Maulesh Varma, Hitachi’s Senior Program Manager, brings 25 years’ experience in the mining and metals industry to his transformative new role.

Maulesh is passionate about helping the mining industry achieve net zero emissions at a global level.

Tell us about your background and how you came to work at Hitachi

I’ve only been at Hitachi six months, but I have 25 years’ experience in technical leadership, operational improvements, strategy, technology, automation and business development. I’ve worked on multi-million-dollar projects for BHP, Rio Tinto, FMG, Alcoa, Essar Steel, One Steel, CIMIC Group, Elastomers Australia, Infosys, Cognizant and ATI Solutions.

I didn’t know much about Hitachi when I first considered this role. But I quickly came to understand the company has a global reach and multiple divisions covering an enormous range of categories, capabilities, and excellent business operating models. It’s somewhere you can really make a positive impact.

A key element of my role is to reduce carbon emissions through the technologies Hitachi offers the mining industry. I believe, through my work, I am contributing to a greener society.

What has been your favourite project with Hitachi so far?

We are working with a large mining company in Western Australia to introduce the zero-emission, battery powered, over 200 tonne haul trucks. Seventy five percent of a mine’s emissions can come from burning diesel in conventional haul trucks.

The end goal for us is to see these emissions drop to zero, so I’m proud to be leading this project. Ultimately, we’re looking to make the truck fleet not only battery powered but also completely autonomous.

How important is it to you to do work that has a positive impact on society?

It’s a different world out in mining communities. There are real and difficult problems to deal with on the ground. I believe mining communities, and the surrounding flora and fauna, deserve to live rich and healthy lives. Supporting net zero transformation benefits everybody – industry, local communities, state and federal governments, citizens and ultimately the society we live in.

A key driver for me is to work every day for the health, safety and wellbeing of my family, friends, relatives and fellow citizens. A direct outcome of our work is they are living in air with less carbon dioxide.

The mining industry is at a point where it must reduce its carbon footprint to zero in the next 30 years, through green initiatives. I joined Hitachi because of its vertically integrated capabilities on reducing carbon emissions and I’m delighted to now be part of that important work.