NORCAT, Komatsu, Becker Mining ink partnership
NORCAT, Komatsu, and Becker Mining have formed a collaboration to focus on leveraging the capabilities of the NORCAT Underground Centre to accelerate the development, testing, and commercialization of cutting-edge mining technologies in a real-world environment.
Komatsu is using the NORCAT Underground Centre to further develop and refine its WX04B battery-electric load-haul-dump (LHD) machine. This partnership is pivotal for gaining valuable insights into the machine’s performance in an operational mining environment, reducing the time to market by bridging product development and deployment gaps, and shaping the future of battery-electric equipment for the mining industry. Tyler Vien, LHD Product Manager at Komatsu, praised NORCAT’s facility for its accessibility and ability to replicate hard-rock mining conditions, which complements Komatsu’s hard rock product development.
Mining technology
Becker Mining Systems aims to refine its safety, productivity, and efficiency-enhancing technologies by utilizing the NORCAT Underground Centre. Their objective include; overcoming traditional field-testing barriers to deliver solutions more rapidly, using NORCAT’s mobile equipment, communications networks (5G and Wi-Fi), and active headings and engaging with industry-leading technology partners and mining professionals to enhance the solutions’ relevance and impact.
Albert Bower, CEO of Varis Mine, highlighted the importance of NORCAT’s real-world testing environment for driving progress in mining innovation. Don Duval, CEO of NORCAT, also emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering innovation and shaping the future of mining. The NORCAT Underground Centre provides a unique space where mining technology companies can de-risk and optimize their products, bridging the gap between concept and commercialization.
