Automated mining

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Automated mining involves the removal of human labor from the mining process. [1] The mining industry is in the transition towards automation. It can still require a large amount of human capital, particularly in the developing world where labor costs are low so there is less incentive to increase efficiency. There are two types of automated mining: process and software automation, and the application of robotic technology to mining vehicles and equipment.

Contents

Mine automation software

In order to gain more control over their operations, mining companies may implement mining automation software or processes. Reports generated by mine automation software allow administrators to identify productivity bottlenecks, increase accountability, and better understand return on investment.[ citation needed ] [2]

Mining equipment automation

Addressing concerns about how to improve productivity and safety in the mine site, some mine companies are turning to equipment automation consisting of robotic hardware and software technologies that convert vehicles or equipment into autonomous mining units.[ citation needed ] [3]

Mine equipment automation comes in four different forms: remote control, teleoperation, driver assist, and full automation. [4]

Remote control

Remote control mining equipment usually refers to mining vehicles such as excavators or bulldozers that are controlled with a handheld remote control. An operator stands in line-of-sight and uses the remote control to perform the normal vehicle functions. Because visibility and feel of the machine are heavily reduced, vehicle productivity is generally reduced as well using remote control. Remote control technology is generally used to enable mining equipment to operate in dangerous conditions such as unstable terrain, blast areas or in high risk areas of falling debris, or underground mining. Remote control technology is generally the least expensive way to automate mining equipment making it an ideal entry point for companies looking to test the viability of robotic technology in their mine. [5]

Teleoperated mining equipment

Teleoperated mining equipment refers to mining vehicles that are controlled by an operator at a remote location with the use of cameras, sensors, and possibly additional positioning software. Teleoperation allows an operator to further remove themselves from the mining location and control a vehicle from a more protected environment. Joysticks or other handheld controls are still used to control the vehicle's functions, and operators have greater access to vehicle telemetry and positioning data through the teleoperation software. With the operator removed from the cab, teleoperated mining vehicles may also experience reduced productivity; however, the operator has a better vantage point than remote control from on-vehicle cameras and sensors and is further removed from potentially dangerous conditions. [6]

Driver assist

"Driver assist" refers to partly automated control of mining machines. Only some of the functions are automated and operator intervention is needed. Common functions include both spotting assist[ clarification needed ] and collision avoidance systems. [7]

Full automation

"Full automation" can refer to the autonomous control of one or more mining vehicles. Robotic components manage all critical vehicle functions including ignition, steering, transmission, acceleration, braking, and implement control (i.e. blade control, dump bed control, excavator bucket and boom, etc.) without the need for operator intervention. Fully autonomous mining systems experience the most productivity gains as software controls one or more mining vehicles allowing operators to take on the role of mining facilitators, troubleshooting errors and monitoring efficiency. [8]

Benefits

The benefits of mining equipment automation technologies are varied but may include: improved safety, better fuel efficiency, increased productivity, reduced unscheduled maintenance, improved working conditions, better vehicle utilization, and reduced driver fatigue and attrition. Automation technologies are an efficient way to mitigate the effects of widespread labor shortages for positions such as haul truck driver. In the face of falling commodity prices, many mining companies are looking for ways to dramatically reduce overhead costs while still maintaining site safety and integrity; automation may be the answer. [9]

Drawbacks

Critics of vehicle automation often focus on the potential for robotic technology to eliminate jobs while proponents counter that while some jobs will become obsolete (normally the dirty, dangerous, or monotonous jobs), others will be created. Communities supporting underprivileged workers that rely on entry level mining positions are worried about and are calling for social responsibility as mining companies transition to automation technologies that promise to increase productivity in the face of falling commodity prices. Risk averse mining companies are also reluctant to commit large amounts of capital to an unproven technology, preferring more often to enter the automation scene at lower, more inexpensive levels such as remote control. [10]

Examples of autonomous mining equipment

Mine of the future

Rio Tinto Group embarked on their Mine of the Future initiative in 2008. From a control center in Perth, Rio Tinto employees operate autonomous mining equipment in Australia's remote but mineral rich Pilbara region. The autonomous mining vehicles reduce the footprint of the mining giant while improving productivity and vehicle utilization. As of June 2014, [11] Rio Tinto's autonomous mining fleet reached the milestone of 200 million tonnes hauled. Rio Tinto also operate a number of autonomous blast hole drill rigs. [12]

Bingham Canyon Mine

Located near Salt Lake City, Utah, the Bingham Canyon Mine (Kennecott Utah Copper/Rio Tinto) is one of the largest open pit mines in the world and one of the world's largest copper producers. In April 2013, the mine experienced a catastrophic landslide that halted much of the mine's operations. [13] As part of the cleanup efforts and to improve safety, mine administrators turned to remote control excavator, dozers and teleremote blast hole drills to perform work on the highly unstable terrain areas. Robotic technology helped Kennecott to reduce the steeper, more dangerous areas of the slide to allow manned vehicles access for cleanup efforts. [14]

Automation of underground works in China

German company EEP Elektro-Elektronik Pranjic delivered and put into operation more than 60 sets of advanced automatic control for underground coal mining for the period ~ 2006–2016. For the first time completely deserted coal mining technology has been used by the Chinese concern «China National Coal Group Corp. (CME)» at the mine «Tang Shan Gou» (longwall mining, shearers, three lava, depth 200 m), and at the mine «Nan Liang» (one plow, depth 100 m). Both coal mines have coal layer thickness 1–1.7 m. Monitoring the harvesting is carried out by means of video cameras (in real time with signal transmission over optical fiber). Typically, an underground staff is required to monitor the production process and for carrying out repairs. Automation has improved the safety and economic performance. [15]

Next Generation Mining

BHP have deployed a number of autonomous mining components as part of their Next Generation Mining program. This includes autonomous drills [16] and autonomous trucks [17] in the Pilbara region. [18]

Autonomy in Europe

In March 2021, Ferrexpo plc announced that it had successfully deployed the first large scale autonomous mining trucks in Europe [19] with the conversion of its CAT 793D haul trucks. The company has used semi-autonomous drill rigs at its operations since 2017. [20]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robot</span> Machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically

A robot is a machine—especially one programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. A robot can be guided by an external control device, or the control may be embedded within. Robots may be constructed to evoke human form, but most robots are task-performing machines, designed with an emphasis on stark functionality, rather than expressive aesthetics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Automation</span> Use of various control systems for operating equipment

Automation describes a wide range of technologies that reduce human intervention in processes, mainly by predetermining decision criteria, subprocess relationships, and related actions, as well as embodying those predeterminations in machines. Automation has been achieved by various means including mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, electronic devices, and computers, usually in combination. Complicated systems, such as modern factories, airplanes, and ships typically use combinations of all of these techniques. The benefit of automation includes labor savings, reducing waste, savings in electricity costs, savings in material costs, and improvements to quality, accuracy, and precision.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Telerobotics</span> Controlling robots from a distance

Telerobotics is the area of robotics concerned with the control of semi-autonomous robots from a distance, chiefly using television, wireless networks or tethered connections. It is a combination of two major subfields, which are teleoperation and telepresence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Logistics automation</span> Application of computer software or automated machinery

Logistics automation is the application of computer software or automated machinery to logistics operations in order to improve its efficiency. Typically this refers to operations within a warehouse or distribution center, with broader tasks undertaken by supply chain engineering systems and enterprise resource planning systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sandvik</span> Swedish engineering company

Sandvik AB is a Swedish multinational engineering company specializing in products and services for mining, rock excavation, rock drilling, rock processing, metal cutting and machining. The company was founded in Gävleborg County, Sweden, in 1862. In 2023, it had approximately 41,000 employees and a revenue of 127 billion SEK, with sales in around 170 countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teleoperation</span> Operation of a system or machine at a distance

Teleoperation indicates operation of a system or machine at a distance. It is similar in meaning to the phrase "remote control" but is usually encountered in research, academia and technology. It is most commonly associated with robotics and mobile robots but can be applied to a whole range of circumstances in which a device or machine is operated by a person from a distance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Unmanned ground vehicle</span> Type of vehicle

An unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) is a vehicle that operates while in contact with the ground without an onboard human presence. UGVs can be used for many applications where it is inconvenient, dangerous, expensive, or impossible to use an onboard human operator. Typically, the vehicle has sensors to observe the environment, and autonomously controls its behavior or uses a remote human operator to control the vehicle via teleoperation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicular automation</span> Automation for various purposes of vehicles

Vehicular automation involves the use of mechatronics, artificial intelligence, and multi-agent systems to assist the operator of a vehicle such as a car, lorry, aircraft, or watercraft. A vehicle using automation for tasks such as navigation to ease but not replace human control, qualify as semi-autonomous, whereas a fully self-operated vehicle is termed autonomous.

Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, structural disposition, manufacture and application of robots. Robotics is related to the sciences of electronics, engineering, mechanics, and software. The word "robot" was introduced to the public by Czech writer Karel Čapek in his play R.U.R., published in 1920. The term "robotics" was coined by Isaac Asimov in his 1941 science fiction short-story "Liar!"

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to automation:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Productivity-improving technologies</span> Technological innovations that have historically increased productivity

The productivity-improving technologies are the technological innovations that have historically increased productivity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Angelas mine</span> Iron ore mine in Western Australia

The West Angelas mine is an iron ore mine located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, 110 kilometres North West of Newman.

HORTA is an underground geographic positioning technology utilized in the mining industry and being considered for extraterrestrial space mining applications. The technology utilizes a gyroscope and an accelerometer, together called an inertial navigation system or INS, to aid in 3D-position determination.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Modular Mining Systems</span>

Modular Mining is a privately held company that develops, manufactures, markets, and services mining equipment management systems, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A. Modular's DISPATCH Fleet Management System is available in eight languages, and has been deployed at more than 250 active mine sites; among these are nine of the ten highest-producing surface mines in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of self-driving cars</span> Overview of the history of self-driving cars

Experiments have been conducted on self-driving cars since 1939; promising trials took place in the 1950s and work has proceeded since then. The first self-sufficient and truly autonomous cars appeared in the 1980s, with Carnegie Mellon University's Navlab and ALV projects in 1984 and Mercedes-Benz and Bundeswehr University Munich's Eureka Prometheus Project in 1987. In 1988, William L Kelley patented the first modern collision Predicting and Avoidance devices for Moving Vehicles. Then, numerous major companies and research organizations have developed working autonomous vehicles including Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, Continental Automotive Systems, Autoliv Inc., Bosch, Nissan, Toyota, Audi, Volvo, Vislab from University of Parma, Oxford University and Google. In July 2013, Vislab demonstrated BRAiVE, a vehicle that moved autonomously on a mixed traffic route open to public traffic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autonomous Solutions</span> Spinoff from Utah State University

Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI) was founded in 2000 as a spinoff from Utah State University and is headquartered in Petersboro, Utah. ASI provides an OEM/vendor independent automation technology to create fully autonomous vehicles by retrofitting existing equipment.

Wenco International Mining Systems, Ltd. (Wenco) is a Canadian technology company that develops, manufactures, and distributes computer systems to manage and control surface mining equipment. It is a provider of fleet management, machine guidance, asset health, and industrial safety technology to the mining sector. The company's computer systems include software and hardware that record data related to mining equipment activity, location, time, production, and maintenance. This information also displays to machine operators and other mining personnel. Its systems run at open-pit sites operated by large mining conglomerates De Beers Group of Companies, Syncrude, KCGM, the United States Steel Corporation, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, and others.

Torc Robotics (Torc), an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck, is an American autonomous truck company headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, with operations in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Austin, Texas; and Stuttgart, Germany. Torc is testing autonomous trucks in Virginia, New Mexico, and Texas and is taking a pure play approach to commercialization – focusing at first on one platform in one region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Built Robotics</span>

Built Robotics Inc. is a San Francisco, California, based vehicular automation startup that develops software and hardware to automate construction equipment. The company was founded in San Francisco in 2016 by Noah Ready-Campbell and Andrew Liang. The company's primary product is the "Exosystem", an aftermarket kit that adds autonomous robotic capabilities onto existing heavy equipment through a combination of GPS, cameras, and artificial intelligence technology.

Automation in construction is the combination of methods, processes, and systems that allow for greater machine autonomy in construction activities. Construction automation may have multiple goals, including but not limited to, reducing jobsite injuries, decreasing activity completion times, and assisting with quality control and quality assurance. Some systems may be fielded as a direct response to increasing skilled labor shortages in some countries. Opponents claim that increased automation may lead to less construction jobs and that software leaves heavy equipment vulnerable to hackers.

References

  1. ↑ Rio to trial automated mining Archived 17 January 2015 at the Wayback Machine at The Australian
  2. ↑ "Global Mining Automation (Software Automation, Services, Equipment Automation) Market 2018-2025 - ResearchAndMarkets.com". www.businesswire.com. 10 August 2018.
  3. ↑ "How automation is transforming mining's efficiency". 27 April 2020. Archived from the original on 13 February 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  4. ↑ "Caterpillar's autonomous vehicles may be used by NASA to mine the moon and build a lunar base". CNBC . 23 October 2019. Archived from the original on 25 October 2019. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  5. ↑ "Technical safety, control, lighting and monitoring system for mining mobile plant". www.mineserv.co.uk. Archived from the original on 18 January 2016.
  6. ↑ "Teleoperated Mining Vehicles". Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  7. ↑ "Autonomous mining trucks and equipment – connected Pit Vipers are every miner's dream". 26 July 2018. Archived from the original on 23 September 2020. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  8. ↑ "StackPath". 17 April 2018. Archived from the original on 11 August 2020. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  9. ↑ "How autonomous technology could make mining safer and more valuable". 31 October 2019. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  10. ↑ "The benefits and pitfalls of mining automation". Archived from the original on 5 March 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  11. ↑ "Press Release: Rio Tinto improves productivity through the world's largest fleet of owned and operated autonomous trucks". Archived from the original on 29 April 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
  12. ↑ "Rio Tinto and Atlas Copco announce autonomous drilling alliance". Archived from the original on 6 May 2017. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  13. ↑ "Second landslide hits Rio's Bingham Canyon mine, 100 workers evacuated | Mining Australia". Archived from the original on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 23 September 2013.
  14. ↑ "Bingham Canyon, Copper Mine, Utah, USA". Archived from the original on 14 February 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  15. ↑ Song, Gang (February 2016). "Experience in the implementation of process automation and data communication for underground coal mining on the example of China's coal industry [Опыт внедрения автоматизации процессов подземной добычи угля на примере китайской угольной промышленности]" . Ugol [Уголь], Russian Coal Journal (in Russian) (2). Moscow: RF Ministry of Energy, Ugol' Journal Edition: 25–29. doi:10.18796/0041-5790-2016-2-25-29. ISSN   0041-5790. Archived from the original on 11 September 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  16. ↑ ""BHP Billiton hits go on Atlas Copco autonomous drills"". Archived from the original on 22 August 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  17. ↑ "Two Aussie mines start moving all their iron ore with driverless trucks". 18 October 2015. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  18. ↑ "Pilbara". Archived from the original on 24 February 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  19. ↑ "Ferrexpo FY Results release" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 October 2021.
  20. ↑ "Ferrexpo investor presentation" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 October 2021.
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