First Mode to partner with Anglo American to develop mining technology

December 18, 2019

Anglo American’s FutureSmart Mining initiative is an innovation-led approach to sustainable mining that the company says are “the step-change innovations that will transform the nature of mining – how we source, mine, process, move and market our products – and how our stakeholders experience our business. It is about transforming our physical and societal footprint.”

As part of the FutureSmart Mining initiative, Anglo American will partner with First Mode, a design, engineering, and system development firm. First Mode signed a multiyear agreement to develop new systems and technology.

Anglo American, a global mining company with a portfolio that spans diamonds, platinum group metals, copper, iron ore, and other metals and minerals.

First Mode said in a press release that it will be supporting projects across Anglo American’s FutureSmart Mining with work that will include technology trade studies, engineering design, prototypical developments, technology demonstrations, delivery of integrated systems, and deployment to sites around the world.

This collaboration builds on successful projects across Anglo American’s portfolio during 2019, where First Mode is supporting Anglo American on the systems engineering, integration, and test program for its hydrogen-powered mine haul truck with ‘First Motion’ planned in 2020.

Tony O’Neill, technical director of Anglo American, commented: “We are pleased to be partnering with First Mode and we look forward to developing and implementing a number of innovative technologies over the coming years. This work supports our trajectory towards our carbon and energy targets for 2030 and, ultimately, our vision of carbon-neutral mining.”

“Mining produces the resources needed for a cleaner, more sustainable planet,” said Chris Voorhees, president and chief engineer of First Mode. “Development of the world’s largest hydrogen-powered mine truck is an important step in making the natural resources sector carbon-neutral from start-to-finish.”

“Anglo American shows a strong conviction to improving the planet and a willingness to use cutting-edge technology to accelerate progress,” said Rhae Adams, vice president of business development at First Mode. “They are a perfect partner to help fulfill our team’s vision of a future based on renewable energy.”

Photo: An ultra-class haul truck. Anglo American
 

 

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