Editorial comment
To those outside the industry, mining is about powerful machines designed to perform a single, simple task. Historically, this may have been the case, but today, the mining industry has evolved into much more of a science. Mining companies expect smart technology and reliable support to make the most out of every shift, every cycle, and every ton of material moved.
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Over the last century, the Caterpillar name has become synonymous with mining solutions. Throughout the decades, we have closely collaborated with customers to develop the equipment and technologies to meet their mining needs.
In 2025, Caterpillar marks the 100th anniversary of one big idea that changed the world. In 1925, Holt Manufacturing Company and C.L. Best Tractor Company combined their strengths and visions for the future to form the Caterpillar Tractor Company. The merger resulted in the development of the first diesel-powered tractor, giving customers a more reliable and powerful source of productivity.
From these humble roots, we have continued to build strong relationships and expand our capabilities. Today, Caterpillar and Cat® dealers offer a broad line of mining equipment, technologies, and services. Our century-long journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Working alongside our customers, we continually push the boundaries of what is possible. Our success has been driven by the resilience and creativity of the Caterpillar team, and demonstrated by the remarkable achievements of our customers. Miners can look forward to this continuing over the next 100 years.
Caterpillar has been a part of numerous mining breakthroughs over the years. These include the industry’s first true motor graders, the first dozer with resilient carriage and elevated sprocket to meet mining’s demand for more power, and Cat MineStarTM Solutions’ comprehensive suite of technology offerings.
MineStar offers comprehensive solutions for both surface and underground mining that allow customers to measure, manage, and maximise operations. With integrated fleet monitoring and management systems, high-precision guidance technologies, and material tracking, it helps customers increase efficiency. Caterpillar remains committed to advancing and growing the technology portfolio to support safer and more productive mining environments.
This commitment to productive mining continues through autonomy and automation. Caterpillar has been investing in autonomy in mining for over 20 years. Removing the operator from the cab introduces new benefits, including improved cycle consistency, enhanced safety, and opportunities for advanced skill development. We continue to innovate by expanding and scaling our autonomous technology to serve the quarry and aggregate industry.
We continue to test the limits of what is possible, working alongside our customers and Cat dealers to take mining to places it has never been. We have introduced the industry’s first diesel-electric underground loader, the R2900 XE; first demonstrated battery-electric large mining truck, the 793 XE; and first live demonstration of our Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) solution.
We remain committed to developing innovative technologies that help our customers navigate the evolving energy landscape. DET represents a significant leap forward in energy management, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These advancements are about meeting today’s challenges as well as preparing for the future of mining, where technology drives efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Like our founders, we innovate and evolve with our customers, designing solutions to help them work to a superior level of efficiency. It is that kind of commitment that will lead mining into the future. Nobody knows for certain what the mining industry will be like in 2125, but one thing is clear: Caterpillar will be there helping it work smarter and more efficiently, to make the world a better, more sustainable place.
