WORLD PROSPECTS
Bosch Rexroth & MEDATech BEV collaboration
The transition to electrification for off-road mobile equipment presents significant challenges and exciting opportunities. To accelerate adoption, global leaders in mobile application and automation technology, Bosch Rexroth, and heavy mobile equipment EV drivetrain integration specialists, MEDATech Engineering, are collaborating to offer customers access to full-spectrum electrification solutions, from componentry and software to application-specific design, build, and commissioning.
Bosch Rexroth’ s products deliver an endto-end high-voltage portfolio for off-highway applications, including a full range of electric motor-generators, inverters and accessories, as well as tailored gearboxes, hydraulics and software modules. MEDATech Engineering’ s EV drivetrain design and integration know-how has contributed to customer deployments of 100 + battery electric and hybrid battery electric vehicles, across multiple industrial verticals and vehicle categories.
“ Electrification is becoming central to building the next generation of sustainable mobile machinery,” says Ted O’ Donnell, Head of Mobile Hydraulics, Bosch Rexroth Canada.“ By combining Bosch Rexroth’ s complete portfolio of electric and hydraulic systems with MEDATech’ s specialised off-road integration expertise, we empower customers to adopt proven, real-world electric solutions more quickly and confidently.”
“ Through our decade-plus of EV drivetrain product development, we’ ve learned that the potential of electrification is often limited by a lack of integration capacity, where deep application knowledge is as crucial as technological know-how,” notes Paul Cholewa, AltDrive Divisional Manager, MEDATech Engineering. https:// medatech. ca /; https:// www. boschrexroth. com / en / dc /
Boliden Somincor partners with EDP, Greenvolt on captive solar
Boliden Somincor, EDP and the Greenvolt Group have entered into a partnership to install a“ self‐consumption production unit”( UPAC) as part of a solar generation project in the vicinity of the Neves‐Corvo mine, in Castro Verde, Portugal.
This distributed solar generation project, located at one of Europe’ s largest zinc mines, will be the largest ever developed in Portugal, with an installed capacity of 49 MWp. The solar plant will reduce dependence on the electricity grid and increase the predictability of energy costs, while also cutting Boliden Somincor’ s carbon dioxide emissions by more than 41,000 t / y, making a significant contribution to the
6 company’ s decarbonisation objectives. The new facility will be built at Herdade de Neves da Graça, in Castro Verde, on land already owned by Boliden Somincor and included within the mining concession area. The plant – the largest self‐consumption solar facility to be developed in Portugal – will be installed through a partnership between EDP Comercial and Greenvolt Next and will cover an area of approximately 55 ha.
Once operational, the plant will produce close to 100 GWh of electricity per year, contributing to the company’ s energy independence, enhanced operational resilience and direct control over its energy consumption. Integrated into Boliden Somincor’ s decarbonisation plan, the project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026 and includes the supply and construction of the UPAC, as well as the expansion of the electrical substation that serves the company.
Gunnar Nyström, Managing Director of Boliden Somincor, said:“ This project represents a major investment by Boliden Somincor in transforming and adapting our practices to minimise the environmental impact of our operations. This solar park will generate the equivalent of one third of our total annual consumption and will enable a drastic reduction in CO₂ emissions.
“ As the largest employer in Baixo Alentejo, we have an increased responsibility towards our communities. This is therefore an important milestone on the path to carbon neutrality, which we want to be part of, together with partners of excellence such as EDP and Greenvolt.”
Vera Pinto Pereira, Member of the Executive Board of Directors at EDP, said:“ The challenge of the energy transition requires the development of renewable energy at all scales, making use of the resources the country has. We aim to support the decarbonisation of all sectors of the economy, as well as the regions in which they operate. Being able to count on a partner such as Boliden Somincor to deliver what will be the largest decentralised self‐consumption solar project in Portugal is a source of pride for EDP and demonstrates that any sector can be part of this transition towards a more efficient, secure, and resilient energy model.”
João Manso Neto, CEO of the Greenvolt Group, added:“ The scale of this project, unparalleled at national level, will enable Boliden Somincor to take concrete steps towards decarbonising its operations. This project sets an example for a key sector of our economy and serves as a strong signal and incentive for all other sectors. It demonstrates that it is possible to adopt sustainable and efficient solutions that directly enhance business competitiveness through reduced energy costs.”
The project began development more than a year ago, with design, permitting and engineering work carried out jointly by Boliden Somincor, EDP and Greenvolt Next. It involves the engagement of around 200 people throughout the process, contributing to job creation at local level and within the sector. Once operational, the solar plant will be managed by EDP for a period of 12 years and will play a decisive role in reducing the energy exposure of this energy‐intensive industry, increasing security of supply and strengthening the energy resilience of the region and the country. https:// www. boliden. com /; https:// edp. com /; https:// greenvolt. com /
XCMG delivering seven XDE260 mining trucks to Exxaro
South African mining group Exxaro Resources has confirmed to IM the successful conclusion of a strategic agreement with China’ s XCMG for the supply of seven XDE260 diesel-electric drive mining trucks with 220 t payload to support operations at its flagship Grootegeluk coal mine in Lephalale.
The agreement was formally marked by a signing ceremony between Exxaro and XCMG’ s leadership teams during the 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town. Exxaro said that this milestone underscores its ongoing commitment to strengthening its operational capabilities through strategic partnerships and the deployment of advanced and efficient mining equipment.
It added:“ The introduction of these haul trucks is expected to enhance productivity, improve fleet reliability, and support the long-term sustainability of operations at Grootegeluk, one of South Africa’ s most significant coal mining operations.” The partnership also reflects Exxaro’ s broader strategy to collaborate with global technology leaders to drive innovation and operational excellence.
XCMG recently stated that three XDE260 trucks had arrived in South Africa and were
International Mining | MARCH 2026