Komatsu has announced the deployment of an unprecedented 41 new model Komatsu 930E-5 ultra-class haul trucks, made autonomous ready, at BHP’s new South Flank iron ore mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, commencing in October 2019. According to Sean Taylor, Komatsu Australia’s CEO and Managing Director, “People powered technology is our central philosophy at Komatsu, and it’s this people first approach to autonomous technology that underpins our relationship with BHP.”
“Komatsu focuses on autonomous technology job creation, with a focus on safety, diversity, upskilling and an innovative flexible work force that marries our people’s needs with business goals. This is our blueprint for the future,” Taylor continued.
Komatsu says it has “the proven record in safety, productivity and lower haulage costs, plus ground-breaking contributions to autonomous technology solutions in the industry.”
Leo Kaloglou, Komatsu Australia’s Executive General Manager – Mining, said: “It was Komatsu Australia who 20 years ago spearheaded the world first automation of mining equipment, which is now known to the industry as Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS). Komatsu’s brand of AHS is FrontRunner, the name speaks for itself.”
“Komatsu has 250 AHS trucks deployed and 180 operating now globally across 3 continents, across nine mine sites, and recently became the first autonomous truck qualified to operate on private long-term evolution (LTE) mobile broadband technology in commercial operations. The operation of FrontRunner AHS technology has been tested across 3 different commodities in 3 of the harshest and most extreme environments in the world; in ambient temperatures of minus 45 degrees, in temperatures higher than 40 degrees and finally at extreme altitude. With over 2 billion tonnes of material moved autonomously- more than all other commercial mining autonomous haulage systems combined- with zero resulting injuries,” continued Kaloglou.
“While the transport sector automates, including cars and trains, the sheer size and scale of our machinery and the harsh environments in which they operate, indicate the impressive capabilities of our engineers and technical teams who make these challenges surmountable,” concluded Kaloglou.
With the launch of Komatsu’s new Centre of Excellence for Autonomous Haulage Systems in April 2019 in Tucson USA, Komatsu says it is committed to AHS innovation, training and people power.
According to Colin Shaw, Komatsu Australia’s Executive General Manager – People and Strategy, “We invest time and resources into ensuring forward thinking qualifications are available for our workforce of the future. Qualifications relating to; automation, technology, operations and leadership to name a few,” said Shaw.
Komatsu says it is committed to employing local Western Australian workers to support the workforce needs of Komatsu’s fleet for the BHP South Flank mine site. Technicians, apprentices, mechanics, electricians and boiler maker welders plus more roles will be recruited. This will add job opportunities for the local Western Australian workforce in both full time and part time capacities.