ABB has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the construction and mining systems business unit of Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation to collaborate on net-zero emissions solutions for mining equipment.
The MOU was formalised at bauma 2025, the construction and equipment exhibition, which is under way in Munich, Germany.
As part of the collaboration, teams from ABB and Sumitomo will work together to bring a vision of their complementary systems for decarbonising mining to the concept stage. The aim is to support energy delivery to mobile electric assets, as well as the required infrastructure of dynamic and static energy transfer.
The next steps involve completing a feasibility assessment and review. ABB and Sumitomo will also collaborate to develop business models and methods of working to suit mining customers.
“Together with Sumitomo, we are prepared to make further in-roads to the challenge of decarbonising heavy machinery in the mining industry,” said Joachim Braun, division president, ABB Process Industries.
“We… mean to investigate all routes to drive effective change for leaner and cleaner operations,” he added.
Specifically, the two companies plan to devise strategies to meet the requirements of industrial mining applications including the need for high power, automated operation and the ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
“We are looking forward to a high level of interaction and engagement on the topics of electrification and decarbonisation, with the ambition to realise impactful solutions,” stated Kenichi Hyuga, general manager of construction and mining systems, Sumitomo Corporation.
ABB is also launching a range of new products for hybrid and fully electric construction and mining vehicles at bauma 2025.
These include a new mobile inverter (HES580), a high-performance motor (AMXE160) and a next-generation traction battery system for heavy-duty electric vehicles.
Earlier this year, ABB and Epiroc signed an MOU to advance collaboration on underground trolley solutions for the mining industry that both enhance productivity and safety, while meeting decarbonisation targets.
