Thiess and FLANDERS sign agreement for collaboration on mining fleet decarbonisation

Thiess and machine electrification expert FLANDERS have signed an agreement to collaborate on bringing fleet decarbonisation options to mine owners in North America and a Letter of Intent (LOI) for Australia and Asia to work on reducing emissions and improving efficiencies of mining operations.

Up to 80 per cent of direct greenhouse gas emissions at a mine site originate from fossil-fueled mining vehicles, making mining fleet decarbonization a key priority for mine owners targeting net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Thiess Group Executive Chair and CEO Michael Wright said: “This agreement will bring together Thiess’ 90 years of mining and asset management experience with FLANDERS' innovative FREEDOM® hybrid haul truck solutions – designed to deliver up to 30% fuel savings, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing productivity.”

FLANDERS Chief Commercial Officer Wayne Chmiel said, “Recognising both the need and opportunity in the global mining marketplace for retrofittable agnostic technology solutions and services, FLANDERS is proud to work with Thiess to combine Thiess’ world-class expertise in running multi-brand fleets at the lowest cost per ton for loading and hauling, with FLANDERS world-class expertise in retrofittable agnostic mining technology solutions.

“This collaboration will help miners ‘dCarbonise and dCost’, allowing customers to reduce their carbon emissions while reducing overall cost per ton.”

FLANDERS’ OEM agnostic retrofit-friendly systems can be integrated into mechanical and diesel-electric trucks, offering the flexibility to incorporate new trucks or retrofit existing vehicles, including those with outdated or unsupported OEM parts – this adaptability enables Thiess to extend the operational life of its own and clients’ fleets, while providing a decreased cost per ton and faster truck performance, leading to reduced cycle times.

Thiess Group Executive – Americas Darrell White said: “In the USA, Thiess and FLANDERS have finalised a three-year collaboration agreement to provide mine owners and operators with electric motor rebuilds and solutions for electric drive train maintenance, autonomy, and decarbonisation that are OEM agnostic, customisable and reduce fuel consumption through improved efficiency.

“Mine owners and operators will also have the option to deploy Thiess’ experienced onsite maintenance support teams to ensure that their fleets achieve peak performance and availability.”

In addition to the technological innovations outlined above, Thiess and FLANDERS will work together to ensure Thiess’ highly skilled maintenance workforce is equipped with the latest expertise to diagnose, troubleshoot, and innovate electrical systems and emerging technologies in the mining sector.