MINE AUTOMATION
Autonomy aggregation
Paul Moore gives a broad review of autonomy progress in mining , including the usual deep dive on developments in surface haul trucks , as well as some updates on drills and the big picture
Rio Tinto ’ s Pilbara operations in Western Australia recently accepted delivery of their 300th autonomous haulage system ( AHS ) Komatsu truck
For the bigger and longest established autonomous haul truck operators , it is remarkable how established AHS has become . Komatsu and Rio Tinto as an example recently reached a historic milestone , with Rio Tinto ’ s Pilbara operations in Western Australia accepting delivery of its 300th autonomous haulage system ( AHS ) truck in August 2024 .
Komatsu and Rio Tinto initially signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2011 to deploy 150 AHS trucks to the Rio Tinto site , and , 13 years later , the partnership continues with both companies looking to accelerate the pace of mining automation .
Garry Povah , Komatsu Australia ’ s General Manager − Mining Automation , says this milestone gives both organisations the opportunity to reflect on the success of this groundbreaking partnership .
“ We ’ ve led the industry in mining automation since 2008 , when we commenced the Rio Tinto trial ,” Povah said . “ We delivered the first five AHS trucks to Rio mine sites in Australia in 2011 , and it ’ s incredible to see how much the business has embraced this technology over the years , helping to make their mines safe , and also highly productive .
“ AHS trucks are a crucial solution to both mine safety and addressing labour shortages in the sector . By removing human operators from potentially hazardous environments , AHS trucks significantly reduce the risk of accident and injury , and while enabling continuous operation that considerably impacts site productivity .”
The AHS fleet at Rio Tinto sites alone have completed 8.9 million operating hours and have moved over 4.8 billion tonnes of material , according to Povah – “ all while improving their sites effective utilisation ( EU %) by 15 % – a remarkable feat .”
Currently , the 300 AHS trucks are spread across 10 of Rio Tinto ’ s Australian mine sites , and contribute to approximately 80 % of the miner ’ s daily production capacity .
Jamie Sanders , Rio Tinto ’ s Global Head of Procurement , says : “ This significant milestone is an excellent example of the partnership approach that Rio Tinto takes with its suppliers . Komatsu is a fantastic partner that has helped us improve our operations from a health and safety , and efficiency perspective . From the initial trial in 2008 to the work we do with Komatsu today , they have played a major role in helping us accelerate the automation of our mining processes . We look forward to continuing our collaboration into the future .”
With a fleet of more than 750 autonomous haul trucks commissioned worldwide , Komatsu customers have now hauled more than 10 billion metric tons of material and are adding to that milestone at a rate of over 6 million metric tons per day . Additionally , 10 Komatsu autonomous
trucks have achieved a benchmark of 100,000 autonomous hours each , a first in the mining industry .
Komatsu launched the FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System ( AHS ) back in 2008 , marking the world ’ s first commercial application of an AHS . In the years since , Komatsu says it has continued to innovate alongside customers to meet their evolving needs and offer tailored autonomous solutions to promote enhanced operations on a mine-by-mine basis .
The value customers create from implementing a Komatsu AHS the OEM says is tangible in terms of promoting improved safety practices , productivity and cost reduction . “ FrontRunner achieves these benefits through its predictable fleet management , dependable production , and enhanced component life by leveraging Komatsu ’ s people , process , and technological expertise . For instance , customers who have adopted AHS have seen significant improvements in tire and brake life and reductions in overall maintenance . The FrontRunner system enables increased operational metrics and provides customers a trusted partner with a wealth of industry experience to assist in driving their operations forward .”
“ Since paving the way with the first commercial autonomous haulage operation in the marketplace 17 years ago , Komatsu is proud
24 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2024