Driving Innovation and Supporting the Mining Energy Transition

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Driving Innovation and Supporting the Mining Energy Transition

April 30, 2025

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As Canadian mines navigate their energy transition, they’re turning to innovative technologies and strategies to meet sustainability goals. It’s no longer just about acquiring new equipment — success hinges on adopting data-driven solutions and building the right ecosystem of technologies and partnerships to drive decarbonization.

On May 6, SMS Equipment’s Mike Brown and Dillon McKinnon will take the stage at CIM CONNECT 2025 in Montreal, joining a panel of industry leaders to discuss the technologies, partnerships, and real-world challenges shaping mining’s path forward.

In this article, we look at how SMS Equipment is helping customers navigate this evolving landscape — supporting progress through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to building a more sustainable future

A Changing Landscape

For mining operators, the message is clear – mines are now expected to factor the environment into their day-to-day operations. The key drivers for change are coming from both the public and private sectors. Governments around the world, including Canada, are tightening emission standards in response to climate concerns. At the same time, investors are increasingly factoring environmental performance into their decision-making.

“Today, mining companies are focused on sustainability and clear decarbonization pathways. ,” says Mike Brown — EVP, Technology & Innovation. “Those lagging behind may find it increasingly difficult to meet new regulations or secure future investments from capital markets.”

As the industry evolves, there’s growing recognition that strong environmental performance can lead to competitive advantages — from increased investor confidence to improved talent attraction and community relations. These shifts are reshaping how mines think about technology adoption and long-term strategy.

The transition, however, isn’t just about responding to external pressures. Companies that actively pursue sustainability objectives build core competencies in reducing waste and maximizing efficiency – practices that allow mines to do more with less and operate more profitably.

The Technology Advantage

Technology is helping mines move closer to their environmental targets in three essential ways. One growing focus is emissions management. Industry leaders like Komatsu and Cummins continue to invest in innovative solutions to help customers manage and reduce emissions, including the development of alternative fuel pathways such as biofuels — a key interim step in the broader journey toward decarbonization.

Another frontier is electrification — a critical enabler for mines looking to reduce their carbon footprint over time. While most operations still rely on conventional grid power, the shift to electrified equipment lays the groundwork for future integration with renewable energy sources.

Komatsu is a leader in electrification, with trolley-assist haulage solutions available and active development underway for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen-powered equipment. While many of these technologies are still emerging, Komatsu’s continued investment signals a clear direction — the drive toward equipment electrification and long-term decarbonization is gaining momentum.

Overcoming the Challenges

It’s never easy to adopt a new way of operating – this requires capital and people investments, and the adoption of new ways of thinking. Beyond new equipment, successful adoption will also require supporting infrastructure and rethinking existing workflows. For mines that operate with tight margins and demanding production deadlines, any kind of transition can be seen as a distraction from the day-to-day production requirements.

“Introducing new equipment and energy systems and integrating these new systems with existing infrastructure and processes can be complex and must be done with minimal operational disruptions,” says McKinnon. “Miners will need to plan and manage the integration carefully in order to minimize downtime and ensure operational continuity.”

Inside the May 6 Panel Discussion

Presenting on May 6 at CIM CONNECT 2025 as part of CIM’s new “Innovation Exchange Series”, Brown and McKinnon will discuss the four strategic elements of a sound strategy for addressing this transition:

Partnership Management: The transition will call on multiple technologies and knowledge areas. Mines will rely on strong partnerships to ensure access to the best equipment and smart mining expertise.
Technology Management: The introduction of new technology will require new capabilities in areas such as electrical supply management, battery maintenance, high-speed radio networking, advanced operation techniques, and the use of digital models.
Operational Management: Mines will need comprehensive transition plans to bridge the gap between existing process flows and next-generation process models.
Change Management: Mining, like most businesses, is fundamentally about people. Creating a clear path that defines every employee’s role, therefore, is essential. This is not only about providing training but also rolling out a well-structured change management plan that reflects all the new requirements while keeping the overall business objectives in sharp focus.

SMS Equipment’s Role in Supporting the Mining Energy Transition

The complexity of mining’s innovation and energy transition calls for strong leadership. This is why SMS Equipment has stepped up its capabilities to support mines through this transition as a collaborative partner.

“Our role is to help customers chart a realistic and effective path forward,” says Brown. “Whether that means guiding technology selection or helping reconfigure operational models, we’re committed to walking alongside our customers throughout the journey.”

To support the mining industry through this transition, SMS Equipment leverages its national footprint to connect customers with the right expertise, resources, and partners. Through collaborations with companies like Cummins and ABB, we help customers explore practical, scalable solutions that align with their sustainability goals.

“This isn’t just a business objective — it’s a long-term journey and commitment,” says McKinnon. “We’re helping build the mining operations of tomorrow by maximizing the possibilities of today.”