Caterpillar and WesTrac have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) to implement an autonomous mining solution at FMG’s Solomon iron ore mine in Australia.
The mining solution includes the Cat MineStar system technology, which is focused on delivering productivity and performance gains, and an initial fleet of 12 Command for hauling autonomous 793F trucks.
Under the terms of the MOU, Caterpillar and WesTrac will work together to provide product and technology implementation, consulting and development of management services to Solomon mine, and also operate the complete system once it is implemented.
WesTrac will support the Caterpillar mining fleet at Solomon with machine and technology technicians and support personnel.
Caterpillar Group president Steve Wunning said the collaboration will positively impact sustainability at the Solomon mine through reduced environmental footprint and machine efficiencies.
