Nevada Gold Mines deploys Komatsu’s autonomous haulage system across U.S.

Barrick’s CEO and others just observed a live demonstration with the tech on-site

Rowan Dunne

Published

5 hours ago

American mining industry leader Nevada Gold Mines has officially started deploying an autonomous haul truck system throughout its U.S. operations.

The FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage platform developed by Komatsu Ltd (OTCMKTS: KMTUY) will benefit the Barrick Mining Corp (TSE: ABX) (NYSE: B) (ETR: ABR0) and Newmont Corporation (TSE: NGT) (NYSE: NEM) (FRA: NMM) joint venture in multiple regards.

Most importantly, workers operating the trucks remain out of harm’s way in a remote location. Additionally, the system enables the heavy duty haul vehicles to operate more efficiently, thereby reducing maintenance costs. Komatsu says it will extend tire and brake life by 40 per cent on average and decrease overall expenses by up to 15 per cent.

Barrick chief executive Mark Bristow and other site leaders at NGM witnessed a live demonstration of the technology at Nevada’s Cortez gold mining site this week. This is the first time it has been used in the United States. In days past, Komatsu’s system is known to have been utilized in Canada, Australia and at multiple Chilean copper mines.

“By reducing the need for onboard operators, the FrontRunner system significantly minimizes employee exposure to potential hazards,” Bristow said in a press release on Aug. 4, “while enhancing more predictable fleet performance, better fuel consumption and continuous operations.”

Photo credit: Barrick Mining Corporation

NGM works with Nokia & Sedna on initiative

Nokia Oyj (NYSE: NOK) and Sedna Mining Tech Solutions will be deploying a customized 5G network for NGM. This marks the first time that NGM has collaborated with the Finnish telecommunications company.

However, Nevada Gold Mines has had a long-standing partnership with Sedna. The mining technology specialist previously assisted with setting up a different automated haulage system at the state’s South Arturo mine. It has also helped with automated drilling at Nevada’s Carlin operations.

“The 5G network will provide the robust foundation needed to support high-performance, safety-critical operations,” Sedna CEO Peter Dormehl boasted this week.

In the Fraser Institute’s latest annual survey of mining companies, published on Jul. 29, Nevada ranked in spot number two for investment attractiveness globally.

As the price of precious metals have been continually rising in recent months, stocks like Barrick and Newmont have become increasingly appealing for many investors. Their established operations in Nevada are a significant part of what makes them enticing to stock traders.

Nevada’s gold and antimony have also made junior mining companies with promising development-stage assets become attractive investment prospects. These two commodities are among the most sought after in the state and globe at the moment.

NevGold Corp‘s (CVE: NAU) (OTCMKTS: NAUFF) (FRA: 5E50) Limousine Butte project in White Pine County is one of the most notable sites with proven mineralization of the precious metal and critical mineral.