WA iron ore operator Roy Hill has plotted a path toward full automation.
Leading global mining equipment and services provider Epiroc, in partnership with automation specialist ASI Mining, is set to convert Roy Hill’s mixed fleet of 77 haul trucks from manned to autonomous use.
Epiroc/ASI Mining will meet Roy Hill’s requirements to deliver a safe, inter-operable solution for its truck fleet.
There is also scope to expand to other mining vehicle types and manufacturers, as well as capability to integrate with existing and future Roy Hill systems.
As part of this project, Epiroc/ASI Mining will work closely with Hitachi/Wencomine on truck conversion and integration of Roy Hill’s existing Wenco fleet management system.
Roy Hill CEO Barry Fitzgerald said the company was well-positioned to transition to automation.
“Our teams on site and in our Remote Operations Centre (ROC) in Perth have demonstrated a clear capacity to deliver complex projects, sustainable change and operational excellence with the recent success of the autonomous drill program and fleet optimisation initiatives,” he said.
“Now is the right time to bring the combined expertise of Roy Hill, Epiroc, ASI Mining and Wenco together to convert our haul truck fleet.
“Our chairman Gina Rinehart, and our owners Hancock Prospecting, Marubeni, POSCO and China Steel Corporation, have led this project from the start in the interests of staff safety and sustainable productivity.
“Their vision has set us a challenge to seek out partners who have an aligned tenacity and commitment to bring viable autonomous solutions to the table, and I look forward to realising the significant safety and productivity benefits that will come with this shared goal.”
Mr Fitzgerald confirmed safety as a key driver of the project.
He also anticipated a range of operational benefits including increased productivity of the fleet.
“Roy Hill’s Smart Mine program is driving innovation across our business, and the automation of our haulage fleet is central to delivering safety and production improvements,” he said.
“Having delivered major automation projects across the globe, Epiroc and ASI Mining will bring together a highly credentialled delivery team based in WA who will leverage the knowhow of a worldwide team of experts.”
Roy Hill has carefully considered the impact of this project on staff, with reskilling and redeployment plans to assist operators switch to new roles within the business.
“We are committed to an automation journey that creates an environment in which our people can develop new skills critical to the workforce of the future,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
The project will see a phased implementation, with testing and production verification of up to eight trucks undertaken in the initial phase prior to the second phase of full fleet expansion from mid-2021.
