Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 5, Nevada Gold Mines (NGM), a joint venture between Barrick Mining (61.5%) and Newmont (38.5%), has partnered with Komatsu to implement the FrontRunner autonomous haulage system (AHS) in the United States for the first time. Announced on August 5, 2025, in Nevada, this collaboration aims to enhance safety and efficiency across NGM’s surface operations by automating its fleet of 300-tonne and 230-tonne haul trucks.

Nevada Gold Mines is a JV between Barrick Mining, with a 61.5% share, and Newmont, holding a 38.5% share.

The initiative marks a significant milestone for autonomous mining in the U.S. Komatsu Mining Technology Solutions general manager Braden Weisheit stated: “We are proud to partner with Nevada Gold Mines on this transformative initiative. The scale and ambition of this deployment mark a major milestone for autonomous mining in America. This collaboration reflects Komatsu’s commitment to delivering proven, world-class solutions tailored to our partners’ needs.”

To support the AHS, Sedna and Nokia will deploy a customized 5G communications network, ensuring high-speed, low-latency connectivity for real-time data exchange and remote equipment operation. Sedna CEO Peter Dormehl noted: “This collaboration demonstrates how technology leaders can come together to create powerful, future-ready solutions. The 5G network will provide the robust foundation needed to support high-performance, safety-critical operations.”

NGM, established in 2019, operates the world’s largest gold-producing complex, comprising ten underground and twelve surface mines in Nevada. Barrick president and CEO Mark Bristow highlighted the project’s benefits: “This is a strong example of how proven global solutions can be adapted to meet NGM’s specific operational needs. Barrick and NGM are committed to innovation that drives meaningful change. But more than that, it’s about protecting our people. By reducing the need for onboard operators, the FrontRunner system significantly minimises employee exposure to potential hazards, while enhancing more predictable fleet performance, better fuel consumption and continuous operations – all of which contribute to a safer, more sustainable future for mining.”

In a separate development, Barminco, a division of Perenti, secured a A$120 million ($73.85 million) contract with NGM for the Goldrush Project in Nevada. The contract covers underground development and ground support services, further strengthening NGM’s operational capabilities.

This partnership underscores NGM’s focus on leveraging advanced technology to improve safety, sustainability, and efficiency in its mining operations.