Australia’s and much of the world’s mining sectors are undergoing a transformative phase driven by automation and digitization. However, easily remedied challenges still remain.
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted industries worldwide to fast-track automation and digitization, and the mining and metals sector was no exception. In Australia, renowned for being one of the largest mineral producers globally, mining companies have been at the forefront of adopting automation to stay competitive.
Integrating physical and operational automation with information technology (IT) automation has become a focal point for driving the mining industry’s safety, productivity, and profitability. As Australia witnesses a rapid rise in automated mining practices, exploring how these advancements will shape the sector’s future is imperative.
A Unified Fleet for Autonomy
Australia’s mining landscape is witnessing a significant shift towards autonomous operations. The collaboration between Epiroc and ASI Mining has resulted in a groundbreaking achievement for the industry. Their joint effort led to the development of an autonomous haul truck solution for Roy Hill, an iron miner in the country.
This technology stands out because it is interoperable and scalable, allowing any company to utilize it, irrespective of their truck manufacturer. This breakthrough eliminates the need for mining companies to commit to a single truck manufacturer for extended periods.
Roy Hill, already a frontrunner in autonomous mining, plans to convert its fleet of 96 trucks into fully autonomous operations. By incorporating onboard automation systems, these trucks navigate the mine’s virtual map and communicate with other vehicles and a remote operations center located over 2,000km away in Perth.
The test fleet has not only met the desired safety metrics but has also outperformed conventional manned trucks in terms of productivity. Autonomous trucks operate tirelessly, ensuring enhanced efficiency compared to vehicles operated by human workers who require breaks. This transition to autonomy effectively replaces the fatigued driver, as exemplified by Rio Tinto’s autonomous Gudai-Darri mine.
Underground Connectivity
In the pursuit of improved productivity, efficiency, and safety, Australian mining companies are embracing advanced 4G and 5G mobile technology.
In partnership with Ericsson and Telstra Purple, Newcrest is gearing up to trial these cutting-edge technologies underground at its Cadia Valley Operations in New South Wales. The trial network will be deployed in the coming months and will utilize Ericsson’s private 5G solutions to assess coverage and capacity requirements.
The mining industry’s growing emphasis on wireless connectivity reflects its integration with IT automation. Autonomous trucks, for instance, heavily rely on wireless communication to function effectively.
They depend on data transmission and GPS to navigate the intricate network of surface and underground tunnels. Consequently, the mining industry is expected to experience exponential growth in adopting 5G technology, particularly in surface mining operations.
Drone Technology and AI
Autonomous drones, backed by artificial intelligence (AI) advancements, are revolutionizing the mining sector. These drones are crucial in improving efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
Equipped with AI capabilities, they provide access to hazardous or hard-to-reach areas of mines, offering visual and physical insights critical for accurate mapping and infrastructure monitoring. Furthermore, drones aid in detecting wear and tear on mining equipment, facilitating timely maintenance and cost reduction for mining companies.
The Workforce Challenge
While automation brings numerous benefits to the mining industry, it also challenges the workforce. The shift towards automation and reduced demand for manual labor has resulted in a shortage of skilled employees.
McKinsey, a renowned global consulting firm, estimates that by 2030, approximately 100 million workers worldwide, or 1 in 16 workers, will need to transition to new jobs that require technical proficiency in response to the growing demand for tech-savvy miners. The need for more skilled employees extends to specialized departments such as mine planning, process engineering, data science, and automation.
Additionally, the mining industry needs help attracting young technical talent due to its relatively poor environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reputation. Mining engineering enrollments in Australia have declined by approximately 63% since 2014.
Consequently, as automation improves production rates within mines, mining companies must address the skills shortage by investing in upskilling their existing workforce and enhancing the industry’s image to attract new talent.
Balancing Human and Autonomous Workers
To ensure sustainable growth and expansion, stakeholders urge the mining industry to strike a balance between human workers and autonomous systems. The reasoning is that upskilling the existing workforce and attracting new talent will be essential for the industry’s long-term success.
Queensland’s government, for example, has already taken proactive steps by announcing a $3 million workforce development plan to upskill the mining sector’s labor force.
In summary, Australia’s mining sector is undergoing a transformative phase driven by automation and digitization. These advancements hold tremendous potential for enhancing industry safety, productivity, and efficiency. Integrating physical and operational automation with IT automation promises significant advancements in mining practices.
However, addressing the challenges of a shrinking workforce and the need for skilled employees is crucial for sustainable growth. By embracing automation while investing in human resources, the mining industry can forge a path toward a prosperous and sustainable future.
Testing And Implementation in South Africa
While driverless trucks and haulage rigs have been fully operational in the Australian mining industry for quite some time, countries like South Africa are also moving in the same direction.
In South Africa, major players in the copper, coal, diamond, and platinum extraction sectors are testing a variety of automated machines and software systems designed to improve efficiency and safety in mines.
Driverless mining in South Africa is no longer a pipedream. A fleet of fully automated, remote-controlled trucks has been in operation at the Finsch Diamond Mine in the Northern Cape for more than a decade.
Along with automated vehicles, mining giants like Anglo American and De Beers are already testing a wide range of mechanized tools, systems, and equipment at their South African operations, such as:
- Continuous Rapid Mine Development Systems (RMDS) that enable maximized ore extraction
- Remote-controlled rigs capable of three times the output of conventional drill and blast methods
- Continuous Haulage Systems that connect RMDS to fixed ore conveyors
- Slot borers are purpose-designed to drill narrow vein hard rock ore
Does Automation and Engineering Excite You?
If this article has piqued your interest and you are considering a career change, the field of controls engineering is lucrative to explore.
You can start by checking out EIT’s School of Industrial Automation, which will equip you with skills and expertise in the latest developing technologies in instrumentation, and process control, which is critical in this fast-moving work environment.
Alternatively, EIT’s South Africa office is a good starting point if you want to explore a range of online study options.
REFERENCES
Automation in Australia: how the future of mining could change
THE RISE OF AUTONOMOUS TRUCKS IN THE MINING INDUSTRY
Autonomous Haulage Solutions: Reshaping the Mining Industry
