PEORIA, Ill., July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) has announced a groundbreaking alignment with BHP Billiton (NYSE: BHP) to develop an autonomous mining haulage system. The agreement couples the market leader in mining equipment with the world's largest diversified natural resources company.

'Our joint autonomous technology project is a significant initiative that will bring benefits to both Caterpillar and BHP Billiton,' said Caterpillar Group President, Stu Levenick. 'This close collaboration will focus on Caterpillar building an autonomous haulage system that will tightly integrate with BHP Billiton mining processes.'

As part of the alignment, Cat and BHP Billiton are launching joint autonomous mining haulage development programs. The companies' development program includes enhancing the existing mining trucks by integrating them with robust autonomous sub-systems many of which are Caterpillar technologies already proven in the marketplace. The companies plan to have autonomous trucks at selected mine sites by 2010.

Autonomous technology is designed to provide productivity gains through more consistency in processes. It is expected that autonomous mining will help minimize environmental impact by both improved efficiency and overall mine safety. The collaboration further illustrates both companies' commitment to sustainable development.

'Caterpillar is dedicated to helping our mining customers improve safety, boost efficiency and increase profitability,' said Chris Curfman, President of Cat Global Mining & Vice President of Caterpillar Inc. 'This application of new technologies will have a positive impact on mining operations around the world.'

Caterpillar officials anticipate announcing further details of the product introduction timeline this September at MINExpo(R) 2008.

Caterpillar was the first original equipment manufacturer to successfully develop an autonomous mining truck, having demonstrated this capability in the mid-90's. Since that time, Cat has been assembling the most comprehensive autonomous truck system in the world.

'Caterpillar scientists and engineers have partnered with leading universities and top autonomy experts to enhance the core technologies for a fully integrated mine site operation,' said Caterpillar Vice President of Electronics & Connected Worksite, Gwenne Henricks. 'By aligning ourselves with the best and the brightest minds in the fields of science and engineering, Caterpillar continues to make sustainable progress possible around the world.'

About Cat

For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2007 sales and revenues of $44.958 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at http://www.cat.com

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SOURCE Caterpillar Inc.