Tag: automation

The ‘Robotics & Automation in Mining’ conference ran over the 12th and 13th of October at Joondalup Resort in Perth. Speakers gave presentations on how automation in the resources sector will innovate practices and keep Australia a world leader in mining, while reducing harm and waste. The conference opened with a welcome to country from Shaun Nannup and addresses from WA’s Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Bill Johnston and conference chairperson, Dave Stevenson. The City of Joondalup was the proud official host of the event, with James Pearson the chief executive of the city delivering an address. The city recently announced that it is a significant step closer to its Urban Robotics and Automation Precinct, which will further its position…

ORICA and Epiroc Rock Drills are jointly developing a semi-automated explosives delivery system, enabling safer and more productive blasting operations in underground mines. As mines go deeper and ore bodies become more remote, the case for blasting automation becomes clearer. The partnership brings together the deep expertise and experience of two global industry leaders to address the growing demand from customers mining in increasingly more hazardous and challenging underground operations. Orica chief commercial and technology officer Angus Melbourne said the partnership with Epiroc allowed Orica to leverage its exclusive wireless initiating system, WebGen, to deliver the critical first steps towards the automation of drill and blast operations. “Automation is a key pillar of our technology strategy and supports our vision…

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…

THE Resources Challenge, an initiative aimed at teaching school kids coding and automation skills for jobs in the mining sector, was signed this week and will be implemented in schools in the Pilbara this term. Year 5 and 6 students in 26 primary schools in the region as well as students at Karratha Senior High School and the Port Hedland School of the Air will take part in the program, which has been funded and developed through the Pilbara Collaboration Charter. Signatories to the charter consist of WA Premier Mark McGowan, CME and its members BHP, Chevron Australia, CITIC Pacific Mining, Fortescue Metals Group, Rio Tinto Iron Ore, Roy Hill, Woodside and Yara Pilbara. Chamber of Minerals and Energy of…

RIO Tinto, in collaboration with the WA government and South Metropolitan TAFE, has launched Australia’s most advanced automation qualification to date. The Certificate IV in Autonomous Control and Remote Operations was approved by the Training and Accreditation Council (WA), and aims to teach students the knowledge and skills to work at facilities such as Rio’s remote operations centre in Perth. The Resource Industry Collaboration is led by WA state training board chair Jim Walker and includes Rio Tinto, Santos, Yara, Komatsu, BHP, FMG, South32, Roy Hill, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, TAFE WA, the University of Western Australia and Scitech. The Certificate IV follows the two courses launched earlier this year, the Certificate II in Autonomous…

RIO Tinto (ASX: RIO) chief executive J-S Jacques waxed philosophical to investors in London on Monday speaking of his vision of the company’s future. He spoke about the ‘deeper world’ awaiting the mining industry in the 2020s, and the importance of recognising the finite nature of the resources being mined. As Rio Tinto moves into the next decade, the shift from excess to discipline will be emphasised. Mr Jacques said that as the world becomes faster, so it becomes deeper too – meaning AI and big data present an opportunity to transform mining majors’ business models toward circular economies. “The world will not wait for us,” he said. “The time for change is now.” China’s insatiable appetite for resources in…