Global powertrain firm Cummins and equipment maker Komatsu have recently signed a MoU to collaborate on the development of zero-emissions haulage equipment. The companies will initially focus on zero emissions power technologies including hydrogen fuel cell solutions for large mining haul truck applications.
"Komatsu's deep expertise in mining and equipment design and integration paired with our advanced power technologies including hydrogen fuel cells will accelerate decarbonization of mining equipment," said Amy Davis, Vice President and President of New Power at Cummins. "The mining industry has great potential to lead in adopting renewable solutions."
As a leading independent power provider in the mining segment, Cummins claims to pay attention to unique requirements of various application to offer reliable solutions that can withstand the harshest environments. The company has a broad portfolio of powertrain technologies including batteries, fuel cell systems and electrolyzers (for generating hydrogen), that are key building blocks for decarbonization.
Komatsu, on the other hand, is a leading construction and mining equipment manufacturer. In August 2021, the company unveiled its power agnostic mining truck concept that can run on a variety of power sources including diesel electric, trolley, battery power and hydrogen fuel cells.
Together, the two companies have a long history in the global mining market and strong technical capabilities necessary to develop these new solutions. Working with Cummins is complementary to Komatsu's development of the power agnostic truck.
"Cummins has been a long-term partner of Komatsu and has been investing in the key technologies required to support the energy transition in mining," said Masayuki Moriyama, President of Komatsu's Mining Business Division.
"These are critical technologies for helping mining customers reduce carbon emissions and accelerate carbon neutrality. Building on our partnership with Cummins, we are working to accelerate sustainable solutions for our customers", he added.
Komatsu has worked to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for customers through innovative product development for decades in many areas including electric diesel dump trucks, hybrid excavators, electric power excavators, regenerative energy storage capabilities and fuel saver programs.
The Japanese brand also announced Greenhouse Gas (GHG) alliance with its customers last year to actively collaborate on product planning, development, testing and deployment of the next generation of zero-emission mining equipment and infrastructure. The alliance's initial target is advancing Komatsu's power-agnostic truck concept, with a goal of commercial offering in 2030.
The collaboration with Komatsu is part of Cummins' Destination Zero strategy to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) and air quality impacts of its products and reach net zero emissions by 2050. This commitment requires changes to Cummins' products and the energy sources that power them, according to the company.
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