UNDERGROUND LOAD & HAUL
measures for the current process , ensuring there was no compromise on safety .
“ Comparing the process before and after these changes , we have now incorporated remote operation from the surface during shift changes ,” Sysoev said . “ Personnel were introduced to the updated safety procedures and trained to operate the machines in both teleremote and autonomous modes .”
Sysoev said collaboration with the customer was paramount to the success of such projects .
“ A significant portion of our development is conducted in an agile manner , so this means our development teams work concurrently on numerous small tasks and are prepared to continue iterating until the desired outcome is achieved ,” he said . “ This approach is most effective when we receive immediate feedback from end users , which helps identify bottlenecks that can be addressed in the next development cycle .”
The next stage at Odyssey could see the MT42 trucks replaced with MT65s , with the end goal being an autonomous Scooptram ST18 loading these 65-t trucks for ore transport in autonomous mode to surface .
“ That is planned to be done in first half of 2025 ,” Sysoev said .
In addition to this specific automation project , Epiroc is working on diesel-electric trucks and loaders with customers and has several batteryelectric underground equipment launches planned , including for the heavier truck segment .
A three-pronged approach
Caterpillar is treading a similar path to its OEM competitors having achieved some significant battery-electric progress , developed a commercially successful diesel-electric loader ( the R2900 XE ) and bringing electrification and automation combinations together .
Alongside this , it is continuing to refine its existing diesel-powered fleet .
Looking at the R1700 , specifically , Caterpillar recently announced it was addressing several downtime drivers with the incorporation of improvements available to both new machines from the Caterpillar factory and current R1700s in the field through Cat dealers .
The most significant upgrades focus on six areas : n In an effort to streamline maintenance and reduce downtime , rear engine mounts on the R1700 are now about 50 % larger in diameter , targeting an extension of life to 12,000-14,000 hours to align with the full Planned Component Replacement ( PCR ) schedule for the machine ’ s Cat C13 engine ; n Transmission mounts are now made from a new material with higher heat resistance , looking to reduce unplanned downtime and eliminate the potential for contingent damage that could cause a need for immediate repair ; n The centre hitch on the R1700 has been updated to a more robust pin / joint to improve durability and extend its life to align with the full PCR schedule for the C13 engine , Caterpillar says . The hitch arrangement is common with the new R2900 XE . The new design features an updated locking pin , coupled with straight and tapered sleeves ; n To ensure R1700 customers receive full value for their investment in onboard and optional technology solutions , the machine ’ s cylinder position sensors have been updated to provide better retention inside the cylinder . These sensors ensure the machines ’ advanced dynamics and controls are enabled , contributing to higher machine functionality ; n Multiple continuous improvement projects have been implemented over the past several years to reduce electrical downtime associated with harnesses and routings . Improved routing and better protected harnesses reduce the need for unplanned troubleshooting and repair , the company says ; and n Air filters have been upgraded to a radial seal arrangement with a larger filter capacity , such as those installed in the R2900G . The new design improves filter life – particularly in mines that are wet or humid – and increases service life , reducing downtime and costs in most mining applications . While the R1700 platform continues to evolve in the face of a continuous improvement program , the company is also achieving batteryelectric wins .
IM reported on Glencore ’ s Nickel Rim South mine ( Sudbury , Canada ) field-follow trial of Caterpillar ’ s R1700 XE battery-electric loader last
Caterpillar has made significant underground market headway in Australia with its R2900 XE diesel-electric loader
year and has since heard of further deployments , including at Newmont ’ s Borden gold mine in Ontario .
The Cat ® R1700 XE LHD underground loader offers a 15-t payload . The zero-exhaust emission loader includes the industry ’ s only on-board battery , eliminating the need to handle or exchange batteries , Caterpillar claims . It charges in less than 20 minutes when paired with two of the Cat MEC500 chargers , a standalone charging system designed to charge quickly and safely as needed .
Caterpillar and Newmont are also collaborating on the development of a batteryelectric underground mining truck , with Cat having successfully demonstrated its first battery-electric prototype underground mining truck at its Burnie Proving Ground in Tasmania , Australia , late last year .
And on the diesel-electric side of things , Caterpillar has made further headway in Australia with its R2900 XE .
This machine , a 18.5-t-payload LHD , has been trialled in field-follow exercises in the country by companies including IGO Ltd and South32 . This has since translated to a major deployment at WestGold Resources ’ operations , a growing fleet at Gold Fields ’ operations and a three-unit delivery at MMG ’ s Rosebery operation .
Craig Singleton , Maintenance and Engineering Manager at MMG Rosebery , and Andrew Flynn , Mining Manager at MMG Rosebery , were able to speak to the introduction and implementation of Cat 2900 XE diesel-electric loaders at The Electric Mine 2024 event in May .
The pair outlined a list of mechanical
20 International Mining | JULY 2024