PICTURE: Helge V. Keitel, KK-Net, Finland (18.10.2012)
I was yesterday participating in a regional mining seminar in Kajaani, Finland, and became curious about “Mine Automation?” and googled Andy Stokes, Rio Tinto. I had a look at Andy Stokes, Rio Tinto, presentation “Future of mine automation in surface mining”.
Definitions
- Mechanized – equipped with machines
- Automatic – follows well defined rules – does not make decisions
- Automation – replacing human workers by machines
- Automated system – requires human supervision to handle actions not defined in design
- Autonomous – independent of human supervision
Rio Tinto’s Surface Mine Automation Program – progressive automation of mining roles leading to an integrated automated system able to share and use information interchangeably between functions and processes.
Rio Tinto Centre for Mine Automation
- Based at University of Sydney
- Initial 5 year term
- Annual funding of $5 Million
- 38 Staff
PICTURE: Andy Stokes, Sydney, Australia (2009)
Conclusions
- Surface mine automation is a long term endeavor
- There are many technical challenges
- There are paybacks along the way
– Islands of automation
– Mining control loops - The need for open industry standards will be vital
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