Capturing Mining Trucks at a Gold Mine in West Wyalong, NSW

As a Sydney-based industrial photographer, I have had the opportunity to work on numerous fascinating projects. Recently, I was commissioned to photograph mining trucks at a gold mine in West Wyalong, New South Wales. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience capturing these massive machines at work and provide a glimpse into the unique world of mining truck operations.

The Project

The objective of this photography assignment was to capture the mining trucks in action at the gold mine, showcasing their size, power, and essential role in the mining process. These colossal vehicles, built by Caterpillar (CAT), are a vital component of the mining industry, enabling the efficient transport of massive amounts of ore and other materials.

Preparing for the Shoot

Photographing mining trucks at a working gold mine is no small feat. Safety is paramount, and I had to undergo rigorous safety training and adhere to strict safety protocols throughout the shoot. Additionally, it was crucial to plan the shoot carefully to minimize disruption to the mine’s operations and ensure that the images accurately represented the mining process.

The Mining Truck Drivers

While at the gold mine, I came across an interesting anecdote highlighting the competitive nature of mining truck drivers. The drivers are judged by how many kilometres they can get out of a set of tires. This is hardly surprising, considering each tire costs more than a luxury German car.

In the mine’s crib room, a large chart ranks each driver by the mileage they achieve from their tires. Interestingly, female drivers occupied the top spots on this leaderboard. According to the mine workers, this is because female drivers tend to be less aggressive with their gear changes, resulting in less wear and tear on the tires.

Capturing the Mining Trucks

The sheer scale of these CAT trucks made for a dramatic and awe-inspiring subject. I focused on capturing the trucks in various stages of the mining process, from loading to transporting and unloading the ore. To truly convey the magnitude of these vehicles, I used a wide-angle lens and experimented with different angles and perspectives, from ground level to elevated vantage points.

In addition to photographing the trucks themselves, I also aimed to capture the human element of the mining process. This involved photographing the drivers at work and showcasing the teamwork and dedication required to keep these massive machines running efficiently.

Photographing mining trucks at the gold mine in West Wyalong, NSW, was a unique and unforgettable experience. As an industrial photographer, it’s always a privilege to gain insight into the inner workings of various industries and capture the beauty and power of the machinery that drives them. This project not only allowed me to showcase the impressive CAT mining trucks but also shed light on the skilled drivers who play a crucial role in the mining process. Their tire-saving abilities, in particular, serve as a testament to the importance of skill and technique in this demanding profession.