Vale and Caterpillar strengthen collaboration to focus on productivity, innovation, and decarbonisation
Published by Jess Watts,
Editorial Assistant
Global Mining Review,
The companies also reaffirmed their commitment made in April 2024 to cooperate towards development of a dual-fuel haul truck, powered by diesel and ethanol. Vale also intends to test a battery electric haul truck and the Cat© Dynamic Energy Transfer System (DET) under development by Caterpillar.
Marco Braga, Vale's Procurement Director, says:
“The framework agreement represents an evolution in our relationship with Caterpillar, amplifying our focus on maximising the performance of Vale's assets and allowing us to advance on our decarbonisation path in an economically responsible way.
Denise Johnson, Group President of Caterpillar's Resource Industries segment, says:
“The agreement with Vale reflects our commitment to developing solutions that support our customers' operational and sustainability gold.”
Sustainability in the spotlight, integrated with advances in innovation and technology
On average, diesel fuel use in Vale's operations is responsible for 15% of the company's direct CO2e emissions. The adoption of more sustainable technologies is part of a strategic plan to mitigate environmental impacts while maintaining competitiveness.
The dual-fuel haul truck, to be powered by ethanol and diesel, that is under development by Caterpillar would initially equip trucks capable of carrying 240 t of ore. In the future, the technology may be extended to trucks with a capacity of 320 t. In total, there are more than 150 models of both in operation at Vale. Initial testing is to be completed at Caterpillar’s facilities in the United States, followed by additional validation and testing of dual-fuel trucks at Vale's operations.
João Turchetti, Vale's Decarbonisation Engineering director, explains:
“Decarbonisation is a major challenge which will only be overcome by investing in solutions such as alternative fuels and electrification to reduce emissions without compromising efficiency and safety.”
Marc Cameron, Senior Vice President of Resource Industries Sales, Services, & Technology at Caterpillar, says:
“As global industry leaders, Vale and Caterpillar are seeking not only to meet the demands of the mining sector but also to anticipate technological and environmental trends.”
Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/12022025/vale-and-caterpillar-strengthen-collaboration-to-focus-on-productivity-innovation-and-decarbonisation/
You might also like
The progress and promise of hybrids in mining
Decarbonising mining is challenging. While electric and hydrogen solutions show promise, they are still in development and not yet reliable for heavy equipment in demanding environments due to tough conditions and varying infrastructure across regions.
