When it comes to safety and sustainability on a mine site, no piece of equipment should be left out of the equation – including transportation.
Contrary to the name, mining’s fly-in, fly-out, or FIFO, workforce doesn’t only rely on planes.
In fact, many employees are transported to a mine site the old-fashioned way: by bus. But there’s nothing old-fashioned about VDI’s Yutong buses.
An Australian family-owned business with deep roots in the transportation sector, VDI Australia is the national distributor of Yutong buses – and the company is proud of its vehicle partner’s legacy.
“With a history spanning over six decades, Yutong has produced over 150,000 battery electric buses globally and leads the way in bus manufacturing innovation,” VDI national sales manager Sara Clark told Australian Mining.
“Our partnership allows VDI to combine Yutong’s cutting-edge technologies with our local expertise, helping Australian businesses meet their transport and sustainability goals while maintaining the highest safety standards.”
And with miners increasingly looking at ways to boost sustainability on-site, Yutong’s buses provide them with an easy way to stamp out their transportation emissions.
VDI Western Australia general manager Mike Kennedy has seen first-hand how Yutong buses perform in some of the most demanding conditions, including unsealed roads and extreme heat.
“Yutong’s range of ICE, or internal combustion engine, and EV buses are used to transport large numbers of workers to site for the initial build of a mine, with some movements being as large as 300 to 400 people per day,” Kennedy said.
“In Western Australia, where high heat and rugged, unsealed roads are part of daily operations, Yutong buses deliver consistent, reliable performance. Customers rely on their durability to transport large workforces to and from mine sites safely, while maintaining the highest levels of comfort and efficiency.”
Image: VDI
But Yutong is more than just a bus manufacturer; it’s a partner in progress.
“Whether that’s meeting sustainability targets, enhancing worker safety or optimising transport efficiency, Yutong delivers tailored solutions backed by a global reputation,” Kennedy said.
This level of large-scale workforce movement demands not just durability but also an uncompromising approach to safety – an area where Yutong’s Electric Safety System, or YESS, excels.
Built to withstand extreme mining environments, YESS delivers advanced multi-level protection that ensures the wellbeing of passengers and equipment.
Whether navigating remote Pilbara roads under relentless heat or enduring the dust-heavy challenges of South Australia’s mines, YESS offers critical safety features such as anti-crash battery designs, nitrogen protection systems, and 24–7 real-time monitoring.
“Safety is paramount for our mining customers,” Kennedy said. “The YESS system provides peace of mind by allowing real-time insights into battery performance and immediate response capabilities.”
Yutong’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable transportation isn’t by accident. The company has been producing electric buses since 1999 and has worked to improve its offering each year since.
“Yutong’s battery-electric buses, or BEBs, are a cornerstone of the company’s sustainability strategy,” Clark said.
“BEBs eliminate the need for internal combustion engines, reducing carbon emissions and eliminating exhaust fumes. They are also equipped with advanced technologies like regenerative braking, extending driving range and enhancing energy efficiency.”
Yutong’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through several key credentials, including its participation in the United Nations Global Compact, and its pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
But sustainability isn’t Yutong’s only focus.
The company is also serious about safety, developing YESS to ensure every person gets to and from work safely.
“YESS provides multi-level protection, ensuring optimal safety and system efficiency under the toughest conditions,” Kennedy said.
Clark said customers valued Yutong’s stringent safety requirements, as well as the comfort, reliability and cost-effectiveness of its buses.
“One of our customers said the Yutong EV buses have been a game-changer for them, providing an incredibly reliable and cost-effective option,” Clark said.
“This feedback reflects Yutong’s ability to meet the diverse demands of industries like mining while supporting the shift to sustainability.”
As the industry dives headfirst in 2025, there’s no slowing down for VDI or Yutong. Throughout the year, VDI is planning to expand its support for the mining industry as it grows with the sector.
“Our operations in central Queensland and Western Australia are central to this strategy, ensuring we can meet the needs of customers in these critical regions,” Kennedy said.
“You can expect new developments that reflect our focus on customer needs, enhanced vehicle performance, and a seamless transition to zero-emission transport in the future.
“VDI is deliberately prioritising our mining customers, ensuring they have the technology and support they need to succeed.”
With a global reputation for innovation, Yutong – supported by VDI’s local expertise – will continue to revolutionise mining transport with buses that exceed industry expectations and meet sustainability goals head-on.
This feature appeared in the February 2025 issue of Australian Mining.
