Ontario Construction News staff writer
Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. said June 22 it has signed a deal with Caterpillar Inc. that will lead to development, testing and production of Cat zero-emission machines for the Matawinie mine, which is currently being developed in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Que.
“I recall our first meeting with Caterpillar some two years ago, outlining our vision of a zero-emission mine in Québec,” Nouveau Monde chairman Arne H. Frandsen said in a statement.
“Our commitment to this vision has taken us to this very important moment, not only for Nouveau Monde, but for the global mining industry as a whole. Today, alongside Caterpillar, which in my opinion is the most trusted and reputable supplier of heavy-mining equipment worldwide, we can bring the zero-emission machines vision into reality.
Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives.
Along with electric advances in mining equipment, driven largely by the need to eliminate on-site, underground emissions, Caterpillar and other equipment makers continue to make headway on electrifying construction equipment. Excavators and wheel loaders, mostly on the compact end of the market to date, have been among the first to start shifting away from diesel.
Caterpillar recently previewed a 15-tonne battery electric machine designed for underground mining applications.
“The collaboration between Caterpillar and Nouveau Monde marks an important milestone in the mining industry. Through integrated technology, machines and services, the entire Caterpillar team is proud to support Nouveau Monde as they work towards constructing and establishing their first zero emission mine,” said Caterpillar Group president Denise Johnson.