Caterpillar to develop all-electric mining fleet

Nouveau Monde’s Eric Desaulniers and Caterpillar’s Denise Johnson.

Caterpillar and Nouveau Monde Graphite have signed an agreement which will see the OEM develop, test and produce zero-emission machines for the Matawinie graphite mine in Canada.

The companies hope that Caterpillar will become the exclusive supplier of an all-electric mining fleet for deployment at the Matawinie mine by 2028.

Looking to accelerate and tailor the equipment development, Caterpillar will engage with Nouveau Monde’s team to incorporate the voice of the customer throughout the development, and for testing of the zero-emission fleet and infrastructure prior to commercial production.

Denise Johnson, Caterpillar Group President, said, “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.”

The Matawinie graphite mine in Canada is estimated to produce an average of 52,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate a year through its life of 27 years.

Arne H Frandsen, Chairman of Nouveau Monde, commented, “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.

“I think it is remarkable that Nouveau Monde, as a representative for the new style green resources industry, is part of spearheading the electrification of the industry, by collaborating with Caterpillar.”

Caterpillar recently unveiled the company’s latest sustainability goals.