Group executive news

A Fortunate Life: Tad Watroba

08.10.2021

Tad Watroba describes himself as ‘the most fortunate mining engineer there is’. After more than 45 years in the business, his drive and passion are as fierce today as when he began his first job down a mine after graduating in 1973 from Krakow’s AGH University of Science and Technology, then known as the University of Mining and Metallurgy.

Wabtec launches e-locomotive with first order

22.09.2021

In Australia, Roy Hill will be getting the newest version of the FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive in 2023 with an energy capacity of 7 MWh. “We are committed to transforming the next generation of transportation by adopting advanced technologies that improve energy efficiency, lower operating costs and improve our rail and mining network,” said Gerhard Veldsman, CEO of Roy Hill. “The FLXdrive locomotive will be the first for the region and the first for the mining industry and will improve our rail operations from the mine to Port Hedland.”

‘Dramatically more powerful’: world’s first battery-electric freight train unveiled

19.09.2021

Wabtec showed off the new battery-electric locomotive at Carnegie Mellon University as part of a new venture between the two organizations to develop zero-emissions technology to help move the 1.7bn tons of goods that are shipped on American railroads each year. Australian mining company Roy Hill has become the first purchaser of Wabtec’s FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive, announcing the purchase the same day Wabtec unveiled the locomotive. Roy Hill will receive the second-generation version of the FLXdrive locomotive, currently under development for delivery in 2023, which will have an energy capacity of 7-megawatt hours.

Vale and Asian miner seek Brazil nod to fast-track mine project

17.09.2021

Mining giant Vale SA and an Asian-owned metals producer are among the first to tap a Brazilian program that aims to cut red tape and speed up mining projects in the South American nation.

Roy Hill on track with battery powered locomotive purchase

16.09.2021

Roy Hill will purchase the world’s first fully battery-powered, heavy-haul locomotive from Pittsburgh-based Wabtec, transforming the cost of transporting iron ore from pit to port. “The FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive is a bold step toward a low-to-zero-emission locomotive future,” Mendonca said. “We continue working on solutions that cut the overall carbon footprint of the industries we serve through the development of low-emitting locomotives like the FLXdrive, and the use of alternative fuels such as bio-diesel, renewable diesel and hydrogen.”

Wabtec FLXdrive battery-electric loco to work at Roy Hill rail network in the Pilbara

16.09.2021

Based on the route and Roy Hill’s rail operations, the FLXdrive is anticipated to reduce the company’s fuel costs and emissions in percentage by double digits per train. The ongoing use of the FLXdrive will also reduce ongoing operational costs through maintenance spend. Simon Pascoe, General Manager of Engineering for Roy Hill, says: “Our analysis with Wabtec confirms the FLXdrive locomotive is ideally suited for our rail network. It has the horsepower to operate in a heavy haul train consist pulling loaded wagons with 35,000 t of iron ore, while at the same time reducing the entire train’s fuel consumption. The FLXdrive also is designed to function in the extreme heat of the Pilbara region.”

Roy Hill Sets New Course with Purchase of FLXdrive Battery Locomotive

16.09.2021

Roy Hill announced the purchase of Wabtec’s (NYSE: WAB) FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive, the world’s first 100-percent battery, heavy-haul locomotive for the region and the mining industry. “We are committed to transforming the next generation of transportation by adopting advanced technologies that improve energy efficiency, lower operating costs and improve our rail and mining network,” said Gerhard Veldsman, CEO of Roy Hill. “The FLXdrive locomotive will be the first for the region and the first for the mining industry and will improve our rail operations from the mine to Port Hedland.”

Roy Hill sets new course with purchase of FLXdrive Battery Locomotive

15.09.2021

Roy Hill has announced the purchase of Wabtec’s FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive, the world’s first 100-percent battery, heavy-haul locomotive for the region and the mining industry.

Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill to make history with first battery-powered electric locomotive to operate in Pilbara

15.09.2021

Roy Hill is set to be the first Pilbara miner to use a battery-powered electric locomotive to transport its iron ore to port. The Gina Rinehart-controlled company has bought the newest version of the FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive which has an energy capacity of 7 megawatt hours from US-based manufacturer Wabtec. Roy Hill chief executive Gerhard Veldsman said the company was committed to transforming the next generation of transportation by adopting advanced technologies that improve energy efficiency, lower operating costs and improve its rail and mining network.

Middle Earth (Perth)

11.09.2021

Editorial cartoon by Dean Alston courtesy of the West Australian.