Powering the depths

Cummins has this year reached the milestone of 100 years supporting the global mining sector: a century of delivering robust, reliable power solutions that keep economies turning. 

While Cummins’ heritage is deeply rooted in North America, its impact has reverberated across continents, with Europe emerging for innovation in recent decades as a crucial theatre for innovation and sustainability. 

From the ancient coal seams of Poland to the burgeoning critical mineral mines of Scandinavia, Cummins’ presence in Europe’s mining landscape is a testament to its adaptability, engineering prowess, and unwavering commitment to an industry facing unprecedented transformation. 

Cummins’ foray into mining began almost organically. The company, founded in 1919 by Clessie Cummins, quickly established a reputation for durable diesel engines. 

Before long, mine operators had switched on to the inherent advantages of Cummins’ high-torque diesel units, and through the mid-20th Century, as mining operations scaled globally, so too did Cummins’ offerings. 

The sheer demand for reliable power in remote locations, coupled with increasing regulatory pressures and the need for greater operational efficiency pushed Cummins to continuously innovate. 

This evolution saw the development of more powerful engines, improved fuel efficiency, and a global service network that could reach mines in even the most challenging terrains. 

Europe’s mining history is as rich and varied as its geology. From the Industrial Revolution’s insatiable demand for coal and iron to the modern pursuit of precious metals, minerals, and critical raw materials for the green transition, the continent has always been a hub of extraction. 

With the European Green Deal and net-zero targets, the mining industry is under immense pressure to decarbonise, electrify, and reduce its overall environmental footprint. 

Many legacy mines require retrofitting and modernisation with contemporary, more efficient power systems and cleaner engine technologies. In response, Cummins in Europe has not merely adapted; it has often led the charge. 

Recognising that different operations will transition at different paces, Cummins is developing engine platforms that can run on a variety of lower-carbon fuels including hydrogen (both hydrogen internal combustion engines and fuel cells) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). 

These alternative fuel strategies are particularly appealing to European mines that might not be ready for full electrification but are committed to reducing their carbon intensity. 

Cummins’ European operations are also at the forefront of integrating telematics and predictive maintenance. Through systems that monitor engine health in real-time, operators can anticipate potential failures, optimise maintenance schedules, and improve overall fleet uptime. 

“Our local service teams across Europe are as much data analysts as they are technicians,” says Goran Galic, Head of Mining for Cummins in Europe. 

“They use advanced diagnostics to help mines maximise the life and performance of their Cummins equipment, reducing unplanned downtime and improving efficiency. This holistic approach, from initial engine selection to end-of life support and digital optimisation, underscores Cummins’ century-long commitment to partnership.” 

Long before net-zero became a global rallying cry, European emissions standards were pushing engine manufacturers to clean up their act. Cummins invested heavily in technologies like Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), and advanced combustion systems to meet stringent EU Stage V regulations. 

“Our European customers, especially in mining, demand not just power, but clean power,” says Goran Galic. “This focus has made our European engineering teams a crucial part of our global emissions technology development. What we learn and refine here often informs our offerings worldwide.” 

For example, large open-pit operations in countries like Poland, which still rely on significant diesel fleets, have embraced Cummins’ Stage V-compliant engines to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining productivity. This commitment ensures that even with conventional fuels, Cummins-powered equipment operates with significantly reduced nitrous oxide, particulate matter, and CO2 emissions. 

Looking ahead, Cummins is investing heavily in advancing today’s trusted mining products, delivering improved total cost of ownership, enhanced performance, and extended engine life. 
At the same time, Cummins is leading the energy transition for mining with bridge technologies that pave the way for clean fuels and electrification, starting with hybrid engines and dual-fuel solutions. 

These advancements will accelerate through strong partnerships with customers and OEMs, ensuring rapid development and deployment of next generation solutions. The long-term vision is bold: achieving 100% carbon neutrality across all Cummins products by 2050. 

For the next century and beyond, the industry can count on Cummins to deliver confidence, reliability, and innovation - backed by world-class service and support around the globe - that drives mining forward.

Battleground for the next 100 years 

The European market, with its ambitious decarbonisation targets and drive for technological innovation, will continue to be a crucible for the next generation of power solutions. 

Goran Galic says the path forward for mining, and for Cummins, is focused on four key battlegrounds: 

• Continued investment in hybrid technologies 
• Developing flexible power architectures that allow mines to integrate multiple energy sources 
• Strengthening partnerships with OEMs and mine operators 
• Expanding digital capabilities to offer even greater operational intelligence and predictive insights