Tata Hitachi: Driving Sustainability in Mining
Sandeep Singh, Managing Director of Tata Hitachi, outlines the company’s commitment to innovation in the mining sector
In this exclusive interview, Sandeep Singh, Managing Director of Tata Hitachi, discusses the critical need for sustainability in mining. Sandeep shares valuable insights on how mining operators can balance profitability with sustainable operations.
Mining and sustainability are closely connected today. What does sustainability mean in the context of mining, and how does Tata Hitachi address this?
Sustainability is of paramount importance, especially in an industry with such a significant global impact. As a multinational brand, we place immense emphasis on adopting sustainable practices and advancing technology to align with these goals. We have already supplied AC driven 190-tonne capacity dump truck to Coal India, marking a step toward greener technology. Similarly, our AC-driven excavators are available in capacities starting from 190- tons, reinforcing our commitment to environmentally friendly solutions. A cornerstone of our sustainability strategy is extending the lifecycle of our equipment through what we call a circular economy model. By refurbishing components and aggregates, we can significantly prolong an excavator’s lifespan from the typical 20,000–30,000 hours to 40,000–50,000 hours, and in some cases, beyond 100,000 hours, as demonstrated with an excavator in use at Tata Steel. Additionally, we are extending oil change intervals, which reduces both oil consumption and associated emissions. In our manufacturing processes, around 80% of the energy we use, comes from solar power. Across production and post-sales service, we are committed to adopting greener technologies, working toward carbon neutrality, and minimizing our carbon footprint to create a more sustainable future for the mining industry.
How can a mining operator balance profitability with sustainability?
Our focus on fuel efficiency directly benefits customers by lowering costs. The extended life of our machines and their higher productivity levels are also profitable advantages. Our electric solutions, such as AC-driven dump trucks and excavators, reduce maintenance costs significantly. While the initial investment in this equipment may be higher, the long-term maintenance expenses are much lower. Moreover, by extending oil and filter change intervals, we are creating further value for our customers. These measures not only support profitability but also align with environmental sustainability.
Could you elaborate on Tata Hitachi’s short-term sustainability goals?
In the short term, we are committed to achieving up to 90% solar-powered energy usage across our production facilities. Additionally, we are making significant investments in refurbishment, including the establishment of a remanufacturing center at Tata Hitachi. This center focuses on refurbishing key components such as hydraulics, engines, and transmissions, which helps extend the lifespan of our equipment. In parallel, we are integrating advanced technologies into our equipment lineup to enhance both productivity and fuel efficiency. These efforts not only boost operational performance but also play a crucial role in advancing our sustainability objectives.
