Caterpillar (Cat) has formed an alliance with IMA Engineering, a mining solutions provider, to enhance the Cat precision mining initiative.
The initiative aims to improve every step in the mining process – from extraction to processing – bringing the mine-to-mill theory into reality.
The alliance will use cutting-edge technologies to provide real-time data and detailed information about mined ore and raw extracted material to improve the efficiency and accuracy of mining operations. It also aims to help mining operations adjust and adapt more quickly to the natural variations in the ore they mine.
“Our goal with Cat precision mining is to give our customers the tools they need to make quick and accurate decisions, leading to better handling and processing of materials,” Caterpillar resource industries sales, services and technology senior vice president Marc Cameron said.
“We believe the collaboration will ultimately elevate the industry’s standards in mining productivity and efficiency.”
The partnership will see IMA Engineering’s advanced ore sensing technologies be used throughout the different mining stages and integrated into the Cat ecosystem.
IMA Engineering’s technologies play a key role in accurately identifying and analysing the material properties of ore as it is mined and processed, ensuring low-quality material is classified as waste and is not processed.
“Mining is going through a transformative shift to digitalised, autonomous operations,” IMA Engineering chief executive officer Jukka Raatikainen said.
“Disruptive solutions are required to reach the ambitious levels set by the industry for safe, efficient and sustainable mining. Our collaboration with Caterpillar is enabling that change.”
Last week, BHP announced it would trial Cat’s Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) system on battery electric and diesel electric mining trucks across its sites.
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