THE introduction of 34 autonomous trucks at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Daunia mine in central Queensland will create more than 150 project-related jobs and 56 permanent positions in the surrounding area.
BMA made the announcement today as it moves to invest $100m to back auto-truck introduction at the mine, which opened in 2013 and created 450 jobs back then.
BMA asset president James Palmer said the Daunia workforce was consulted over the last 18 months over the rollout of autonomous haulage.
“Our people have told us that they are eager for new job opportunities and skills,” he said.
“There will be no job losses as a result of this decision, and anyone who currently works with us, be it an employee or labour hire worker, will be given the opportunity to continue to do so.”
The announcement builds on other industry innovation initiatives such as the successful introduction of Rio Tinto’s Autohaul driverless train in the Pilbara, the world’s largest robot, and the widespread adoption of autonomous drills, drones and advanced sensors.
Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) chief executive Tania Constable said today’s announcement shows that the Australian minerals industry is leading the world in technology adoption.
“Australia’s minerals industry is proud to lead the world in people, innovation and technology,” she said.
“Innovation, people and skills combined with technological advances will deliver a more globally competitive minerals sector that delivers fulfilling careers in highly paid, high-skilled jobs.”
In February 2019, the MCA released EY’s “Skills Map for the Future of Work” which found that 77pc of jobs in Australian mining will be enhanced or redesigned due to technology within the next five years and productivity increases up to 23pc could be achieved with the rollout of new technologies.
