ACCORDING to Rio Tinto, automation is the way forward for mines as Asian demand for raw materials soar. The company unveiled a vision for the “mine of the future”, starting with the Pilbara iron ore operation.
Key components of the plan will be commissioned in 2008 and 2009, including establishing a Remote Operations Centre in Perth to allow operators to remotely oversee and control mines and process plant facilities.
Other parts of the vision include driverless trains to carry iron ore over 1200km, driverless “intelligent” truck fleets, and remotely controlled “autonomous” drills.
According to the group, integrated and automated mining and transport for the mining sector will lead to greater efficiency, lower production costs, and provide more attractive working conditions for labour recruitment.
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