Randgold Resources’ “introduction of first-world technology to Mali” at its expanding Loulo gold mine in the country’s west has provided Remote Control Technologies with another entry point into the increasingly significant African market.

RCT was engaged via the Caterpillar dealer Delmas to supply and install line-of-sight remote control systems for two Caterpillar underground loaders in use at Loulo. Mine equipment operators and mechanics also received product training so they can use RCT remote test and service kits to undertake preventative maintenance. Local Caterpillar equipment dealer Delmas is contracted to provide after sales service at the mine, with RCT also providing OEM support through the dealer.

“It’s the first project we’ve done for Randgold and the first underground project we’ve done in Mali,” said RCT senior business development manager Phil Goode.

“We have been active for some time in other African countries and certainly see good scope to continue the transfer of state-of-the-art remote and Teleremote technologies being widely used in places like Australia to Africa as operators switch to more mechanised mining practices.”