Newmont, Caterpillar join forces to achieve zero emissions mining

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(Kitco News) - Today, Newmont (NYSE: NEM, TSX: NGT), the world's largest gold mining company, announced a strategic alliance with Caterpillar, producer of the world's most comprehensive suite of mining equipment and technologies, to deliver a fully connected, automated, zero carbon emitting, end-to-end mining system.

According to a statement, together, they will collaborate to create a safer, more productive mine, and substantially support Newmont in reaching their 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets of more than 30%, with an ultimate goal of being net zero carbon by 2050.

"Strategic alliance will transform mining with a comprehensive mining system including the rapid deployment of an all-electric autonomous haulage fleet with an initial investment of $100 million, across two continents," the companies said in a press-release.

The alliance intends to deliver 26 First-of-A-Kind Battery Electric Autonomous Vehicles in both an underground and open pit operation by 2027.

Under the agreement, Newmont plans to provide a preliminary investment of $100 million as the companies set initial automation and electrification goals for surface and underground mining infrastructures and haulage fleets at Newmont's Cripple Creek and Victor (CC&V) mine in Colorado, U.S.A. and Tanami mine in Northern Territory, Australia.

Introduction of an automated haulage fleet of up to 16 vehicles at CC&V planned through 2023, with a transition to haulage fleet electrification and implementation of Caterpillar's advanced electrification and infrastructure system with delivery of a test fleet in 2026.

Moreover, Caterpillar will develop its first battery electric zero-emissions underground truck to be deployed at Tanami by 2026. The deployment includes a fleet of up to 10 battery electric underground haul trucks, supported by Caterpillar's advanced electrification and infrastructure system.

Together, Newmont and Caterpillar plan to validate equipment, infrastructure, technologies and processes to transform both surface and underground mining, focusing on safety, automation, decarbonization, optimization, data and asset management across Newmont's global operations.

By Vladimir Basov

For Kitco News

Follow kitconewsnow vbasov@kitco.comwww.kitco.com Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

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