Thiess, a mining services provider, and machine electrification company Flanders have entered into a partnership aimed at advancing mining fleet decarbonisation.
The collaboration will focus on delivering solutions to mine owners in North America, with a letter of intent also signed for Australia and Asia.
This initiative is a move towards reducing emissions and enhancing the efficiency of mining operations globally.
Mining fleet decarbonisation is a critical step for the industry, as up to 80% of direct greenhouse gas emissions at mine sites are attributed to fossil-fuelled mining vehicles.
Flanders' retrofit-friendly systems are OEM agnostic, which means they can be integrated into various types of mechanical and diesel-electric trucks.
This flexibility is crucial for Thiess as it allows the company to not only add new trucks to its fleet but also retrofit existing vehicles, including those with outdated or unsupported OEM parts.
This adaptability is essential for extending the operational life of both Thiess' and its clients' fleets.
The partnership also provides operational improvements such as decreased cost per tonne and faster truck performance. These enhancements are expected to lead to shorter cycle times, ultimately boosting productivity.
Flanders and Thiess are also committed to ensuring that Thiess’ maintenance workforce is fully trained in the latest electrical systems and emerging technologies within the mining sector.
Flanders chief commercial officer Wayne Chmiel said: “Recognising both the need and opportunity in the global mining marketplace for retrofittable agnostic technology solutions and services, Flanders is proud to work with Thiess to combine Thiess’ world-class expertise in running multi-brand fleets at the lowest cost per ton for loading and hauling, with Flanders world-class expertise in retrofittable agnostic mining technology solutions.
“This collaboration will help miners ‘dCarbonise and dCost’, allowing customers to reduce their carbon emissions while reducing overall cost per ton.”
In March 2024, Thiess agreed to acquire Metarock Group’s Australia-based PYBAR underground metals business for a consideration of A$65m ($42.65m) on an enterprise value basis.
