Caterpillar successfully demonstrated its first battery electric prototype underground mining truck, at its proving ground in Tasmania, Australia. Developed with customer input and support from Newmont, the companies are collaborating to achieve the gold miner’s vision of a fully connected, automated, zero carbon emitting, end-to-end mining system.
“This milestone is a reflection of the partnership between our teams at Newmont and Caterpillar, showcasing the impact of strong collaboration in the mining industry,” said Rob Atkinson, executive vice president, Newmont. “Achieving this milestone together, combining capabilities and shared values, is a testament to the strength of our strategic alliance.”
This battery electric truck will complete Caterpillar’s first fully electric underground load and haul solution when paired with Cat’s R1700 XE battery electric loader.
Denise Johnson, Caterpillar’s Resource Industries group president said, “This is a milestone for the entire Caterpillar team as we work closer than ever with Newmont to provide more sustainable choices for the underground mining industry.”
Caterpillar also completed a demonstration of its growing autonomy and automation capabilities. This technology addresses some of the key safety challenges faced daily by underground miners, like the risk of collision when moving heavy machinery through dark, cramped spaces. Autonomous trucks can help to enhance mine site safety by removing operators from potentially hazardous or remote sites. Additionally, these features can improve productivity by creating increased visibility for miners, enabling more consistent operations for both manned and unmanned machines.
