Newmont says it has successfully commissioned the Cat® 6040 next generation hydraulic mining shovel at its Ahafo South mine, in Ghana, making it the first operation within Newmont and one of only three mine sites globally to deploy this cutting-edge technology.
The new 400 t-class shovel is designed to enhance safety, improve productivity and strengthen the reliability of mining operations through advanced technology and industry-leading safety features. It loads the 147 t Cat 785 in four passes and offers eight-pass loading capabilities on the 327 t Cat 796 AC.
The new design integrates more standard technologies such as Cat Payload, which measures every bucket load to help customers consistently achieve target truck payloads without overloading or underloading, boosting load-haul cycle efficiency. It also features an optimised hydraulic system with variable, on-demand hydraulic oil flow to reduce excess heat, conserve energy and prolong component life.
Alex Kofi Annin, General Manager of Newmont Ahafo South, said: “This investment reflects our commitment to innovation, operational excellence and creating long-term value for our people, communities and stakeholders.”
Commercial production at Ahafo South began in 2006, marking the start of Newmont’s operations in the Ahafo region. As Ghana’s largest gold mine, Ahafo South has produced more than 10 Moz of gold to date through both surface and underground mining.