Mine planning and selection of autonomous trucks

Abstract

Autonomous trucks achieve greater productivities (up to 30%), and do so with reduced fuel, maintenance and tyre wear. This is in addition to the lower costs for personnel, offset by costs of communication networks and control room operators. This paper discusses the mine planning and selection of rendering trucks autonomous, including: • What is an Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) and how they work; • What changes in the mine design process; • How does the mine planning and scheduling change; • What are the benefits, both perceived and actual from implementing an AHS; • What are the selection criteria, and how does a mine site make the decision to implement an AHS; and • The decision-making process to complete the path to automation. The paper will also summarise the current status and future state of general vehicle automation in the mining industry.