Suppliers Target UN 2030 Agenda SDGs

FLSmidth, Weir Group, Sika and Epiroc individually reported developments that will help them and their customers meet sustainable development goals set by the United Nation’s (U.N.) Agenda 2030.

FLSmidth reported its Science Based Targets initiative partner validated its carbon emissions reduction goals, which commit the supplier to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

“We congratulate FLSmidth A/S on setting science-based targets consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement,” said Alberto Carrillo Pineda, director, science-based targets, CDP. “By aligning its goals with a 1.5°C future, FLSmidth A/S is ensuring it builds resilience firmly into its business model and strengthening its MissionZero program that will help reduce emissions in hard-to-abate sectors.”

The supplier launched its MissionZero program in 2019, which commits the company to supplying zero-emis-
sion technology to mining customers. FLSmidth joined the U.N. Global Compact in 2008.

The Weir Group won a $51 million order from Ferrexpo for, among other things, Enduron high-pressure grinding rolls and screens.

The purchase is part of an effort by Ferrexpo to increase output from its operations in Ukraine from 32 million metric tons per year (mt/y) to more than 80 million mt/y. Ferrexpo is developing direct reduction pellets, which are of a higher grade than other pellets.

The Enduron technology replaces conventional mills and offers substantially lower energy consumption, which could help Ferrexpo meet goals in its Green Steel Initiative, Weir said. “Ferrexpo challenged us to help create the most energy- and cost-efficient flow sheet,” said Ricardo Garib, divisional president, Weir Minerals. “Our process engineers have worked tirelessly to provide a solution that uses our large-format high-volume equipment to increase capacity while also delivering significant carbon savings. This is a real win-win.”

Ferrexpo corporate reports stated it supports the U.N.’s 2030 Agenda sustainable development goals.

Epiroc started NEXGEN SIMS, a three-year European Union-funded collaboration project with several mining companies, manufacturers and universities. The project focuses on carbon-neutral mining. It will seek to develop processes using battery-electric, 5G and autonomous solutions.

Project partners are Boliden, Agnico Eagle Finland, KGHM Polska, K+S, OZ Minerals, Ericsson, Mobilaris MCE, AFRY, KGHM Cuprum, Luleå University of Technology and RWTH Aachen University.

Epiroc joined the U.N. Global Compact in 2018.

The U.N.’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets specific goals for carbon emissions and many other regulatory areas for miners. The goals are itemized in the white paper, Mapping Mining to the Sustainable Development Goals: An Atlas, authored by the World Economic Forum and published by the U.N.’s Development Program.

Separately, Epiroc acquired MineRP, a software company specializing in increasing productivity for mines through integrated planning, execution and analytics. The latter employs 200 personnel.

Epiroc also acquired DandA Heavy Industry, a South Korean manufacturer of hydraulic breakers. The latter runs a production facility near Seoul and has roughly 60 employees.

Epiroc and Fordia Powered by Epiroc opened the new Exploration Competency Center in Elko, Nevada. The center is operated by Fordia and will offer sales and services to U.S. exploration customers.

It will supply exploration rigs, diamond tools, in-the-hole tools, and any Christensen, Diamec, or Explorac machine, parts and service.

The center will focus on developing a customer-centric experience, Epiroc reported. “This is part of our One-Exploration strategy,” said Ron Hankins, business line manager, surface division. “Through one centralized hub, we are able to provide responsive support and solutions to our exploration customers in a more sustainable way.”

Epiroc reported a Boltec M Battery rig was delivered to its Lively, Ontario, facility for deployment to a customer site. It is the first unit of that model in Canada.

The rig is equipped with a bulk resin system that offers easy pump-ability, improved safety, and reduced cycle time, the company reported. It also features bolt plan navigation. The rig charges while it drills.

The development reflects the dawning of a new era of electrification in Canada, the company reported. “This BEV equipment is facilitating a healthier and safer underground working environment for our customers,” said Shawn Samuels, product manager, Rocvolt, Canada. “When you implement innovative solutions like the bulk resin system along with it, productivity increases become difficult to ignore.”

Epiroc agreed to acquire Meglab, an electrification infrastructure solutions supplier based in Quebec, Canada. The development will help Epiroc support mining customers transition to battery-electric vehicles.

Meglab designs, manufactures, installs and supports electrification and telecommunications infrastructure solutions, to include system design, substations, switchgears, and automation system solutions.

The acquisition is calendared for completion in Q2. Meglab has more than 240 employees.

Epiroc announced it consolidated resources in North America. It created the position of underground business manager for North America.

The development will help customers maximize production with safe, cost-effective solutions, Epiroc said. “Combining our U.S. and Canadian support will allow for shared resources and experiences across borders, especially in the growing area of electrification,” said Jon Torpy, president, Epiroc USA LLC.