Nevada Gold Mines, Komatsu launch autonomous haulage partnership in the US 

Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) and Komatsu have partnered to elevate workplace safety and enhance operational efficiency through the deployment of Komatsu’s FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System (AHS).  

NGM, a joint venture between Barrick Mining (NYSE: B) and Newmont (NYSE: NEM) will be automating their fleet of 300 and 230 tonne haul trucks across their surface operations.  

While visiting the company’s Cortez operations this week, Barrick chief executive Mark Bristow joined site leaders to witness a live demonstration of the FrontRunner AHS.  

The collaboration marks the first implementation of the system for both companies within the United States, Barrick said. 

“This is a strong example of how proven global solutions can be adapted to meet NGM’s specific operational needs,” Bristow said in a news release.  

“Barrick and NGM are committed to innovation that drives meaningful change. But more than that, it’s about protecting our people. By reducing the need for onboard operators, the FrontRunner system significantly minimizes employee exposure to potential hazards, while enhancing more predictable fleet performance, better fuel consumption and continuous operations — all of which contribute to a safer, more sustainable future for mining,” Bristow said.  

“The scale and ambition of this deployment mark a major milestone for autonomous mining in America,” added Braden Weisheit, GM, mining technology solutions at Komatsu.

“To support the performance and reliability of this cutting-edge system, Sedna and Nokia will deploy a customized 5G communications infrastructure. This tailored network will provide the high-speed, low-latency connectivity required for seamless system performance, real-time data exchange and safe, remote equipment operation.”