It's almost like a computer game. In a control room above ground the operator sits and monitors the operation of completely automatic loading equipment down in the mine shafts. Everything is automated, except for the remote filling of the shovels. Loaders shuttle back and forth to fetch and deliver ore. Computers continuously show production data and the condition of the machinery.

 

AutoMine is an all-embracing concept for the management of driverless loaders and trucks underground, developed by Sandvik Tamrock in conjunction with ÅF. ÅF is responsible for the advanced computer system that handles traffic and production control, the AutoMine – Mission Control System.

 

Work in the mine becomes both safer and more efficient. With AutoMine one operator can look after three loaders simultaneously. The operator doesn't even have to be close to the mine. In the Chilean El Teniente copper mine the operator is now sitting about 15 km away from the mine, but there are plans to move the operator control centre even further away to the nearest town, Rancagua, to avoid travelling 45 km up to the mine in the Andes.

 

With AutoMine, operation is both more efficient and cheaper. The machinery is better utilised since it can be operated round the clock and with less personnel than needed for conventional operation. AutoMine runs as fast as the best driver. In addition, with minimum wear, which gives lower maintenance compared to manual operation of the machinery.

 

Loaders and trucks automatically learn the shafts and roads. This information is stored in the system and distributed to the machinery navigation systems. After this, all machines can automatically drive along the routes that have been learned.

 

The working conditions are considerably improved. On the one hand, dangerous work underground is avoided, with less injuries as a result, and on the other hand there is a great improvement in working conditions.

AutoMine can be tailored to the customer's needs and integrated into existing systems for planning and follow-up of production and maintenance.