Caterpillar Inc and Cat Dealer WesTrac have signed MoU with Fortescue Metals Group based in Perth to implement an autonomous mining solution that is focused on delivering productivity and performance gains for Fortescue new Solomon iron ore mine.

This solution will comprise a number of elements, including the full Cat MineStar System technology suite and an initial fleet of 12 Command for hauling autonomous 793F trucks to be implemented in third and fourth quarter 2012. At full operational capacity, it is anticipated the Solomon mine will have approximately 45 autonomous trucks by 2015.

Mr Chris Curfman Vice President of Caterpillar Global Mining said "This agreement confirms and validates Caterpillar commitment to our customers by producing state of the art solutions that provide a significant step change in mining productivity and safety. By working closely with mining customers, we are able to tailor a solution to their specific business needs using Caterpillar broad range of products, technology and services. This collaboration will also positively impact sustainability at Fortescue Solomon mine through reduced environmental footprint and machine efficiencies."

Mr Neville Power Fortescue Chief Operating Officer said "Innovation is at the heart of Fortescue values. It is how we started this business through different exploration and mining practices, and it will be critical in how we implement our extensive growth aspirations. One of the key growth challenges we face is around availability of people and the need to best utilize this valuable resource. As such, it is incumbent upon us to look at new ways of doing things."

Mr Power added that "Partnering with the world's leading mining equipment supplier and their most accomplished dealer to develop the automation of our mining operations is a great outcome. The expected roll out is more than just a trial with the plan to get to 12 machines by 2012 and then growing to 45 by 2015. It is the unique capabilities that the three parties bring to this agreement that will deliver the world's leading autonomous mining solution at Solomon."

Caterpillar and WesTrac will work together to implement and operate this autonomous solution for Fortescue. The two organizations together will provide product and technology implementation, consulting and change management services to Solomon mine, as well as operate the complete autonomous system once it is implemented. In addition, WesTrac will be fully responsible for supporting the large Caterpillar mining fleet at Solomon with machine and technology technicians and support personnel.

Mr Jim Walker CEO of WesTrac Group said "For the past 10 years, WesTrac has been a leader in selling, implementing and supporting mining technology products that help mining companies achieve improved productivity and asset utilization. By marrying our deep Cat product expertise with these 'building block' technologies, we are well positioned with Caterpillar to provide Solomon mine with a turn-key autonomous mining solution."