Automation and robotics

Abstract

The need to improve the productivity, safety and profitability of mining is driving the widespread application of automation technologies in mines. Automation in its many forms is something that miners interact with on a daily basis but may be unaware of its existence. The current implementation of mining automation and robotics has not yet signigicantly changed mining processes. It has, however begun to demonstate its potential value to improve the productivity and safety of these mining processes and associated unit operations. This has lead to a growing vision within the industry that fully automated robotic mining will be a major part of mining in the near future. [Chapter extract]