Rio Tinto Will Continue to Splurge on Automation
Contributor:
Mining IQ Editorial
Posted: 05/16/2012 12:00:00 AM EDT | 1
“I am genuinely excited by the step changes in technology, which include our Mine of the Future Programme,” he said.
His comments suggest that the mining giant has faith that automation will continue to play a dominating force in the industry for the years to come.
“[It’s] the first operational deployment of this technology in Australia, or anywhere, on such a scale,” said Albanese.
“These trucks can be run from our Operations Centre in Perth, and we are seeing those benefits becoming increasingly evident in our day to day conduct of the business.”
He added that in three years’ time, they hope to have “half the tonnes we move in the Pilbara being moved with driverless trucks”.
This is in addition to Rio Tinto’s highly publicized decision to introduce driverless trains in Western Australia. Reports show the company will invest US$518 million for its 1500 kilometre Pilbara iron ore rail network to facilitate the autonomous trains.
Rio is confident that such automation will bring increased productivity, more efficient fuel use, reduced carbon missions and more flexibility in train scheduling.
The automation debate in mining has stirred the unions who claim that it will lead to job losses in a time of global and local economic uncertainty.
However, in December 2012, Rio Iron Ore Group’s CIO, Rohan Davidson rebuts this argument claiming that the company will use technology to attract and retain workers.
Posted: 05/16/2012 12:00:00 AM EDT | 1
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Despite doubts over China’s demand for resources and the uncertainty in the Eurozone, Rio Tinto has recently flagged that they will continue to invest in automation technology.
ComputerWorld reports at the company’s 2011 annual meeting, Rio Tinto chief executive Tom Albanese has announced the company’s interest in developing more automated operations.
“I am genuinely excited by the step changes in technology, which include our Mine of the Future Programme,” he said.
His comments suggest that the mining giant has faith that automation will continue to play a dominating force in the industry for the years to come.
These technologies include remote-controlled trucks, driverless trains and other mining apparatus.
Rio’s Mine of the Future program is an initiative that aims to operate a fully-automated mine site that requires no on-site employees - all equipment will be controlled remotely.
In November 2011, the company announced its intention to purchase at least 150 driverless trucks for its operations the Pilbara, Western Australian region. This marks a huge growth from the current 10 they have.
Albanese is proud of the project and says it’s a world first.
“[It’s] the first operational deployment of this technology in Australia, or anywhere, on such a scale,” said Albanese.
“These trucks can be run from our Operations Centre in Perth, and we are seeing those benefits becoming increasingly evident in our day to day conduct of the business.”
He added that in three years’ time, they hope to have “half the tonnes we move in the Pilbara being moved with driverless trucks”.
This is in addition to Rio Tinto’s highly publicized decision to introduce driverless trains in Western Australia. Reports show the company will invest US$518 million for its 1500 kilometre Pilbara iron ore rail network to facilitate the autonomous trains.
Rio is confident that such automation will bring increased productivity, more efficient fuel use, reduced carbon missions and more flexibility in train scheduling.
The automation debate in mining has stirred the unions who claim that it will lead to job losses in a time of global and local economic uncertainty.
However, in December 2012, Rio Iron Ore Group’s CIO, Rohan Davidson rebuts this argument claiming that the company will use technology to attract and retain workers.
What are your thoughts? Do you think that Rio Tinto’s decision to continue investing in automation is a wise, strategic move?
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Contributor:
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I think your choice of the word "splurge" in the headline is poor.
Automation is clearly an investment that will have big payoff in terms of a safer work environment and significant increases in productivity. The costs of fuel, tires, and maintenance will be decreased. Labour savings may be significant as well in camps where high turnover rates exist.
Rio Tinto is a clear leader in creating the new way to mine sustainably in the 21st Century. The rest will follow.
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