ioneer Ltd has successfully completed a Technology System Supply Agreement with Caterpillar , the world’s largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment and a leader in developing autonomous technology.
The agreement concerns the adoption of the Cat® MineStarTM ‘Command for hauling’ Autonomous Haul System (AHS) at ioneer’s Rhyolite Ridge LithiumBoron Project in Esmerelda County, Nevada.
ioneer cites the results of the Rhyolite Ridge feasibility study in February 2021 as evidence of AHS’ viability at the mine, which the company believes improved overall cost, safety and productivity.
“We are pleased to continue to solidify our partnership with Caterpillar as we work towards commencement of production at Rhyolite Ridge,” ioneer managing director Bernard Rowe said.
“We continue to believe the incorporation of an autonomous haulage system and other Caterpillar technologies at Rhyolite Ridge will only further our goal to improve project safety and operational efficiency.”
Cat autonomous mining trucks have hauled nearly 5 billion tonnes of material worldwide, driving more than 177 million kilometres without a lost-time injury.
“Industry leadership and foresight”
“As the first greenfield operation in North America to deploy AHS, ioneer is demonstrating true industry leadership and foresight,” Cat Mining Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:CAT) vice president and general manager Sean McGinnis said.
“Our team is excited to work together with ioneer to improve safety and increase productivity.”
Operations are scheduled to begin in 2024 with a fleet of Cat 785 next generation mining trucks equipped with Command for hauling, and the fleet is scheduled to expand significantly in 2028.
Support equipment will feature the latest MineStar technology leveraging high-precision GPS and real-time analytics to ‘maximise efficiency and accuracy in material loading’.
“We are excited to continue our collaboration with ioneer by supporting the equipment in the first greenfield autonomous site in Nevada,” Todd Gilligan, Cashman Equipment Co vice president of sales and rental in Las Vegas, said.
“ioneer has continued to show their desire to be a safe, highly productive, and technology leading lithium producer in the US.”
The equipment, technology and services for the first five years of operation is valued at approximately US$100 million and may be financed through Caterpillar Financial Services, subject to definitive legal documentation.