Ferreyros, a leader in heavy machinery, and copper miner Minera Chinalco Peru, one of the most important mining companies in the country, have launched a Cat autonomous drill in Peru, which is already operating in the Toromocho Mining Unit (Junín) with Caterpillar’s MineStar Command for drilling technology.
Likewise, worldwide, it is also significant as it is the first deployment of Caterpillar autonomy for electric drills that has is remotely controlled from a remote operations centre, in this case the teleoperation station room of Chinalco Peru in Lima, to execute and supervise the autonomous drilling plan.
By adopting Caterpillar’s solution, the Cat MD6640 electric drill – performs inline drilling autonomously. This work, which includes displacement, levelling and drilling, is executed at the exact location and depth according to the objectives of the design and the operation plan, contributing to safety, precision and efficiency.
While the autonomous drill operates at the Toromocho Mining Unit, a controller designs the missions or tasks and supervises the operation of the autonomous system from the station in Lima, more than 150 km away. This gives the controller the possibility of covering several autonomous systems at the same time.
“We expanded the scope of autonomy in mining in Peru, contributing with state-of-the-art technology to the objectives of our customers. This solution, together with Ferreyros, Minera Chinalco Peru and Caterpillar, sets a new standard in autonomy for Cat electric drills, which amplifies their positive impact,” says Santiago Basualdo, Manager of Ferreyros’ Large Mining Division.
“The incorporation of this cutting-edge technology, hand in hand with strategic partners such as Caterpillar and Ferreyros, underscores Minera Chinalco Peru’s commitment to operational excellence and safety. We continue to bet on innovation and investment in high-standard capabilities in our Toromocho mining unit,” said Willy Coronado, manager of Information Technology, Communications and Automation (TICA), of Minera Chinalco Peru.
It is worth also highlighting Ferreyros’ pioneering experience in mining autonomy in Peru. For the fifth consecutive year, a fleet of 32 Cat autonomous 794 AC mining trucks is successfully operating in the south of the country at Anglo American’s Quellaveco copper mine, contributing to greater safety and operational efficiency in the mine.
Caterpillar’s MineStar Command for Drilling solution Ferreyros says provides tangible benefits, such as enhanced safety, by removing the operator from the risk area; greater productivity, by guaranteeing efficient and constant execution over time; and precision control that optimises blasting results.
Ferreyros has been present in the Toromocho operation, located at more than 4,800 m above sea level, since the construction of the mine, more than 15 years ago, and has an extensive fleet of high-productivity Caterpillar equipment.
