How Agnostic Automation Supercharges Stawell’s Mixed Mining Fleet
Stawell Gold Mine, situated some 250 km north‑west of Melbourne, isn’t exactly new to automation. For over two decades, it’s called on RCT – Powered by Epiroc to enhance safety and ramp up productivity in its underground operations.
When the mine recently welcomed two CAT 2900XE diesel‑electric loaders into its fleet, it naturally turned again to RCT’s AutoNav—their multi‑machine automation framework—to bring these new units seamlessly into the fold.
Why Agnostic Automation Matters Most
Using the same automation platform across diverse machines isn’t just convenient—it’s crucial. As Owen Perrott, RCT’s Brisbane Branch Manager, explains: “Having them operate on the same software was essential for the site. They had existing RCT AutoNav Centres on the surface and underground cabins, and site wanted their operators to control all the machines from these cabins.”
That means no more shifting operator stations every time a new loader rolls in—minimising wasted movement, downtime, and operational disruption.
Plus, running mixed OEM fleets is rare. Most mines stick to a single brand. That’s why this case is especially noteworthy: integration across brand lines without compromise.
A First for RCT—and a Breakthrough
This marks the first installation of AutoNav onto the CAT 2900XE hybrid loader by RCT’s Brisbane team. Operators often hear such hybrid machines are off-limits for automation—but RCT defied the notion.
“We are constantly hearing from our clients that they have been told these hybrid machines can’t be automated, so it’s a real buzz for us being able to do it. And do it well,” says Perrott.
Teamwork on the Ground
One machine was fitted at the OEM’s William Adams facility, the other onsite at Stawell, with RCT’s Technician, Dan Peake, giving the crucial software upgrade his expert attention to keep things running smoothly.
Stawell’s Electrical Superintendent, Luke Norsworthy, warmly acknowledged the effort: “We appreciate the efforts put in by all and understand this can be a quite tricky transition to plan and undertake with our mixed fleet.”
Perrott added: “This particular job required the Brisbane team to communicate with multiple people to ensure it was delivered successfully and I’m really proud of the job they have done.”
AutoNav: Built for Flexibility and Scale
RCT’s AutoNav isn’t a one-size-fits-all gizmo. It’s an OEM‑agnostic, scalable, fully adaptable platform that takes loaders from basic line‑of‑sight control all the way up to fully fledged fleet management—and everything in between.
Key benefits:
- Interoperability: Works with virtually any make or model.
- Scalability: Adapts to operational readiness—grow at your own pace.
- Efficiency & Safety: Increases uptime, reduces unplanned downtime, improves fuel use, and maintains operator wellbeing.
Implementing AutoNav can deliver both short‑term productivity wins and long‑term strategic value—especially in mixed fleets like Stawell’s.
Drawing from Industry Trends and Wider Significance
- Hybrid Loader Automation: RCT has previously pioneered agnostic automation for CAT R2900XE hybrids at other sites, like IGO’s Spotted Quoll mine, signalling a broader shift toward sustainable, efficient fleet modernisation.
- Mining Automation Momentum: The push to automate and electrify machinery is reshaping the sector—from autonomous electric loaders in Canada to deep‑learning-based fleet dispatch systems developed in research labs.
Across the industry, operators are hungry for automation that doesn’t force them into OEM silos.
Mixed-brand Fleets Automated from Day One
Stawell Gold Mine proves you don’t have to adhere to a single-void ecosystem. By harnessing RCT’s agnostic AutoNav system, it has shown how mixed-brand fleets, new CAT hybrids alongside legacy Epiroc loaders, can be automated from day one, without compromising operator stations, safety, or productivity.
This is a tangible step in the mining sector’s automation journey, one that others are sure to follow.
