Newmont introduces electric loader to reduce emissions

Newmont Africa has introduced a new underground diesel-electric loader at its Ahafo South Mine to facilitate the reduction of 31 per cent of emissions released into its host communities.

The new mining equipment, "CAT R2900 XE Diesel-electric loader", is the first of its kind to be introduced in Africa to help mitigate the effects of climate change. It combines the power of diesel with the efficiency of electric technology to deliver a 31 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and an added advantage of quicker response times and acceleration.

Newmont said it was committing $18 million to procure nine of the CAT R2900 XE between 2024 and 2026, as it phased out the current fleet of loaders. Built purposely for underground operations, the newly procured equipment is expected to be used at the Newmont Subika Underground operations.

Zero emission

At the launch last Thursday at Kenyasi in the Ahafo Region, the General Manager of the Ahafo South Mine, Alex Kofi Annin, said Newmont had integrated energy efficiency and climate goals into its corporate strategy, aiming for zero carbon emission by 2050.

"As a result, we are actively pursuing a future where our operations are cleaner, more efficient and contribute positively to the communities we serve," he said.

Mr Annin said in 2021, Newmont Global Operations entered into a $100 million strategic alliance with Caterpillar Inc. to build a comprehensive mining system that would encompass autonomous haulage fleets and other technologies for both open pit and underground operations.

"This is in pursuit of our efforts towards creating a more efficient future in mining. What this means is that our emissions through diesel combustion will be reduced significantly," he stated. 

Responsible mining

Mr Annin said the investment would further signify the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible mining. He said the equipment was a game changer in defining the future of mining.

The diesel-electric loader

He said over the years, Newmont had demonstrated its commitment to sustainability in a variety of ways, including the introduction of innovative technologies, the optimisation of processes and the adoption of systems to protect the environment.

Mr Annin said "for the third consecutive year, Kaltire acknowledged our outstanding performance and progressive reduction of our carbon footprint through tire retreading.

"We were also named the Best Green Mine at last year's Ghana Mining Industry awards, which is another proof of our dedication to environmental stewardship." Mr Annin said the new loader represented a paradigm shift in the mining industry.

He thanked Mantrac Ghana and other underground and supply chain teams for collaborating with the company to accelerate the development and deployment of zero-emission mining technologies, transforming the industry and creating a future where mining could thrive alongside a healthy planet.

Efficiency

The Managing Director of Mantrac Ghana, Steven Scott, said the Cat R2900XE was a cleaner, faster more powerful machine to increase Newmont's operational efficiency. He said it would also help increase productivity, using less fuel and ultimately reducing the level of emissions in the workplace and the community they operated in.

"Coupled with a diesel engine, it employs electric drive components to reduce fuel burn and improves productivity, helping mines reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their carbon footprint," he said.

Mr Scott said Mantrac had worked closely with Newmont for almost 20 years and by the end of 2024, Mantrac would have over 450 people working on Newmont's three sites in Ghana. 

Writer's email: biiya.ali@graphic.com.gh