NORCAT has announced two new important collaborations for its Underground Centre in Onaping, Greater Sudbury. Firstly, Komatsu has selected the facility to support the development and refinement of Komatsu’s WX04B battery electric LHD. This collaboration NORCAT says demonstrates its ongoing commitment to providing world-class facilities and resources to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative mining technologies.
“Komatsu is thrilled to partner with NORCAT to further refine our newly developed WX04B battery electric LHD at their underground facility in Sudbury, Ontario,” said Tyler Vien, LHD Product Manager at Komatsu. “The ease of accessibility partnered with the convenience of having a real-world mine environment within a few kilometres of our hard rock new product development facility is unmatched and will accelerate the introduction of this product into the market.”
The partnership enables Komatsu to test and optimise the performance of the WX04B in a realistic mining environment, gathering valuable data and insights that will shape the future of battery-electric equipment in the mining industry. The NORCAT Underground Centre offers a unique setting that bridges the gap between product development and market readiness.
“We are excited to partner with Komatsu to support the development, testing, and demonstration of their industrial battery-electric technology,” said Don Duval, CEO of NORCAT. “Our Underground Centre serves as the global hub for mining technology and innovation, and this partnership underscores our commitment to expedite the adoption and diffusion of technologies that will shape the future of mining.”
NORCAT has also announced a new collaboration with Becker Mining Systems. As part of its innovation mandate, Becker Mining Systems has chosen to leverage the unique capabilities of the NORCAT Underground Centre to test and refine its cutting-edge technologies in an operating mine environment, accelerating the development of solutions designed to enhance safety, productivity, and efficiency in mining.
This partnership reflects Becker Mining Systems commitment to innovation by removing traditional in-field testing barriers and focusing on real-world applications. “Expediting technology development, testing, and demonstration processes is a priority for Becker Mining Systems,” cites Albert Bower, CEO of Varis Mine. “Our utilisation of the NORCAT Underground Centre and participation in this vibrant tech ecosystem will allow us to deliver on this mandate and bring our solutions to the global mining industry.”
The NORCAT underground mine offers Becker Mining Systems a unique combination of services and resources including mobile equipment, 5G and Wi-Fi communications infrastructure, active headings, a state-of-the-art surface building, and collaboration opportunities with leading technology partners and mining professionals.
“We are thrilled to welcome Becker Mining Systems to the NORCAT Underground Centre,” said Don Duval. “Their decision to use our facility underscores the value of our hands-on, real-world testing environment in accelerating the development and adoption of innovative mining technologies. This partnership strengthens our shared vision of driving meaningful advancements in the global mining industry.”
“This collaboration exemplifies the core mission of the NORCAT Underground Centre – to provide a platform where mining technology companies can test, refine, and de-risk their products in a true-to-life mining environment. Becker Mining Systems’ commitment to innovation will undoubtedly contribute to advancing the industry,” added Greg Major, Director of the NORCAT Underground Centre.
