Mining and Minerals Today Issue 103 July 2024 | Page 72

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and various other machinery required to proficiently execute bulk earthmoving and contract mining services for open pit mines ,” he informs .
To support its operations , U & M continuously invests in this well-developed fleet . “ Since the company ’ s inception , our primary focus has been to enhance the safety , efficiency , and comfort of our equipment . We honor this commitment by replacing engines with more reliable and fuel-efficient options , upgrading cabs for improved operability , and retrofitting existing trucks with advanced safety and health monitoring devices . More recently , we have undertaken two noteworthy projects . The first project involves retrofitting conventional manned trucks to transform them into autonomous-capable vehicles . The second project focuses on retrofitting diesel electric drive mining trucks to convert them into hybrid trucks ,” he elaborates .
A key challenge we face is striking a balance between sustainable growth and maintaining the highest quality standards in our operations
Safety and sustainability
Like all businesses , U & M has encountered a variety of challenges that have significantly impacted the way its business . “ A key challenge we face is striking a balance between sustainable growth and maintaining the highest quality standards in our operations . To achieve this , we consistently present new challenges and opportunities to our team members , nurturing their personal and professional growth . This commitment not only fosters individual advancement but also contributes to the overall development of the company . Moreover , within the mining industry , we confront a paramount challenge , which is the imperative to improve the safety and sustainability of our operations . Mining companies have established comprehensive decarbonization plans to reduce their environmental footprint , and we are fully committed to playing our part in meeting these goals . To address this challenge , we are actively investing in the development of autonomous , electric , and hybrid vehicles for our mining operations ,” he states .
The company ’ s sustainability strategy centers around the repurposing and adaptation of existing vehicles , transforming them into more environmentally friendly options such as electric , hybrid and autonomous models . “ This is the most sustainable approach to implement industry-wide if we want to achieve our goals of safety , productivity , and decarbonization .
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