April 8, 2021
Hitachi and ABB are progressing toward their targets of net-zero emissions from mining machinery.
Hitachi Construction Machinery and ABB announced a Memorandum of Understanding last week to accelerate the transition to all-electric mines and move toward their net-zero emissions targets.
The companies will look to integrate ABB’s electrification, automation and digital solutions to mining trucks and excavators manufactured by Hitachi Construction Machinery. This represents part of the broader aim to electrify all mining activity from pit to port.
Large mining trucks can consume large amounts of diesel fuel to carry heavy loads to and from mine pits. Electrification offers companies the opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and costs over the coming decades.
Some regions will be able to harness solar energy collection and storage to provide localized energy supply. This will further decrease the costs associated with energy imports, power lines and related infrastructure planning.
"ABB is calling for more collaboration between OEMs and technology companies to fast-track the development of new emissions-reducing systems with electrification and automation of the whole mining operation the goal. We are ready to work more with OEMs to establish a common approach for the market, and through strategic collaboration provide solutions that can help enable a low-carbon society and make mining operations more responsible," said Joachim Braun, Division President, Process Industries, ABB. "New emissions-reducing technologies can transform the energy-intensive mining industry to achieve an even more productive, but also sustainable future."
The agreement between ABB and Hitachi Construction Machinery was signed by Joachim Braun, Division President, Process Industries, ABB Ltd. and Sonosuke Ishii, President of Mining Group, Senior Vice President and Executive Officer on March 22, 2021.
“Today, the challenge of our customers is on electrification of trucks and the time to change is now. But nobody can achieve this transformation alone. Co-creation of solutions with OEMs and mining companies is needed to successfully integrate electrification in mines.” said Max Luedtke, ABB’s Global Head of Mining.
“This collaboration will enable the two companies to more effectively work towards our shared vision for mining,” said Sonosuke Ishii, President of Mining Group, Senior Vice President and Executive Officer at Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. “We are delighted to be collaborating with ABB as we continue to invest our efforts in introducing eco-friendly technologies and systems for the mining industry.”
Many off-highway vehicle manufacturers are investing in electrification and artificial intelligence. Last year Kubota released a concept tractor controlled by AI last year. AI and electrification will improve productivity and reduce costs for equipment owners long term.
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