Caterpillar to discontinue some underground equipment ranges

In a “strategic initiative” to restructure and optimise its manufacturing footprint, US mining equipment manufacturer Caterpillar has decided to place its soft rock room and pillar underground equipment production under review and will stop taking orders for this equipment. The company has announced its intention to pursue “strategic alternatives” including possible divestiture of its underground mining room and pillar products. Caterpillar will also discontinue the manufacture of track drills. However, Caterpillar emphasises that it remains committed to underground mining, which it sees as an attractive and growing long-term industry.