AutoMine automation zones are defined by light curtain safety gates. (Photo: MacLean)
Sandvik won a $28 million order for underground loaders, trucks and development drills for Australian mines operated by Evolution Mining. Deliveries will begin in Q3.
Evolution Mining is an existing customer and the order represents critical repeat business, Sandvik said. “We are very pleased that we continue to be a trusted partner to Evolution Mining and that we strengthen our partnership further as they renew a big part of their fleet,” said Presiden Mats Eriksson.
Separately, MacLean Engineering completed the installation of an AutoMine system at the MacLean Research and Training Facility. The development ends the first phase of collaboration with Sandvik to improve automation zone interoperability of production and support fleets at the facility.
The milestone was obviated with the demonstration of a surface-controlled MacLean utility vehicle and a BT5 Boom Truck. The units operated in multiple AutoMine automation zones delimited with light curtain safety gates.
MacLean said such collaboration is required to solve the complex challenges posed by mixed fleets using autonomous and remote control technologies. “This collaboration between MacLean and Sandvik embodies that new way of thinking about the mine of the future and how mining equipment manufacturers can help successfully deliver it to mining companies,” said Patrice Corneau, director of advanced vehicles and technology.
