Automation in Underground Mines

1
Automation in Underground Mines

• Daniel Lambert

2
What is Automation?

• Control of a process through a number of
  successive stages (CSIRO)
• Generally by use of electronic or mechanical
  devices
• Reduce or replace direct human contact with
  minimum of external control

3
Why Automate?

• Manufacturing industries have been obtaining
  benefits of automation
• Inherent danger of underground mining
• Safety improvement
• Economic improvement

4
Challenges to Automation

• Restricted capability of radio to penetrate rock
  strata
• Dust, moisture and heat
• Possibility of initiating electronic blasting
  systems
• Confined spaces
• Interference from other electronic equipment
• Vibration
• Blasting induced shocks

5
Electronics in Mining Automation

• Cannot use GPS
• Line-of-site remote operation
• Closed Circuit Tele Vision (CCTV) technology
• Real time communication networks
• Optical guides
• Ultra low frequency

6
Remote Mining

• Remove operator from vehicle and provide them
  with a remote control
• Allows vehicle to be sent into the exposed area
  while the operator stands at a safe distance from
  the endangered area
• Limitations

7
Telemining

• Removes remote mining problems
• Operator in remote location Machines equipped
  with CCTV cameras.
• Economic and safety improvements

8
Automatic Guidance Systems

• Minimal operator assistance
• Proved success
• Optical guides
• Linked to a ROC via a real time communication
  network
• Operator may control several machines
• Advantages

9
Automated Drilling Systems

• Automated drilling sequence,
• Pre-programmed control of rig to drill or bolt a
  section of rock
• Similar system to telemining
• Advantages

10
Automated Underground Rail Haulage Systems

• Safety and economic benefits
• Powered by electric locomotives, from overhead DC
  power source
• Onboard computer controls power supply, hydraulic
  braking, position sensing
• CCTV system allows loading to be monitored from
  surface control room

11
Communication Systems

• PED system
• Developed for emergency situations
• Transmission system
• Applications
• BeltPED, AutoPED, ControlPED, BlastPED

12
Automation of Stationary Equipment

• CCTV Systems and ULF PED Systems
• Simple on/off or complete control and monitoring
• Applications
• Advantages

13
Disadvantages

• Removes subjective decision making from
  situations
• Servicing and maintenance of specialist machinery
• Danger of being struck by automated equipment
• Potential damage to equipment
• Visibility constraints
• Highly skilled and trained personnel
• Complexity of equipment and reliability
  constraints
• Unintentional operator misuse

14
Conclusion

• Advantages of mining automation made possible by
  advancement in electronic systems
• Economic and safety improvements proven
• Future
• Improved mine safety
• Increased cost performance higher productivity
• Potential increases in ore reserves as result of
  lower cut-off grades