Caterpillar to support Rio Tinto in creating technologically advanced Koodaideri Mine
14 June 2019
Rio Tinto recently signed an agreement with
Caterpillar to supply and support
mining machines,
automation and enterprise
technology systems for the new
Koodaideri iron ore mine in
Western
Australia. Under the agreement, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar will work
together in creating an automated mine operation that makes best use of
data analytics and integration to enhance safety, optimize production,
boost mining machine utilization and lower costs.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury said, “We’re pleased
to be partnering with Caterpillar and WesTrac, the regional Cat® dealer,
to help make Koodaideri the most technology-enabled and innovative mine
in our
Pilbara iron ore network.
“Technology is rapidly changing our mining operations as we harness
innovation to make our operations safer, smarter and more productive.
This extension of our partnership with Caterpillar and WesTrac
represents an exciting step for our business.”
“The Caterpillar team is looking forward to working with Rio Tinto to
apply our proven mining equipment and technology and to implement
additional MineStar™ autonomy solutions at Koodaideri—a new mine
designed to capitalize on leading-edge technology,” said Denise Johnson,
group president Resource Industries, Caterpillar Inc. “We are excited to
work together to advance Rio Tinto’s mine automation and digitalization
program.”
Koodaideri will deliver a new production hub for Rio Tinto’s iron ore
business in the Pilbara. Construction work has commenced, and first
production is expected in late 2021. Once complete, the mine will have
an annual capacity of 43 million tonnes, underpinning production of the
Pilbara Blend, Rio Tinto’s flagship iron ore product.
As mine construction advances, WesTrac will manage logistics of mining
machine delivery and commissioning and will play a key role in
implementing technology solutions. “WesTrac is excited to be part of the
Koodaideri project and to work with Caterpillar to deliver
groundbreaking equipment solutions to support Rio Tinto’s Mine of the
Future™ vision,” said Jarvas Croome, WesTrac chief executive officer.
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Source: Caterpillar - www.cat.com
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