One of New Zealand’s leading aggregate suppliers has been rewarded for pursuing a sustainability project.
In an example of how the quarrying and extractive industry is further moving towards an environmentally sustainable future with low-carbon operations, the New Zealand Government has awarded Winstone Aggregates for its electric vehicle project.
The government awarded the company $499,500 as it becomes the first to pilot the largest available class of heavy electric vehicles in the New Zealand extractive industries.
The 90-tonne electric dump truck will be used at the company’s Belmont Quarry where it will recieve regular usage.
The funding comes from the Low Emission Transport Fund which supports the demonstration and adoption of low-emission transport technology, innovation and infrastructure to accelerate decarbonisation.
New Zealand’s Energy and Resources Minister Dr Megan Woods said it was important to support these adaptions in transport-heavy industries.
“These projects will prove the potential of electrification and other low-emissions technology. This kind of backing de-risks projects like these so there is more and faster uptake of similar technology,” she said.
“Each year, the maritime and off-road sectors together use an estimated 1.6 billion litres of petrol and diesel accounting for around 13 percent of our total energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.
“Reducing emissions in these areas is vital, not just to meet our emissions targets and tackle climate change, but we’ll also reap significant co-benefits, especially in the marine sector.
“Our oceans, lakes and rivers are taonga, so everything we do to reduce pollution on the water will let us continue to enjoy it with minimal harm.”
Winstone Aggregates has been busy recently after completing the takeover of another New Zealand quarry.
Winstone Aggregates, which operates around 11 extractive quarries, two joint venture quarries and a fleet of 80 bulk trucks, provides materials for concrete, road rails and infrastructure projects across New Zealand.