In the keynote addresses, Timothy Snider, from Phelps Dodge, stated that all commodity prices decrease with time while the cost of producing them continues to increase. Mining companies cannot control their environment, but like a sailor in a sailboat, the smart companies "adjust the sails" to make progress against the wind. New technology, and the establishment of "partnerships" with suppliers to provide "win-win" solutions is the key to success.

Ed McCord, of Komatsu Mining Systems, made analogies between the mining industry and the automotive industry. It is likely that the market will not support all of the existing truck manufacturers in the future. New technology must focus on providing high quality, simple solutions that have a low life cycle cost. This will allow mining companies to achieve the lowest possible cost/ton. Partnerships with end-users should be strengthened. Cooperative competition between suppliers, "coopetition", can benefit the mining industry as a whole.

Caterpillar reviewed the design philosophy and product development program for the 797 mechanical drive truck, which has 360 ton payload capacity. It incorporated a number of features that were recommended by a "customer council" from various mining companies. The overall goal is to provide the lowest cost/ton. The design was accomplished using an extensive use of 3D computer design tools, which allows parts to be assembled/disassembled on screen. The amount of strain gage testing in the field is significantly reduced, as it is required primarily to validate the computer model -- and not to obtain life data, as was done in the past.

Euclid's R280 AC truck is an updated version of their R260 DC-powered electric drive truck. Capacity is 280 tons with a standard body, and 290 tons with a lightweight body. The R260 was designed with inputs from a "customer council". Emphasis was placed on selecting the correct tires, horsepower, and having reliable systems on the truck. The Siemens AC drive system is based on what was used on 6000 hp AC locomotives. Efficiency of the AC drive system is 2-3% higher than what is obtained with a DC drive. Full retarding is available to 0 mph. Euclid's "wheelmotor" gear reduction is supplied by Euclid, and is a proven design that is similar to systems that have been in service for many years. The first truck is operating at Lehigh Coal in Pennsylvania, and has undergone extensive testing with no major problems detected.

Komatsu provided a review of their last two years' experience since the introduction of their 930E -- application challenges and technical problems encountered, and how Komatsu engineers have found solutions. Most of the problems have been related to the drive system -- in particular, the mechanical portion of the AC wheelmotor. Problems with gears, bearings, seals, brakes and bolted joints were discussed. Komatsu has spent a lot of engineering man-hours to solve these problems, and anticipates that many additional hours will be required to solve future problems as well.

Liebherr provided an overview of the development and features of their 360 ton T282 haul truck, which uses the Siemens AC drive system. The first truck went into service in December 1998 at the Black Thunder coal mine in Wyoming. The planetary drive system, designed and supplied by Liebherr, has experienced some initial problems in the field -- some of the same problems experienced by Komatsu on the 930E wheelmotor. The truck is equipped with Michelin 55/80 R63 low pressure tires.

Unit Rig's criteria for developing the MT5500 haul truck (340 ton) was discussed. This criteria is applied to the new range of trucks from 100 tons to 340 tons in size. These vehicles have a low maintenance profile that requires an entirely different level of support, allowing them to be deployed in remote locations with a minimum of technical and service support. The MT5500 will use an AC drive. Unit Rig is working with two electric drive system suppliers -- one being General Atomics. Plans are to begin production in 1999 or 2000.

P&H developed a parameter to describe the relative ease which any truck can be loaded by any shovel. TLC, which stands for "Truck Loading Comfort", can be determined from dimensions taken from truck and shovel equipment drawings. The need for this type of criteria was determined when mines experienced some problems obtaining centered loads on some of the new larger trucks. This TLC factor should be useful when mines are considering purchasing new trucks or shovels.

Phelps Dodge Morenci discussed their decision to fit its fleet of CAT 793s with lightweight dump bodies. The results of their evaluation show that the economics are extremely sensitive to accurately loading the truck.

Phelps Dodge Chino provided an overview of their 930E fleet. Phelps Dodge has concluded that "bigger is better", with respect to haul truck size. Productivity of the 930E is impressive, as compared to their fleet of CAT 793s, which results in a lower haulage cost/ton. Availability of the 930E has been poor, but is improving. Tire life was initially poor, but is improving. Cost per ton-mile is as projected.

Capital decision making at Cyprus Sierrita outlined the steps taken in their selection process, as well as the decision parameters used.

A closed circuit TV, to provide the truck operator with enhanced rearward and sideward vision, is used at the US Borax mine. This is done primarily to enhance safety.

Asarco Ray shared some of its ideas, generated at brainstorm sessions, regarding how to enhance productivity. Too many times, mine management is satisfied with 85% availability. It is important to understand what makes up the remaining 15%. Once this is fully understood, an action plan can be formulated. If you could achieve the additional 15%, could it be properly utilized?

Mr. Juan Rojas, of Codelco Chile, provided an insight into the future needs and direction of haulage at the Chuquicamata mine in Chile. The pit is now very deep, and will get deeper. Both electric and mechanical drive trucks have reached their limits, regarding their haulage capabilities on such long, steep grades. A challenge to the truck manufacturers was issued to work as a partnership with Codelco and propose specific haulage solutions for Chuquicamata.

Philippi-Hagenbach talked about their capability to provide application-specific dump bodies for mines. An example of a combination coal and waste body was discussed in detail. An "in-service, out-of-service" tailgate arrangement makes it impossible to overload the truck when the tailgate is in proper position.

Towhaul/Smith Equipment discussed their proposed design for a lowboy trailer with an 1100 ton capacity. In addition to the front tractor unit, the rear axles are powered by electric traction motors.

Cummins Engine Company discussed some of the benefits of their new QSK60 engines for off-highway use. Increased durability, extended maintenance intervals, and improved high altitude performance should result. With regard to serviceability, the continuous oil burn system, when combined with self cleaning filters, results in a 4000 hour oil change and 2000 hour filter change intervals. The QSK60, at 2700 hp, is designed to operate at 13,000 ft with no de-rating or decrease in service life.

Detroit Diesel's presentation on the Series 4000 engine provided a brief summary of its operating history, and then focused on how the product would continue to be developed. The need for establishing partnerships with customers was also discussed.

GE told of how they use "six sigma" methodology to focus the company's efforts on a few critical items, known as CTQs. GE's management is very committed to this, and it has saved the company a lot of money. It was suggested that mining companies could use this methodology to reduce their costs as well. GE announced that they plan to introduce an AC drive for a 150 ton truck sometime during the year 2000, which could incorporate IGBT technology.

Siemens provided a summary of their AC drive system, which is used on the Liebherr T282 and TI272, and on the Euclid R280. The system has sufficient capability to power trucks larger than 360 tons, as it can provide constant power of 5,600 hp. All Siemens systems can be easily upgraded to trolley, at a later time, at minimal cost.

Rimex discussed the impact of radial tires on wheels and rims, and how their company produces specialized products to meet these needs.

Bridgestone spoke of their new 63" tires for 320+ ton trucks, which will be used on the CAT 797, Liebherr T282, and Unit Rib MT5500. Also, they have produced new tires to fit the 240 ton class trucks. They are currently developing an Electronic Tire Maintenance System (ETMS), which is a chip mounted inside the tire to measure tire temperature, pressure and other variables.

Goodyear is designing an "intelligent" tire system, but they are concentrating on a "passive" system which does not requires a battery like the "active" systems that other manufacturers are developing. They are also working on a radically new tire design, which is completely different from any tire ever built.

Michelin provided an update on their low pressure tire technology. They worked closely with Caterpillar to develop a new tire for use on the 793 truck. Since its introduction, 25 trucks have logged 100,000 truck hours, and it is now considered a proven tire. Up to a 15-20% increase in tire life has been achieved. They also developed a similar tire for 360 ton trucks, which is now in service on the CAT 797 and Liebherr T282, and for 280 ton trucks, which is now in service on the Euclid R280. Michelin has also developed a "chip in a tire", which is known as MEMS. Durability testing is underway, and a commercial launch is scheduled for early in 2000.