 |
| Thiess |
Mining Services Giant Releases 2024 Sustainability Report
Thiess, a global leader in mining services, has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing emissions in its latest 2024 Sustainability Report. However, the company acknowledges that its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025 will not be met due to delays in low-emission technology and a strategic focus on abatement over offsets.
Overcoming Fleet Challenges in Emissions Reduction
A major hurdle in Thiess' decarbonization journey is the lack of viable low-carbon options for its light vehicle fleet, which accounts for nearly 70% of its Scope 1 emissions. Despite these challenges, the company has introduced hybrid Toyota Hilux utility vehicles in Australia and is trialing an electric Toyota wagon in New South Wales. RTL, a Thiess division, has also deployed hybrid vehicles in Victoria, while in the U.S., the company is testing an F250 light vehicle with an upgraded electric powertrain.
Thiess aims to transition 85% of its light vehicles to hybrid or battery-electric models by 2030. In addition, the company is actively engaging with Chinese OEMs to explore low-emission earth-moving equipment and hybrid graders, as well as investigating Sandvik’s latest battery-electric underground loaders and Hitachi’s engineless battery rigid-frame dump trucks.
Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Mining
Recognizing the operational constraints of fully electric or hydrogen-powered large mining fleets, Thiess is working on transitional solutions to decarbonize its existing diesel fleet. The company has entered into agreements with FLANDERS and EACON to develop retrofit-friendly, OEM-agnostic technologies for diesel-electric trucks.
Thiess is also trialing a 93-ton hybrid diesel-electric truck with EACON, capable of reducing emissions by up to 40%. The trial is scheduled to begin in 2025 at a mining operation in Indonesia.
Further expanding its sustainability initiatives, Thiess signed an MoU with Komatsu to test the first 20-ton electric excavator in 2025. The company has also joined Caterpillar’s Pathways to Sustainability Energy Transition Program, reinforcing its commitment to fleet decarbonization.
Scaling Up Renewable and Hybrid Solutions
In 2024, Thiess continued its dual-fuel trial at a Queensland mine site, achieving diesel substitution rates of over 70% on two Caterpillar 793F trucks. The positive results have prompted plans for program expansion.
Additionally, the company completed a trial of two Komatsu hybrid excavators at the Melak Project in Indonesia and collaborated with Toyota and Coregas to install the first Toyota hydrogen-powered generator for mining operations at the Mt Pleasant site in Australia. Thiess is also exploring a similar project with Blue Diamond and Toyota for deployment in Indonesia.
With the support of its clients, Thiess is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable mining solutions. By prioritizing technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and workforce upskilling, the company continues to drive meaningful progress toward reducing its carbon footprint.
