Our History — Decades of Partnership, Commitment and Evolution

In the 1980s and early 1990s, miners were focused on lowering cost per ton with new product innovations. Our response was a line of highly reliable and high performing mechanical-drive trucks, innovated dozers with an elevated sprocket design, and a line of reliable, industry-standard mining support equipment

As miners focused on step changes in production, the 1990s and early 2000s saw them taking a bigger-is-better approach to mining. Caterpillar responded with even larger equipment for surface mining, and added larger trucks and loaders for hard rock operations.

From 2000 to 2010, miners were focused on more: larger fleets, new mines, greater productivity, enhanced safety — and more profit. In response, we expanded our product offerings, increased capacity in our factories, began producing both mechanical-drive and electric-drive trucks, found new ways to make our products safer, and acquired a large lineup of surface and underground machines to add to our product portfolio.
 

By 2010, technology and automation had taken center stage. Miners were looking for technology solutions and “smarter iron” that could help them increase productivity, control costs and better manage their equipment fleets. Caterpillar became more focused on our technology and automation solutions, working alongside customers to help them take advantage of these offerings. We also introduced autonomous solutions for both surface and underground applications.

As 2020 drew closer, we continued to find new ways to help our customers get more from their machines, making step-change improvements in machine availability, productivity and equipment management. We searched for breakthroughs in productivity and cost benefits, such as fully automated mine sites and alternative fuels. And we developed machines that meet the latest emissions regulations and have less of an impact on the environment.
 

While today’s mining industry may not look the same as it did decades ago, our focus has remained the same: We are committed to being a true partner in our customers’ success. We provide quality products, technologies, services and solutions. We work alongside them and leverage our joint strengths, knowledge and resources to develop new products and technologies. We deliver total solutions — like power generation, financing options and complete customized solutions that combine products and services to address a specific challenge. And we go beyond the iron to help them address the challenges they face.