Cummins Inc., a Columbus-based company, has made a significant move in the mining industry by acquiring specific assets from First Mode LLC, a company based in Seattle that specializes in hydrogen-powered mining equipment. The acquisition, valued at $15 million through a stalking horse bid, represents about 12% of First Mode's business. Cummins will now own key elements including the First Mode brand, hybrid mining and rail product lines, intellectual property, commercial portfolio, and manufacturing and testing facilities, some of which are located in Washington. Furthermore, Cummins will also bring on board First Mode's employees in the U.S., Australia, and Chile as part of the deal. This acquisition is aimed at supporting bridge technology that accelerates the decarbonization process in mining. Jenny Bush, the president of power systems at Cummins, highlighted the company's commitment to providing miners with the necessary flexibility and confidence to decarbonize their operations while staying abreast of evolving technologies and infrastructure changes. The move comes after First Mode's previous acquisition by Anglo American in 2023, which was followed by financial support discontinuation in December, leading to the bankruptcy filing. Cummins' entry with the stalking horse offer demonstrates a positive outlook for sustaining and enhancing First Mode's operations and innovations.