MRN Implements Automation Technology in Bulldozer to Ensure Greater Safety in Bauxite Mining in Pará

The CAT Command For Dozer Automation Technology Is MRN’s New Bet To Bring More Safety To Its Mining Plants In The State Of Pará And With It The Operator Will Have More Efficiency In Controlling The Bulldozer

Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN) has initiated its pilot project for the implementation of CAT Command for Dozer automation technology in its bauxite mining operations in Oriximiná, in the state of Pará. Thus, the company highlighted last Wednesday (05/25) that the main objective of the project is to ensure more safety for operators and enable much more effective control of the bulldozer in mineral exploration. 

MRN’s Pilot Project For The Implementation Of Automation Technology In Bulldozer Is Started At The Bauxite Mining Plant In Oriximiná 

MRN announced new investments in improvements to bauxite mining operations in the state of Pará and has started its pilot project for the implementation of CAT Command for Dozer technology at the Oriximiná plant. Thus, the company aims to ensure more control of the bulldozer for the worker and, consequently, provide much more safety throughout the entire production chain of mineral exploration in the region.

CAT Command for Dozer is a technology aimed at automating the bulldozer and allows direct integration with the electronic systems of the equipment, indicating the state and condition of the machine, entirely remotely.

Furthermore, the bulldozer operator will have the ability to control the engine, implements, transmission, auxiliary functions, and remote operation of the fire suppression system with just the remote technology. This will bring much greater control over the entire bauxite production process in the state of Pará and will also ensure more efficiency for MRN. 

This technology also allows the operator to perform all these functions on the bulldozer from a distance of up to 400 meters, enough to avoid any accidents during mineral production. MRN stated that this is the most viable way to ensure not only more safety for workers but also even greater efficiency in production since processes will be carried out much faster with the technology. Additionally, it hopes to implement this initiative in other exploration plants in the coming years.

Initial Phases Of Implementing The Pilot Project Of CAT Command For Dozer Technology In Bulldozer Operations Are Focused On Training Workers

MRN highlighted another benefit of installing this automation technology beyond safety for workers in bauxite mining, which is the low need for cutting-edge infrastructure. This is because teleoperation mode can be performed through a remote control or an Operation Station, and the use of the control does not require extensive infrastructure on-site. Thus, the company installed peripherals such as antennas on the bulldozer to make control even easier. 

In addition, the company is now investing in training workers to ensure safety in operations, and Igor Ribeiro, Mine Operation Engineer, commented on the initial phase of the project, stating that “We chose more experienced professionals in bulldozer operations who were already working on service fronts. The training is 120 hours long and is supervised by specialized instructors. The training covers operators, engineers, instructors, and technical managers.”

Finally, MRN announced that it plans to move to the second phase of the technology implementation project as early as 2024, with the installation of a much more advanced Operations Center. Until then, it seeks to gradually invest in safety at the bauxite exploration plant.