The RCT – Powered by Epiroc team at the Mount Isa branch in Queensland, Australia, has successfully completed its first installation of the AutoNav system on a Caterpillar R2900 XE diesel-electric loader for AIC Mines at the Eloise copper mine.
The new machine was purchased by AIC Mines to support its ongoing efforts to extract high-grade ore from its underground copper and gold mine, which has been in production since 1996. PYBAR, a Thiess company, announced that it had delivered the loader to Eloise earlier this year.
The Eloise copper mine has a long-standing relationship with RCT, with the Mt Isa branch providing state-of-the-art solutions to the site for over 20 years, the company says.
“As a result, the site is operating with our automation technology across most of its fleet including their Cat R2900Gs,” Mount Isa Branch Manager, Danny Ballard, said. “This marks the first time the branch has worked with Cat’s hybrid loader, presenting a new platform for innovation.”
While it was the first time the branch had installed the technology on this specific loader, the team were able to deliver the project in a similar timeframe to that of a standard installation, RCT said.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team at the branch, who have gone above and beyond to ensure the project’s success,” Ballard explained.
Eloise has recently undertaken an expansion project which includes an access drive to the Jericho orebody. The Jericho Access Drive commenced in June last year and connect from the Eloise decline.
“It’s this orebody that positions AIC Mines to be a major player in the copper market for years to come, so it’s a good feeling knowing they will do this with RCT’s technology,” Ballard said.
At present, the site operates all RCT-equipped mining machines from cabins located underground.
Ballard explained: “Plans are in progress to establish an Automation Centre on the surface, aimed at enhancing safety and productivity over shift change to enable operators to work during blasting. RCT’s agnostic AutoNav solutions are designed to be scalable, allowing us to adapt to the evolving needs and demands of the site, both now and in the future.”
