GMR Year-In-Review: November/December 2025

It is clear why long-term equipment stability is so highly valued within the mining sector. Operators need machines that return value on investment, can operate reliably for a long time in harsh conditions, and experience as limited amount of unexpected downtime as possible.

The engine is critical to overall equipment performance, which is why Cummins takes the long view when it comes to its support model for miners, combining a century of engineering expertise with their extensive service network to deliver powerful performance throughout the entire engine lifecycle. How this plays out in the field can be seen in several ways.

Extending engine life through data and collaboration

Extending the operational life of engines is one of the most effective ways to improve productivity and reduce costs. Put simply, a long-lasting engine benefits miners in one of two ways – either through fewer rebuilds within the total machine life, or by extending the length of total life. Cummins achieves this by collecting real-world data and applying engineering insights to optimise engine performance and reduce wear.

The QSK60 engine used in large mining excavators is a prime example of this approach. Originally rated for 12 000 hours under typical load conditions, Cummins extended its life to overhaul to 18 000+ hours through a combination of rigorous durability testing, component optimisation, and refined maintenance practices. These improvements are based on collaborative customer projects that allow engineers to further optimise for the challenges of specific mining environments.

Having fewer rebuilds due to extended engine life also means having less downtime and lower total operational cost, providing greater value to mining operators. This approach demonstrates that combining engineering expertise with field insights can unlock substantial benefits over the engine’s operational lifetime.

To keep fleets performing as expected, miners require real-time visibility into in-field equipment operating conditions. Modern connected systems enhance this visibility, delivering real-time insights.

Thank you for enjoying this abridged article. Read the article in full and much more from the November/December 2025 issue of Global Mining Review here: https://bit.ly/3K21Tw3

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/02012026/gmr-year-in-review-novemberdecember-2025/