Komatsu introduces new hard rock excavator to Vale in Sudbury

Komatsu and Vale (NYSE: VALE) are working together to advance the future of underground hard rock excavation by collaborating to optimize use of Komatsu’s DynaCut mechanical cutting technology.

The companies will start trialling DynaCut’s capabilities on Komatsu’s new MC51 machine at Vale’s Garson nickel-copper mine in Sudbury, Ont. These trials will help make the innovative technology available to the larger market in a timely manner.

Through more than 10 years of research and development, Komatsu has determined how to break rock continuously and precisely through a fully electric system that outputs zero emissions. By automating and controlling processes so the machine can be operated remotely via line of site, Komatsu customers can move their operators further from the cutting face and out of harm’s way, leveraging DynaCut technology and the MC51 machine.

“We’re excited to be trialing this new machine and technology because it offers the potential to really change the way our customers mine,” said Rudie Boshoff, director of hard rock cutting systems at Komatsu. “Not only does the DynaCut technology provide a very controllable way of cutting rock – within 50 millimeters accuracy to plan – the machine itself, the MC51, is designed to advance more sustainable mining methods by reducing the amount of equipment required to get to the orebody.”

Komatsu and Vale will be introducing their partnership to drive innovation on Sept. 13, 2021, onstage at the Komatsu booth, #7027, at MINExpo 2021 in Las Vegas.

Can’t make it to MINExpo in person this year? Join Komatsu online for this special presentation with Vale, as well as other virtual experiences from the show, at our virtual event hub. Register today and see more details at www.komatsuevents.com/?ref=press-vale.

The DC51 and DynaCut are also being trialed at the Kanmantoo copper mine owned by Hillgrove Resources (ASX: HGO) in South Australia. The equipment will be used to develop the Kavanagh  portal, about 500 metres of decline, and develop underground drilling bays. The territorial government has offered a A$2 million grant to support the work.

To learn more visit www.komatsu.com.