At the event, Molly Puga, Executive Director of Strategy, Digital, and Product Planning, emphasized that reducing global emissions in the mining sector will be most effectively achieved through power solutions that are available today, offering both low total cost of ownership (TCO) and high performance for mining operations.
Puga stated:
“Cummins recognizes that the mining industry will require multiple power technology solutions for the foreseeable future. The transition to cleaner energy in mining will be driven by solutions that achieve TCO parity or improvements, while also meeting environmental sustainability goals. While long-term zero-emission technologies—such as fully battery-electric and hydrogen solutions—hold great promise, challenges like infrastructure limitations, high upfront costs, and current equipment performance make their widespread adoption difficult in the near term.
“Our discussions with customers have revealed a shift in expectations, moving beyond a sole focus on zero emissions to also considering ‘bridge’ technologies that can reduce carbon emissions and help miners advance sustainability efforts in the immediate future.”
Puga further explained that Cummins will continue to invest in its internal combustion engine range while advancing its “Destination Zero” strategy, which includes the development of two bridge pathways: hybrid and clean fuel technologies. These options provide fuel savings and reduce emissions from well-to-wheel.
As of 2023, all Cummins high-horsepower engines are certified for 100% unblended HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), enabling the use of renewable diesel to reduce emissions while maintaining power output. Additionally, Cummins is developing dual-fuel technology to enable the use of ethanol or methanol alongside diesel in mining operations.
Cummins is also adopting a modular approach for hybrid power units, offering both first-fit and retrofit applications. These hybrid solutions can work in tandem with HVO-ready internal combustion engines to further reduce emissions and fuel costs compared to alternatives like trolley assist.
Puga added:
“Hybrid bridge technology offers a practical solution to lower environmental impact and TCO. The modular designs provide flexibility, allowing miners to expand their hybrid capabilities over time. This technology not only makes environmental and economic sense but has immense potential to drive change. Through recent collaborations, we’ve already seen fuel efficiency improvements of up to 15–20%, and further optimization could lead to even greater gains through system enhancements, opportunity charging, and the use of low-carbon fuels.
“We are confident that over the next decade, the adoption of bridge technologies, such as hybrid and low-carbon fuel solutions, will lead to significant carbon reductions in mining operations. These technologies align with Cummins’ broader ‘Destination Zero’ strategy, which is focused on advancing sustainability in the industry.”
At MINExpo, Cummins showcased its commitment to advancing internal combustion technology, which forms the foundation for its bridge solutions. Attendees explored Cummins’ latest power systems, including the QSK60 and QSK95 engines, as well as the company’s PrevenTech® digital solutions. This advanced system optimizes engine performance by predicting potential issues before they arise, minimizing downtime and improving TCO. Visitors also took a virtual tour of Cummins’ newly opened Master Rebuild Centre in Krakow, Poland, which extends the service life of high-horsepower engines through advanced remanufacturing processes.
