Objective
Publish a globally relevant guideline for the implementation of autonomous systems in mining.
Description
This project will enable global mining companies and OEMs to adopt and successfully implement autonomous mining systems with the aid of common practices. It aims to communicate and educate and covers the following key areas:
- Functional capability
- Functional safety
- Change management
- Communications with the workforce and the local community
- Interactions with regulators
This guideline will be an expanded checklist or playbook, providing mining companies and OEMs with the tools for the implementation of autonomous mining from planning to final stages. Drawing on lessons learned from other industries, it covers new and existing mining operations, all stages of material processing, and various levels of autonomy.
Business Case
The creation of a unified autonomous mining system is part of the industry’s vision of future mining, and it has been gaining momentum in recent years. All sectors are affected by its advancement, and there is a need for a comprehensive guideline for implementing autonomous systems.
The industry will benefit from this guideline, which will:
- Increase collaborative and constructive communication with regulators.
- Help manufacturers and technology providers adjust their innovation and development strategies.
- Unify the industry by making mining companies’ process controls more consistent.
- Promote the integration of innovative new technologies from parallel industries.
The successful implementation of autonomous systems adds clear value: it can increase production efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and improve safety. It also, however, presents challenges including security and safety risks and workforce and workflow changes. This guideline will not only assist in maximizing the value of autonomy but will also provide a framework for mitigating risks and managing change.
Participating Companies
3D-P, ABB, Accenture, Amazon, Anglo American, AngloGold Ashanti, ARIGAL, Austrobots, Autonomous Solutions, Barrick Gold, Bestech, BHP, Capstone Mining Corp, Caterpillar, CEMI, CheckMark Consulting, CITIC Pacific Mining, Dassault Systemes, De Beers, Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP), Epiroc, Erdenes Mongol LLC, ETF Mining Equipement, Flow Partners, Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), Fostergy, Freeport-McMoRan, Gold Fields, Goldcorp, Government of Alberta, Hard-Line, Hatch, Hexagon Mining, Icono Advisory, IMagosoft, Imperial Oil, ITI Solutions, JVA, Kinross Gold, Komatsu, Liebherr, Maclean Engineering, Maptek, McKinsey, Mets Ignited, Mineopoly Pty, Minera Yanacocha, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Modular Mining Systems, Mohammed 6 Polytechnic University, Mosaic, MST Global, MTGA, Nevsun Resources Ltd, Newmont, NIOSH, Nutrien, Off World, OP3 Consulting Pty Ltd, ORICA, OSIsoft, Peck Tech, Proudfoot Consulting, Queen’s University, RCT, Real IRM, Rigid Robotics, Rio Tinto, Rockwell Automation, Roy Hill, Sandvik, Sibanye-Stillwater, Siemens, skymineUAV, SMART Systems Group, SMS Equipment, SSR Mining, Strata Worldwide, Suncor, Symbiotic Innovations, Syncrude, Teck, Thiess, Torex Gold, Trimble, University of Alberta, University of British Colombia, University of Queensland, Uptake, Virtual Business Links, VIST Group, Whitehaven Coal, Yourpace