The new Cat® HTD4100 High Torque Drive System for longwall armored face conveyors enables a higher level of automation for enhanced speed and torque control and real-time monitoring, and its modular design simplifies installation and maintenance.

Caterpillar’s newest large mining truck, the 794 AC, makes its mining show debut at MINExpo 2016. The 291-tonne (320-ton) capacity truck uses a combination of proven designs—a chassis design that has accumulated about 18 million operating hours and power train design that has racked up three million hours.

Caterpillar is adding the new AD22 Underground Truck to its hard rock mining product line. The 22.0-tonne-payload (24.2-ton-payload) articulated dump truck is the smallest in the Cat® product line, yet it is designed to deliver the productive performance and durability of its proven, larger counterparts. Its small operating envelope and agile characteristics enhance productivity in any mining application suited for this size class.

Caterpillar now offers factory installed fire suppression systems on certain models of Cat® surface mining equipment. The integrated designs by Caterpillar engineers help ensure high reliability and extended durability of the systems. The factory installation option also speeds machine delivery by cutting time required for field installation.

The Cat® MD6420C Rotary Drill is built to deliver high production at the lowest total cost in hard- and soft-rock applications. With a bit load force of up to 42 000 kg (92,594 lb) and the ability to drill holes up to 311 mm (12.25 in.) in diameter and down to 74.3 m (244 ft) deep, the new drill is ideal for high-volume production.

Designed to lower fuel costs and increase operating efficiency, the recently updated Cat 992K Wheel Loader features Caterpillar’s Economy Mode operation. With the new On-Demand Throttle arrangement, the 992K automatically manages engine speed, combining the efficiency of a manual throttle with ergonomic throttle lock operation. Caterpillar performance studies have shown the 992K reduces fuel consumption by as much as 21% compared to the previous model series.

Software developers, data scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs will convene in San Francisco from September 23-25, 2016 for a 54-hour hackathon sponsored by Caterpillar and Unearthed, an Australia-based open innovation organization for the global resources sector.

To recognize the 35th anniversary of the Cat® 3500 engine platform, and as an expression of the company’s commitment to powering human progress, Caterpillar Inc. will give a 3500 powered generator set to a charitable organization that is making a difference in the world.

For mine operators, keeping an electric rope shovel in the bank is essential for optimum productivity and profitability. Recognizing this vital requirement, Caterpillar has developed the Operator Assist—Enhanced Motion Control system, standard on new 7495 Series shovels and available for certain Cat® 7495 and Bucyrus 495 shovels in service.

The agreement will provide Caterpillar with additional design options in the 20-metric-tonnes and smaller payload class.

Whitehaven Coal Limited has placed an order for 50 Cat® longwall roof supports to extend its Narrabri North longwall from 300 meters to 400 meters—to increase production and reduce costs.

The efficient mining system is designed to replace conventional drill-and-blast operations in low heights, ranging from 1.3 to 2.0 meters (4.2 to 6.6 ft) and in bedded deposits such as some types of platinum, copper and gold deposits. The system can follow the seam and maximize ore mined while keeping dilution to a minimum.