October 16, 2024 - At MINExpo 2024, Cummins expanded on how bridge technologies will be used to support the mining industry's energy transition.

Speaking at the event, Molly Puga, Executive Director of Strategy, Digital and Product Planning, highlighted that the global need to reduce emissions in mining will be achieved most effectively with the support of power solutions that can be implemented today, with a low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and a high level of performance for miners.

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Molly Puga, said: “Cummins anticipates that the mining industry will need multiple power technology solutions for the foreseeable future. The energy transition in mining will be driven by the availability of solutions that help achieve TCO parity or improvement, combined with the ability to meet varied Environment Sustainability Goals in operation. Whilst longer term, zero-emission technologies — such as full battery-electric solutions and hydrogen — have exciting potential, a lack of infrastructure availability, high upfront costs and performance of current equipment limits how effective this technology can be over the coming years.”

“Based on conversations with our customers, there has been a noticeable shift in expectations from focusing solely on zero emissions to also considering bridge technologies, which can reduce carbon emissions and assist miners in making sustainability progress this decade.”

Cummins Bridge Technologies

Puga elaborated that Cummins will continue to invest in its internal combustion engine range whilst advancing its Destination Zero strategy for mining, which includes further development of two bridge pathways – hybrid and clean fuel capabilities. Both of these technologies provide fuel savings and emissions reductions from well-to-wheel.

As of 2023, all Cummins high-horsepower engines are approved for unblended use with 100% HVO, allowing miners to utilize renewable diesel, generating emissions saving while maintaining power output. Cummins is also developing dual-fuel technology to allow use of ethanol or methanol alongside diesel in mining applications.   

For hybrid power units, Cummins is taking a modular approach, with plans for first-fit and retrofit application capabilities. Cummins hybrid solutions can be used in-tandem with Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO)-ready internal combustion engines to generate additional emissions benefits, creating an affordable way to reduce emissions and fuel consumption costs compared to alternatives like trolley assist.

Molly Puga, added: “Hybrid bridge technology offers a tangible solution to reduce environmental impacts and reduce TCO. They can also be futureproof, as modular designs enable miners’ flexibility to add more hybrid capabilities over time. The technology makes economic and environmental sense, which is why it has so much potential to achieve change. We have seen from recent collaborations that up to 15-20% improvements in fuel efficiency are currently achievable. Projected potential increases significantly when you consider further system optimization, opportunity charging and use of low-carbon fuels.”

“We’re confident that over the coming decade, the prevalence of bridge technologies in mining, such as hybrid and lower carbon fuel capabilities, will lead to significant carbon reductions whilst mining operations are maintained. This approach and these values are core to our approach to mining and more generally our Cummins Destination Zero strategy.”

Throughout MINExpo, Cummins also showcased the company’s commitment to advancing internal combustion technology, which serves as the base for both bridge pathways in development. Visitors were able to explore Cummins' latest power solutions, including the QSK60 and QSK95 engines.

Attendees also had the opportunity to see Cummins’ PrevenTech® digital solutions in action. This advanced system optimizes engine performance by predicting potential issues before they occur, reducing downtime and enhancing TCO. A virtual tour of the newly opened Master Rebuild Centre in Krakow, Poland, provided insights into how Cummins extends the service life of high-horsepower engines through remanufacturing processes.