Sandvik reaches automation milestone
Sandvik has delivered its 100th automated loader in the Asia Pacific region. This was following the delivery of a Sandvik LH621i to Byrnecut in Australia during March.
This marks the 100th Sandvik loader to be purchased with the AutoMine platform connected. AutoMine provides autonomous and tele-remote operations for both Sandvik and non-Sandvik underground and surface equipment.
The system was designed to increase profitability, mine productivity and safety of on-site personnel. AutoMine systems have now been installed in the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Australia. Its customers include OceanaGold, Byrnecut, Barminco and Redpath.
AutoMine can be configured for automatic mission and traffic control capability for full fleet automation. It also can be configured to both single and multi-machine control.
Automine Machines allow for the safety of workers as they can be controlled and monitored safely from a control room.
“The digitalisation field has developed significantly over the years and we have adapted to meet the industry needs along the way,” he said.
“We have seen our customers change their mindset from ‘this technology is nice but won’t work in our mine’, to, ‘what do have to do to make this work in our mine?’.
“Our customers are now seeing the value of including digitalisation in their mine planning and recognise the tangible benefits an automated fleet can bring to their operation.”
The LH621i loader was trialled at OZ Minerals’ Prominent Hill copper-gold mine in South Australia. The LH621i demonstrated that it could be operated remotely from the OZ Minerals’ operating centre.