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DESIGNED FOR FUTURE UPDATES — WITH A FOCUS ON THE ENERGY TRANSITION
The first next generation Cat® Hydraulic Mining Shovel (HMS), the 6060, was recently introduced in the market, and additional models are in development. While many updates are available today, a focus on the future is key.
That further emphasizes the importance of the electronic architecture that is designed for future updates. The development of next generation machines follows a development approach focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
Recognizing that sustainability and carbon footprint are key focus areas for miners today, next generation shovel innovation is closely tied to mining companies’ energy transitions goals.
“The loading tool is an important piece of many of our customers’ carbon reduction journey and we have already partnered with some of them on these efforts,” says Paul Taylor, HMS Value Stream Manager. “The advantage we have is that we already have a solution for them.”
Caterpillar Engineering Manager Sean Johnson explains that in the future, next generation shovels will be power agnostic, with two different options for the power module: diesel or electric drive. They will be basically the same machine except for the power module and upper counterweight, which can even be swapped years down the road.
“Basically we will have the opportunity to convert,” Johnson says. “You can start out with diesel, and as your mine site grows its electric infrastructure, you could convert that to an electric machine, replacing the two diesel engines with two electric motors. Most everything else will remain the same.”
Current diesel-powered machines are also delivering sustainability benefits through efficiency improvements that reduce fuel burn. For example, the next generation 6060 reduces fuel usage up to 15%. “Hydraulic optimization is really helping right now in that space,” says Johnson.
Looking at the future of mining, Lane Hobenshield, HMS Technical Steward, sees advancements allowing customers to select smaller or fewer loading and hauling units to deliver the same production with a smaller environmental footprint at a lower cost.
“An increase in annual production combined with mining truck advancements will significantly affect the loading and hauling system cost-per-ton equation, which may differ from historic recommendations,” says Hobenshield. “Given our full range of loading and hauling equipment and cost simulation tools, Caterpillar can work with customers to determine what is right for their mine site.”