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As one of the world’s most dangerous operations, mining poses countless risks for workers and equipment alike. Prolonged exposure to trapped gases contributes to serious health hazards, and an explosion could result should a spark meet a pocket of certain gases. Collapse is an additional hazard that could destroy both workers and equipment. Manual labour for repetitive or dangerous tasks also contributes to the risk of catastrophic injury.

Thanks to advances in technology, these challenges are met with brilliant solutions. Rather than relying solely on manual labour, mining operators are now able to employ automated or autonomous mining equipment to get the job done. Risks of sustaining injury, illness and disease, and catastrophe are dramatically reduced as workers employ automated machinery from above the earth’s surface. Equipment can be operated in close proximity to the mine site, or from a distance in a control room.

In general, the difference between autonomous and automated relates to the level of human intervention. Completely autonomous mining equipment consists of minimal human control and can be considered far more independent than an automated mining system. 

In automated systems, the operator still has overall control of the piece of machinery but is usually done remotely from a central control room. Examples of automated mining technology already being implemented on mine projects include drilling/blasting automation, obstacle detection and avoidance systems, automated haul trucks, operator assist technology, drones and remotely controlled trains and other vehicles. These pieces of mining equipment are largely controlled by a remote operator, making them automated and not fully autonomous. 

In autonomous mining technology, human level control is completely removed from the picture. The computer installed in the machine is responsible for all the defined tasks, safety decisions, and functions. Fully autonomous technology is still limited at mine sites as some level of human control and monitoring is still widely preferred in the industry. Currently both types of systems are utilized within the mining industry, independently as well as simultaneously.

Autonomous mining equipment performs by integrating robotic components, advanced software, GPS, and internet connectivity. When these elements are combined, operators control heavy machinery and other equipment from a safe vantage point above the earth’s surface. Because GPS is used, automated vehicles are outfitted with exact maps of the mine. Haulage routes are included and continually updated in real-time, allowing operators above the surface to haul, dump, and load efficiently and safely. Depending on the software, autonomous mining equipment include characteristics including such fleet tracking, proximity detection, semi-autonomous operation, fully-autonomous operation, remote machine operation, and a central control system, that enables operators to monitor the vehicle and take control in the event of a breakdown, blockage, or other.

In order for automated or autonomous mining equipment to work, however, mines must be outfitted with the proper communication technology. This includes industrial wireless networks, featuring specialized gear such as industrial routers.

The main types of automated / autonomous mining equipment are hauling/mining trucks, excavators, drilling rigs, underground LHD loaders, tunneling equipment, and other types. These advanced pieces of equipment are outfitted with robotic components and advanced software, transforming them from standard equipment to automated / autonomous mining equipment.

Automated / Autonomous mining equipment can carry significant benefits for mine operators. At an operational level, the two most significant benefits this mining equipment can carry are increased safety and productivity.

Increased Safety

Mining is a dangerous profession with hazards such as fires, flooding, mine collapse, and health risks such as respiratory diseases, hearing loss, musculoskeletal disorders, and heat stress. By introducing autonomous/automated equipment to mining operations can help ensure workers’ safety. For example, automated equipment reduce the need for mine personnel, specifically haul truck drivers or equipment operator, to enter dangerous areas of a mine site where there are potential risks such as explosions and rock falls.

As with any industrial vehicle, there is an inherent risk to both the driver and to personnel working alongside the vehicle. Autonomous/automated equipment reduces the need for a driver directly in the cockpit. Equipment can be controlled from the safety of a central control location, reducing the potential of drivers injuring themselves in accidents. 

An improvement in health and safety can have widespread effects outside site operations as well. Improved safety measures create an industry that’s more appealing to more of the workforce. It becomes easier to find and attract skilled employees to the mining industry. Not only will improved health and safety make it easier to find skilled employees, but it will also attract a more diverse workforce of different backgrounds, races, and genders.

Increased Productivity

Along with increasing safety, autonomous equipment offers an opportunity to increase productivity and lower operating costs. These benefits can be achieved through both the elimination and reduction of the number of operators required, and lowering maintenance costs through more consistent operation for long period of time following implementation of automated technology. Automated technologies create opportunities for tighter truck exchanges and shorter shift changes leading to less downtime and more productivity. Shift changes in a control room is much easier to facilitate then shift changes on-site, as the operator does not have to travel to the face anymore and can operate the equipment from an office above ground.

Automated technologies complete tasks at a more controlled and monitored level, leading to less maintenance on equipment. Spending on mining equipment related to general wear and tear, maintenance, and fuel consumption is reduced. With automation, mine operators can more precisely monitor fuel consumption and equipment use, which results in decreased and timelier maintenance.

Full equipment / vehicle automation will continue to expand within the mining industry as it looks to find ways to increase productivity and safety—particularly as underground operations move further beneath the earth’s surface.