07 Oct, 2024
Re:group Announces Commitment to Acquire World-First Fleet of 11 Autonomous Scania G 560 8x4 Tippers and a Battery Electric Water Truck for Element 25’s Butcherbird Mine Expansion. REGROUP, a Pilbara-based provider of mining solutions, is excited to announce its involvement in a groundbreaking project at Element 25’s 100%-owned Butcherbird Manganese Mine. In partnership with Element 25 (E25) and Scania, REGROUP will drive the deployment of the world’s first fleet of 11 autonomous Scania G 560 8x4 tippers to transport manganese ore and waste material at the Butcherbird Mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The fleet is expected to begin operations in 2025, in line with the planned expansion of the Butcherbird Mine. We will also integrate a battery autonomous water truck into the site to continue to validate a fully electric future across our operations. At REGROUP, we are deeply committed to supporting the local mining industry with innovative, sustainable solutions that improve safety, reduce environmental impact, and enhance operational efficiency. This project is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future of mining in the Pilbara and beyond, with the integration of cutting-edge autonomous technology. "Our goal is to drive innovation while ensuring our operations have a positive impact on both the environment and the community," said Michael Still Managing Director of REGROUP. "By partnering with Element 25 and Scania, we are helping to bring the world’s first fleet of autonomous mining trucks to the Pilbara. This project represents a significant step toward making mining operations more sustainable and efficient." A Key Milestone Towards Full Electrification Alongside the autonomous fleet, REGROUP is also supporting the roll-out of a fully battery electric vehicle (BEV) equipped as a water truck at Butcherbird. This BEV will provide valuable operational data, including insights into duty cycles and charging infrastructure, to support Element 25’s future transition to a fully electric autonomous mobile fleet at the mine. The introduction of the BEV water truck is a crucial step in optimizing site power infrastructure and renewable energy generation at Butcherbird. The data gathered from this BEV trial will be instrumental in shaping the future of electric vehicle use at the mine, positioning Element 25 as a leader in the adoption of renewable energy and sustainable practices in the mining sector. Driving Sustainability and Efficiency The deployment of autonomous vehicles at Butcherbird is expected to improve operational safety, increase fuel efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions, making mining operations more productive and sustainable. The autonomous fleet will also lower operational costs and infrastructure requirements, providing long-term benefits for Element 25 and the mining industry as a whole. REGROUP is proud to be part of this project, which demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to the sustainable future of mining. By helping to bring cutting-edge autonomous and electric vehicle technologies to the Pilbara, REGROUP is contributing to the region’s growth while reducing the environmental footprint of mining operations. ABOUT SCANIA Scania is a world-leading provider of transport solutions. Together with its partners and customers, it is driving the shift towards a sustainable transport system. In 2023, it delivered 91,652 trucks, 5,075 buses, as well as 13,871 industrial and marine power systems to customers. Net sales totaled more than $30 billion, of which about 20 percent were services related. Founded in 1891, Scania now operates in more than 100 countries and employs some 58,000 people. Research and development is carried out globally with its main site in Södertälje, Sweden. Production takes place in Europe and Latin America with regional product centers in Africa, Asia, and Eurasia. Scania is part of TRATON GROUP. For more information visit: www.scania.com . ABOUT ELEMENT25 Element 25 is an ASX-listed company (ASX: E25) that operates the world-class 100%-owned Butcherbird Manganese Project in Western Australia and is currently undertaking activities to expand production to approximately 1.1Mtpa of medium-grade high silica manganese ore for use in traditional and new energy markets. E25 is also commercialising innovative proprietary technology to produce battery-grade high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) for use in Electric Vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing. The Company plans to build its first HPMSM refinery in Louisiana, USA to produce raw materials for the US EV market, in partnership with General Motors LLC (GM) and Stellantis N.V. (Stellantis). E25 aims to become an industry-leading, world-class, low-carbon battery materials manufacturer. ABOUT RE:GROUP REGROUP is a leading provider of integrated mining solutions in Australia, specialising in the full lifecycle of mining projects—from excavation to resource exportation. With over 15 years of experience, the company has earned a reputation for delivering innovative and sustainable solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the mining industry. Based in the Pilbara region, REGROUP is dedicated to enhancing mining operations through cutting-edge technology, with a strong focus on efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility. By continually expanding its capabilities, REGROUP remains at the forefront of driving positive change in the mining sector, working to reduce its carbon footprint while supporting the growth of the local economy.