Digital revolution at Plutonic gold mine

Catalyst Metals (ASX: CYL) has announced a transformative move to digital operations at its Plutonic gold mine in North Meekatharra in WA.

The move, incorporating RCT-Powered by Epiroc, comes as the company prepares for the future of mining technology.

RCT is a global technology partner that offers an array of interoperable machine solutions to revolutionise the mining sector by reducing operational costs and improving bottom line profit.

Catalyst’s digital revolution consists of comprehensive upgrades to existing machines, not just new equipment, including Sandvik and Cat loaders with the implementation of RCT’s AutoNav package. This state-of-the-art technology enables the machines to navigate autonomously with higher precision that ensures increased productivity and improved working environments for operators.

The adoption of modular platforms is a standout of this transition, allowing operators to control loaders from the comfort of a light vehicle that can be driven to the working stope. This provides a flexible and scalable solution for the site which further drives operational efficiency.

The platforms are designed for easy integration with newly updated digital systems that are already onsite to ensure seamless communication and data transfer across the mine.

To support these changes the site has also upgraded its communication network with its own advanced digital Wi-Fi solution, RCT Connect.

The upgrade allows operators and maintenance workers to access real-time diagnostics and be made aware of potential issues before they become a costly problem.

The digital systems also come with higher tolerance and precision that reduces issues, such as overheating, that are often associated with outdated analogue systems. This leads to not only improved performance but also lower maintenance costs and longer lifetimes for equipment.

This digital revolution reinforces Catalyst’s commitment to innovation and sustainability by representing the company’s pivotal and forward-thinking approach.

Over the past two years Catalyst has increased and stabilised production at the Plutonic Main underground mine in central WA. The company reported 18,265oz of gold production at an ASIC of $2,587 oz for the last quarter at its flagship Plutonic project.

The project sits on 45 granted mining leases with 40km in strike length along the Plutonic-Marymia gold belt.

Catalyst management commented that the Plutonic gold belt has the potential to become a meaningful asset in the WA gold landscape.

Over the next year, Catalyst is planning to develop three new projects along the deposit that have a low capital intensity of $31m.