The RCT attached from the EPIROC team at Mount Isa Branch in Queensland, Australia, has successfully completed its first installation of the AutonAV system in a caterpillar R2900 XE diesel electrical loader for AIC mines in the Eloise copper mine.
The new machine was bought by AIC mines to support their ongoing efforts to withdraw high-quality ore from the underground copper and gold mine produced since 1996.
The Eloise Copper Mine has a long-term relationship with RCT, with the MT ISA branch offering state-of-the-art solutions for the location for over 20 years.
“As a result, the location works with our automation technology about most of its fleet, including your cat R2900GS,” said Danny Ballard, manager of Mount Isa,. “This is the first time that the branch has worked with Cat's Hybrid Loader and represents a new platform for innovation.”
While the first time that the branch installed the technology on this special loader, the team was able to deliver the project to the standard installation in a similar time frame, said RCT.
“This performance is proof of the commitment and expertise of our team in the branch that did everything to ensure the success of the project,” said Ballard.
Eloise recently carried out an expansion project that includes an access drive to Jericho Orebody. The Jericho Access Drive started in June last year and connects by the Eloise crossing.
“It is this ore body that positions AIC mines as an important player in the copper market in the coming years. So it is a good feeling to know that you will do this with RCT technology,” said Ballard.
At the moment, the location operates all the mountain tree machines made of cabins that are located underground.
Ballard said: “Plans for the establishment of an automation center on the surface to improve the security and productivity compared to shift changes so that the operators can work during the blow.