Finning and Conuma’s Quintette Journey
Innovation Through Collaboration
Since its inception in 2016, Conuma Resources has emerged as a premier producer of steelmaking coal. Based in Northeast British Columbia, they play a vital role in both the global supply chain and local economy. With operations at Brule, Quintette, and Willow Creek mines, Conuma produces over 5 million tonnes of high-quality, low carbon, steelmaking coal annually, supporting more than 1,000 direct and 3,000 indirect jobs in the Peace River Regional District.
So what’s the secret to their success so far? Strategic partnerships. Among the partners they’ve worked with, their collaboration with Finning stands as a testament to the power of collaborative innovation and mutual trust. Over the past eight years, Finning and Conuma have demonstrated what happens when two industry leaders work hand-in-hand to redefine what’s possible.
A New Mine Brings New Challenges
In February of 2023, Conuma acquired the Quintette Mine from Teck Resources marking a significant expansion and an exciting new era of opportunity. This mine, with over 48 million tonnes of reserve and a total of 240 million tonnes, has the potential to support the global low-carbon economy for decades. In September 2024, after 24 years in care and maintenance, the Quintette mine restarted.
While the Quintette Mine provides substantial potential for Conuma, transitioning to a new mine is never a simple task. This is especially true when it comes to ensuring that the required equipment is ready for the job. For Conuma, this meant preparing their fleet of 793F trucks, vital assets that would need to be in top condition to support the demanding operations at Quintette. The challenge was clear: should they invest in new trucks or find a more cost-effective solution that would limit downtime and maximize the lifespan of their current fleet?
After working with Finning to review their options and carefully consider the best course of action, Conuma opted for a rebuild strategy. The decision wasn’t just about cost savings; it was about ensuring that their fleet was ready for Quintette without the delays that ordering new trucks would entail. This is where Finning’s expertise came into play.
The 793F Reframe Project
The solution was as ambitious as it was necessary: completing a re-life of nine 793F trucks. The process consisted of ordering new frames from Caterpillar, which were then shipped to their Prince George facility. From here, the skilled technicians meticulously built up the first frame, swapping out thousands of parts and components as needed and preparing it for deployment to Conuma’s site. This entire process, in partnership and consultation with Conuma, was designed to meet the their fleet and downtime requirements.
One critical aspect of the project was to ensure that the rebuilds were scheduled to align with Conuma’s Planned Component Replacement (PCR). This strategy allowed Finning to align the rebuilds with the natural life cycle of the trucks, replacing engines and other core components as needed to breathe new life into each machine. This comprehensive approach ensured that Conuma’s trucks would be ready to deliver for several years to come. March 31, 2024, marked the successful delivery of the first rebuilt truck, followed by a second on June 1, and a third on July 31.
These milestones represent more than just the delivery of equipment; they symbolize the start of a complex project that will continue to require precision, expertise, and trust at every stage. The reframed 793F trucks will be integral to Conuma’s operations at Quintette, supporting their broader objectives, including their ESG carbon reduction goals and their strategy to be the premier low-cost exporter of steelmaking coal. The project has extended the life of their assets while ensuring that Conuma is well-positioned for the future as they work to restart operations at Quintette.
Creative Solutions Require Collaborative Partnerships
This project isn’t just about the technical execution required to deliver results—it’s about the partnership and collaboration that made it possible in the first place. Finning’s Prince George service team has played—and will continue to play—a crucial role, ensuring that each truck is reframed to the highest standards and delivered on time. Their dedication and expertise are instrumental in making this project a reality.
In addition to the technical experts, it’s worth highlighting the financial strategists and the work they performed. Finning, in collaboration with Cat Financial, worked closely with Conuma to develop a solution that aligned with their goals. This creative approach allowed Conuma to achieve their objectives without straining their budget, demonstrating the power of a strong partnership that’s built on understanding and mutual benefit.
The partnership between Finning and Conuma didn’t develop overnight. It grew stronger through years of collaboration, overcoming challenges like low coal prices and rail strikes. The 793F reframe project stands as a testament to this strengthened relationship. It’s a prime example of how Finning has become a trusted partner for Conuma that delivers comprehensive solutions for the most complex challenges.
The past few years have been particularly fruitful, with both companies benefiting from a partnership that continues to grow and evolve. As we look to the future and complete the remaining reframe projects, this partnership is set to achieve even greater things.
If you’re ready to collaborate with a proven team that provides creative solutions for unique challenges across demanding industries, we can’t wait to hear from you. Contact us today to get started!
Finning is the world's largest Caterpillar dealer, selling, renting and providing parts and service for equipment and engines to customers across diverse industries, including mining, construction, petroleum, forestry and a wide range of power systems applications. We operate in Western Canada, South America, and UK and Ireland.