In a significant stride for Peru’s mining sector, Ferreyros, a heavy machinery leader, and copper miner Minera Chinalco Peru have launched an autonomous Cat drill at the Toromocho Mining Unit in Junín. This deployment marks a global first for Caterpillar’s autonomy technology in electric drills, remotely controlled from a teleoperation station in Lima, over 150 km away. The Cat MD6640 electric drill, equipped with Caterpillar’s MineStar Command for drilling technology, performs inline drilling autonomously, executing tasks with precision and efficiency.
The autonomous drill’s operations are overseen by a controller in Lima, who designs missions and supervises the system. This remote operation capability allows a single controller to manage multiple autonomous systems simultaneously, enhancing operational flexibility. Santiago Basualdo, Manager of Ferreyros’ Large Mining Division, emphasized the milestone, stating, “We expanded the scope of autonomy in mining in Peru, contributing with state-of-the-art technology to the objectives of our customers. This solution, together with Minera Chinalco Peru and Caterpillar, sets a new standard in autonomy for Cat electric drills, which amplifies their positive impact.”
Willy Coronado, manager of Information Technology, Communications and Automation (TICA) at Minera Chinalco Peru, highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation and safety. “The incorporation of this cutting-edge technology, hand in hand with strategic partners such as Caterpillar and Ferreyros, underscores Minera Chinalco Peru’s commitment to operational excellence and safety. We continue to bet on innovation and investment in high-standard capabilities in our Toromocho mining unit,” he said.
This deployment is not Ferreyros’ first foray into mining autonomy. For the past five years, a fleet of 32 Cat autonomous 794 AC mining trucks has been successfully operating at Anglo American’s Quellaveco copper mine in southern Peru, contributing to enhanced safety and operational efficiency. Caterpillar’s MineStar Command for Drilling solution is touted to provide tangible benefits, including improved safety by removing operators from hazardous areas, increased productivity through consistent execution, and precision control that optimizes blasting results.
Ferreyros has maintained a strong presence in the Toromocho operation since its construction over 15 years ago, providing a fleet of high-productivity Caterpillar equipment. The company’s experience and commitment to technological advancement are evident in this latest deployment, which is poised to influence the broader mining sector in Peru and beyond.
The integration of autonomous technology in mining operations is not merely a technological upgrade but a strategic shift that could redefine industry standards. As more companies adopt similar technologies, the sector may witness a paradigm shift towards safer, more efficient, and precise mining practices. This development could also spur further innovation, encouraging other mining companies to invest in and implement autonomous solutions, ultimately driving the industry towards a more technologically advanced and sustainable future. The ripple effects of this deployment could extend to workforce training, operational strategies, and even regulatory frameworks, as the industry adapts to the evolving landscape of autonomous mining.