Powering a Sustainable Future: Sumitomo and ABB Unite to Decarbonize Mining

A Powerful Alliance Steps into a More Sustainable Mining Future

A wind of change is blowing through industries, and the mining sector, one of the cornerstone pillars of our new reality, is stepping into a gigantic leap into an overarching shift towards a more sustainable path. In a heartening move marking an historical giant step, two industry giants, Sumitomo Corporation and ABB , have joined forces. Imagine the synergy – Sumitomo Corporation, with decades of experience in selling and after-sale maintenance of massive mining equipment, coming together with ABB , a behemoth of leading-edge technology and engineering solutions. This is not a joint venture; it is a shared vision, a commitment to take on the pressing worldwide challenge of decarbonization directly in the mines.

Complementary Strengths United for Meaningful Impact

It has worked industriously, for some time now, to identify how it can decrease its footprint on the environment, particularly of the enormous greenhouse gas emissions from its machinery. The push to electrify a whole mine and place intelligent energy management systems has gained a lot of momentum. Catching sight of the huge potential of their collective power, Sumitomo Corporation and ABB have begun this collaboration. ABB has long been a significant decarbonization driver through technological partnerships. However, this alliance with Sumitomo Corporation marks a new chapter, one in which they will collectively deploy solutions in-situ at the sites of mining, offering an end-to-end and integrated solution. It's not technology alone; it's bringing real value to the ground.

A Holistic Approach to a Sustainable Transformation

Think about this – ABB is giving its high-quality process plants and substation infrastructure to the party, spearheading the entire electrification of mining processes. Sumitomo Corporation's longstanding construction equipment business unit offers unmatchable support in the sale, installation, and most critical after-sales maintenance of these monster machines on the other hand. Mining companies in the past used to deal with a bewildering matrix of disparate suppliers. But this strategic alliance ensures a seamless experience, offering comprehensive proposals and unrelenting support. This will undoubtedly result in a smoother and more effective transition to electrification and decarbonization for the mining sector.

Growing From Here and Now to Future Horizons

Firstly, the partnership will focus on the trolley assist system, a frontier innovation that powers mining haul trucks using overhead power cables, significantly less reliant on traditional fuels. Meanwhile, they will explore avenues toward decarbonizing existing mining fleets. In the future, their ambitions are even greater. The alliance envisions the development of end-to-end solutions, like cutting-edge energy management systems and related infrastructure to support fully electrified mines. This is not about quick fix band-aids; it's about building a sustainable future for the entire mining sector.

A Shared Enthusiasm for a Greener Tomorrow

Kenichi Hyuga, General Manager at Sumitomo Corporation, encapsulates the spirit of this partnership, with an eye on "a high level of interaction and engagement on the issues of electrification and decarbonization, with the aim of achieving meaningful solutions." Reflected here is Joachim Braun, ABB Division President, stressing their shared responsibility, stating, "Together with Sumitomo Corporation, we're ready to make further steps in the activity of decarbonizing heavy machinery in the mining industry… No one can accomplish this alone, and we share sound values and concepts with our new partner." It's not just a business arrangement; it's a partnership based on shared values and common pursuit of a cleaner world.

Charting the Course Forward

The immediate first things to do are a strict feasibility assessment and a close examination. In addition to this, Sumitomo Corporation and ABB will work closely together to develop new business models and productive working styles that are highly responsive to the unique requirements of mining customers. This involves actively seeking out possible partners and building successful go-to-market strategies. This alliance is not just about getting into an agreement; it's about building the foundation for a lasting and meaningful revolution in the mining industry.

More ABB Products 🌟