Caterpillar^® is announcing the next generation of its underground automation system, MINEGEM™, designed to enhance safety and boost operator efficiency and effectiveness in underground mining operations. The system can also have a significant impact through increased machine availability, decreased operating costs and extended machine life.  MINEGEM is Caterpillar’s first commercially available semi-autonomous system and completes one important element of the company’s strategy to develop and deploy a comprehensive suite of autonomous mining systems that address mining companies’ business needs. 

The system allows the operator to work from a safe and ergonomic work station far from the LHD (Load Haul Dump) — either on the surface or underground without sacrificing machine productivity.  Studies have shown the productivity of a MINEGEM equipped LHD operated remotely to be significantly more productive than teleremote or line-of-sight systems. Utilization is increased and significant time savings achieved due to the operator not having to travel from the surface to the machine.

The MINEGEM system also boosts productivity by operating in second gear compared to first gear operation for teleremote and line of sight systems. During the load-haul-dump cycle the operator, based in a remotely located control station loads and dumps the material under teleremote control.  The system then enables the machine to autonomously steer during hauling, preventing the LHD from hitting drivewalls. This is done by using a combination of on-board computers, cameras, lasers, and operator station software.

The latest version of MINEGEM enhances mine site safety with the inclusion of the Area Isolation System. Access restrictions are maintained by a barrier control panel located at each entry to the operations area.  If the machine leaves the operations area or personnel enters the restricted area, the MINEGEM equipped machine will shut down.   Additionally, zones can be configured within the operations area to automatically regulate machine speed and to establish “no go” areas at required points.

Machine life is extended with the implementation of MINEGEM, as the LHD will encounter less damage because the system keeps the machine from hitting drivewalls during the mining cycle.  Additionally, the system ensures that LHDs are operated within their intended manufactured specifications to reduce wear and tear on machine components.  Real-time machine health status is displayed on the remote operator console, enabling monitoring of key machine parameters.

LADAR, a laser detection and ranging system, located on the front and rear of machine provides spatial information about the loader’s location to the remote operator. Similarly, the cameras provide real-time video to the remote operator. These components allow for good visualization of the work environment, enabling the operator to be highly accurate and efficient.

MINEGEM is built by Caterpillar for Cat^® LHD machines. The system is fully integrated with Cat LHDs and can be installed at the factory or as retrofit in the field to maximize the performance of the machine.  The MINEGEM system, initially introduced to limited markets in 2003, will be commercially available to North American, Latin American and Australian markets in early 2010 and to European markets later in the year.  For more information contact your local Cat dealer or go to www.cat.com/miningtechnology.