**London**: Vale and Caterpillar have signed a five-year global framework agreement to enhance collaboration, focusing on innovation and carbon reduction. This partnership will support the development of dual-fuel haul trucks and battery-electric technology, aiming to reduce emissions linked to Vale’s diesel usage.
Vale and Caterpillar have recently solidified their partnership by signing a new global framework agreement lasting five years, designed to enhance collaboration between the two companies. This agreement aims to bolster productivity and drive innovation, particularly focusing on initiatives aimed at carbon reduction.
This latest agreement builds upon the commitment made in April 2024, where both companies agreed to collaborate on the development of a dual-fuel haul truck that operates using a combination of diesel and ethanol. Additionally, Vale is set to expand its testing capabilities by evaluating a battery-electric haul truck and the Cat Dynamic Energy Transfer system.
Marco Braga, procurement director at Vale, commented on the significance of the new framework agreement, stating, “The framework agreement represents an evolution in our relationship with Caterpillar, amplifying our focus on maximizing the performance of Vale’s assets and allowing us to advance on our decarbonization path in an economically responsible way.”
Currently, diesel fuel usage in Vale’s operations is linked to approximately 15% of the company’s direct carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. The dual-fuel solution being developed by Caterpillar is expected to initially equip haul trucks with the capability to carry 240 tons of ore. Plans are also in place for future iterations that will accommodate trucks with a capacity of 320 tons. At this moment, Vale operates more than 150 trucks of both capacities.
The initial testing phase for the dual-fuel trucks will take place at Caterpillar’s facilities located in the United States, after which further validation and tests will be conducted at Vale’s operational sites. This collaborative effort signifies a continued focus on sustainable practices within the mining sector, aligning with global trends towards decarbonisation and innovation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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