Newmont is set to invest around $150 Million in a new fleet of CAT 793F autonomous trucks for its Boddington Operation in Western Australia. As well as a new fleet, a number of exisiting trucks will be converted to an autonomous haulage system. This is set to be the first use of the technology in a gold application and paves the way for the extension to mine life and improved efficiencies. Newmont Board of Directors unanimously approved the investment which is set to be in operation in 2021.
“Not only does Boddington continue to deliver strong performance, our investment in autonomous haul trucks will generate an internal rate of return greater than 35 percent with a more controlled and efficient haulage operation,” said Tom Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer.
According to WesTrac CEO Jarvas Croome, WesTrac are looking forward to the ability to be part of this initiative. “We are excited to be part of the Boddington project and to partner with Caterpillar to deliver ground breaking equipment solutions to support Newmont in this first installation for the gold industry,” he said.
WesTrac who are partnering with Newmont, recently announced building a world leading autonomous training facility in Collie, Western Australia. The Collie Autonomous Training Facility will support customers across Western Australia as well as up skilling existing employees in the new technology.
Boddington mine produced 167,000oz in the September quarter and was the second highest gold producer after the Cadia mine in New South Wales.