en.Wedoany.com Reported - RCT (RCT – Powered by Epiroc) has equipped four new Cat R2900G underground loaders (LHDs) with the AutoNav autonomous system at an unnamed silver-lead mine in Queensland, one of which is an NLK specification unit and the last of its model ever produced. The addition of these units has further enhanced safety and productivity at the site.

Danny Ballard, Branch Manager at RCT's Mount Isa facility, said all installation work on the four units was completed by the company's technicians at the Mount Isa branch. The fourth loader, an NLK R2900G, is the last unit of this model ever sold by Caterpillar. Ballard noted that the R2900G has been one of the most widely used underground loaders, and this final sale truly marks the end of an era.

The mature mine comprises underground hard-rock mining operations and surface processing facilities. Currently, operators remotely control the underground LHD fleet from multiple AutoNav control centres located both on the surface and underground. This setup allows operators to maintain full operational capability in a safer, more comfortable environment without entering the cab, while reducing time exposed to hazardous underground conditions.

The mine has been using RCT's Tele remote control system since the late 1990s, making it one of the earliest adopters of AutoNav technology and one of the first mines to achieve remote loader operation from the surface. Approximately 18 months ago, the mine upgraded to RCT's digital communication system, which improved underground wireless capability, system reliability, and visual clarity.