GE and Komatsu working on next generation of underground mining equipment

GE and Komatsu working on next generation of underground mining equipment

741px-NNSA-NSO-1300The companies GE Transportation and Komatsu have teamed up to develop the next generation of underground mining equipment. The firms signed a joint venture agreement and are now ready to pool resources in an effort to boost innovation in this industry.

The new company, called Komatsu GE Mining Systems and equally owned by the two holders, will be based in Erie, Pennsylvania (United States), and should start working in April.

The joint venture will be focused on the underground trend, as higher grade ores closer to the surface become increasingly depleted, according to Mining Australia.

This is not the first time Komatsu and GE Transportation are cooperating in a project: the companies have previously developed open pit mining dump trucks. Now, GE announced it will bring its electric power and drive system experience to the table, while Komatsu will specialise in developing its ICT technologies.