Standing proudly as a landmark of Western Australia’s mining heritage, the Caterpillar® 793D dump truck in Boddington offers visitors a look at the scale of modern mining. Towering above and impossible to miss, this retired haul truck provides a rare opportunity to stand up close to a machine that once played a vital role in one of Australia’s largest gold mining operations.
For more than a decade, the truck operated within the Boddington Gold Mine, transporting rock from the open pit to crushers and waste areas. Built for strength and endurance, it was capable of hauling up to 225 tonnes of material in a single load. The truck itself weighs close to 160 tonnes empty and more than 380 tonnes when fully loaded, an extraordinary comparison to the weight of dozens of elephants. Each tyre stands at an impressive 3.6 metres high, taller than most adults.
Powered by a 16-cylinder engine producing over 2,300 horsepower, the Caterpillar 793D was designed specifically for tough off-road conditions, operating continuously on purpose-built haul roads. Between 2009 and 2021, it completed approximately 132,000 load cycles. It moved around 29 million tonnes of rock, making a significant contribution to the success of the Boddington mine.
Today, as mining operations transition to fully autonomous fleets, this truck stands as a powerful reminder of a defining era in industry history. Located just a short walk from the town centre of Boddington, it offers an engaging and memorable stop for travellers, families, and anyone interested in engineering, mining, or local heritage.
