for both non- hazardous and Ex environments. With surface treat- ment corrosion classification up to C5 and ingress protection rating up to IP65, the new elevators are made for the toughest environments on the planet. Contact us for the best access solution! www.alimakhek.com JANUARY 2018 | International Mining 25