MINING TRUCKS drive changes towards a better future .
IM spoke to NRW Holdings CEO Jules Pemberton who stated : “ At NRW , our dedication to a sustainable future drives us to actively engage in innovation and industry best practices . We recognise that achieving a lower carbon footprint in the mining industry requires collaboration across the board , including between OEM fleet manufacturers , mine owners , and mining contractors . Last year , we signed on to participate in Caterpillar ’ s Pathways to Sustainability program . Participation in this important program provides NRW with access to resources and information that are essential to ensuring our business remains at the forefront of industry knowledge with regards to fleet electrification . This allows us to better support our clients , and our people , in driving positive changes towards a better future .”
He added : “ For a diversified services provider like ours , this opportunity is especially critical . We are aware that Tier 1 mine owners are soon to be trialling large Caterpillar battery-electric haul truck technology in the Pilbara to evaluate its performance and productivity . These trials will significantly impact the people , processes , infrastructure and technology requirements associated with fleet ownership , operation and maintenance . Participation in Caterpillar ’ s program ensures that contracting organisations like NRW are equipped with the necessary information to position ourselves for success in a changing market landscape , ensuring our viability across traditional mining services in the long term .”
In terms of mobile mining fleets , NRW Holdings includes NRW Civil & Mining which is one of the leading contractors in the Australian resources and infrastructure sectors . It grew significantly via the acquisition of BGC Contracting in 2019 .
NRW Holdings also owns Queensland-based Golding , whose mining division delivers a full range of open cut mining services to the coal and metalliferous mining sectors . This spans from site establishment , through topsoil removal , drill and blast , excavator / truck and dragline waste removal , and coal and ore mining , coal processing and mine site rehabilitation works .
In addition , NRW Holdings also offers a comprehensive original equipment manufacturer capability , providing refurbishment and rebuild services for earthmoving equipment and machinery via AES Equipment Solutions .
NRW Holdings is one the first large mining contractors to participate in Caterpillar Inc .’ s Pathways to Sustainability program , designed to foster industry learning opportunities to support the energy transition
designed to help drive down total cost of ownership , as well as introducing the latest comfort and safety features . The R60 and R70 are
now also both available with a Stage V Cummins 567 kW QSK19 engine having been initially released for Tier 2 engine-compliant markets so this is a big emissions reduction step for smaller mines and quarries as well – the R100 was already available with a Stage V engine as of H2 2021 .
While the R60 has a body volume of 36.04 m ³, the R70 offers 42.4 m ³. They may be smaller in size , but fans of the flagship R100 will see many of the same features and benefits of the latest E- generation in the new machines .
The launch of these new units gives quarry and lite mining customers greater production options – not just of these three rigid haulers , but also Volvo CE ’ s articulated hauler range . ( The R60 rigid has the same 55-ton payload as the company ’ s A60H articulated hauler ).
The choice between a rigid hauler and an articulated hauler in quarrying and mining sites depends on various factors , including the specific needs and conditions of the operation . While rigid haulers thrive on sites with wide , firm , well maintained haul roads , where they can travel fast ( up to 61km / h ) over long distances , articulated haulers ’ trump card is on uneven , narrow , slippery and steep haul roads , where the haul cycle is shorter . The introduction of the R60 and R70 allows Volvo to tailor hauling solution to suit the particular site dynamics . Volvo Site Simulation service can help meet production targets , reduce CO₂ emissions and boost profitability by recommending the optimal site set up / machine fleet .
The new machines are being made at Volvo CE ’ s Motherwell plant in Scotland , a site that for nearly 75 years has been the global heart of rigid hauler development . Its haulers are famed for their high productivity , low maintenance requirements and long service life , and the R60 and R70 are no exception to that rule . With a low centre of gravity , balanced weight and tough-yetflexible chassis , these machines “ embody the robustness , performance and reliability that delivers low cost of operation .”
IM
Volvo CE unveils R60 and R70
Volvo CE in May 2024 announced the addition of two new hauling options for quarrying and lite mining customers . As with its bigger 95-ton brother , the R100 , both the 55-ton payload R60 and 65-ton payload R70 rigid haulers are
The new Volvo CE R60 with Stage V engine was shown off at Volvo Days 2024 recently
JULY 2024 | International Mining 47