CRCMining’s Automation Implementation project will provide a systematic framework for automation implementation within mining operations, increasing consistency and reliability while reducing the cost of implementing and integrating automation systems. CRC says “the key challenge in mining automation is integration. The automation of mining processes will ultimately be realised using building blocks from the OEMs and technology providers that are independently designed, implemented, managed and will evolve independently over time. Without an implementation framework, mining automation will be stifled, and will not deliver the productivity promised.”
CRCMining is developing a common approach to advanced technology implementation, including automation, in the mining industry. This framework will provide:
•The reuse of information and work previously conducted through generalisation and capture in knowledge bases
•Guidance to those developing autonomous systems
•Guidance to those integrating autonomous systems into existing operations.
A well considered risk perspective must be used to drive the implementation of automation systems and safety related systems (e.g. collision avoidance systems) into mining operations. At present, conducting the engineering work associated with technology implementation, such as meeting compliance with AS 61508, carries a considerable labour cost, relies on expert knowledge that may not be available and is doubly burdened by: (i) not having sufficient information about the failure modes and rates and how these escalate into consequences; and (ii) a lack of high quality examples to build from. This leads to inconsistencies and exposure to subjective judgment in matters such as estimating the likelihood of initiating events.
The CRCMining Automation Implementation Project aims to develop a tool/framework that can be used to facilitate the necessary engineering work so it can be completed more efficiently, at lower cost, with higher consistency and with higher integrity in the necessary quantitative assessments. The tool will be based around the key idea that technology implementation must realise a benefit whilst achieving a tolerable level of risk to the business in terms of safety, future adaptability, cost and reputation. The envisaged tool will leverage the principles of risk identification and assessment, meeting a tolerable risk profile, layer of protection analysis and the specification of risk reduction methods.
The tool will provide guidance through a staged process that is analogous to the concept of pre-feasibility, feasibility, design and implementation where the benefits, costs and risks are progressively understood in increasing detail. To facilitate this process, the tool will draw on a database of existing knowledge and allow that knowledge to be reused.
With development of this tool CRCMining aims to achieve a culture in mining where technology implementation succeeds and can be sustained.