Strategic Alliance to Achieve Zero Emissions Mining
November 10, 2021
Throughout our nearly 100-year history, Caterpillar has worked with customers to achieve big goals that impact the world for the better. Some might say it’s not rocket science – supporting customers with aspirational goals to affect positive global change is precisely who we are. But there is science involved. And a lot of it.
We’re proud to announce a strategic alliance agreement with Newmont Corporation, the world’s largest gold mining company, to deliver a fully connected, automated, zero carbon emitting, end-to-end mining system. Together with Newmont, we’ll create safer, more productive mines – working toward Newmont’s 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target of more than 30%. The company aspires to be net-zero carbon by 2050, a goal they announced in 2020.
Strategic Alliance Details
Through the collaboration, Newmont and Caterpillar plan to validate equipment, infrastructure, technologies and processes to transform both surface and underground mining, focusing on safety, automation, decarbonization, optimization, data and asset management across Newmont’s global operations.
Newmont has committed to an initial investment of $100 million to transform their mining system including the rapid deployment of an all-electric autonomous haulage fleet across two continents. It will begin with automation and electrification goals at Newmont’s Cripple Creek and Victor (CC&V) mine in Colorado and Tanami mine in Northern Territory, Australia. Through the agreement, Caterpillar will develop its first battery electric zero-emissions underground truck, which Newmont will deploy. The truck will complement our Cat® R1700 XE battery electric zero-emissions underground loader; the machines together provide a fully electric underground load and haul solution.
Left to right: Newmont Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rob Atkinson, Newmont President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Palmer, Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby, and Caterpillar Group President, Resource Industries Denise Johnson
Timeline
Both companies are laser-focused on rapid deployment and the goal of an all-electric autonomous haulage fleet across Newmont’s operations on two continents. Milestones include:
- Introduction of an automated haulage fleet of up to 16 vehicles at CC&V through 2023, with a transition to haulage fleet electrification and implementation of Caterpillar’s advanced electrification and infrastructure system with delivery of a test fleet in 2026.
- Deployment of Caterpillar’s first battery electric zero-emissions underground truck to be deployed at Tanami by 2026. The deployment includes a fleet of up to 10 battery electric underground haul trucks, supported by Caterpillar’s advanced electrification and infrastructure system.
Working Together for Good
Many experts agree that working toward a carbon-reduced world is a top-priority in mitigating the challenges of climate change. It’s vital to our future and the future of mining – and building a new model for surface and underground mining is key.
Newmont Corporation President and CEO Tom Palmer said, “We firmly believe that we must make bold, lasting commitments to achieve the necessary change for a bright, healthy future. Today, we furthered that commitment by announcing a bold partnership with Caterpillar to address climate change by fundamentally changing the mining industry through the rapid development and implementation of an all-electric and comprehensive mining system and achieve zero-emissions mining.”
Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and supports global efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change. The company recently established seven sustainability goals to achieve by 2030, including five climate and environmental goals and two focused on safety.
“Caterpillar is committed to providing transformational advancements in safety, sustainability and technology,” said Jim Umpleby, Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc. “We share Newmont’s dedication to a reduced-carbon future, and we’re honored to work together on this industry leading effort.”
The agreement is a strong commitment for both companies, leveraging Newmont’s scale and operational capabilities and Caterpillar’s innovative solutions and technologies – deepening the strong existing relationship between the two.
Together, we’re helping build a better world.
Read the full press release here.
