Mining contractor PT Pamapersada Nusantara (PAMA) has made history by becoming the first open-pit coal mine in the region to implement automation at its Kalimantan coal mine site in Indonesia, according to RCT.

RCT’s automation technology has been embraced on site across its dozer fleet, consisting of two Komatsu dozers (D155 and D375). These dozers have been equipped with line-of-sight and portable vision to give operators an even clearer view and improve safety for operators.

“This project is an important and historic moment for improving operational safety management in the Indonesian coal mining world,” SHE Management Development Department Head, Pak Ridha, said.

The site’s decision to move from manual operation to automation was safety driven.

Ridha added: “As we know, mining involves several high-risk areas related to bulldozer work, such as near water, mud, cliffs, heights and land clearing areas. With this application of technology, the level of risk in these areas can be reduced significantly.”

RCT’s Account Manager, Shane Smith, explained: “The solution was ideal to dramatically improve safety, removing the operators from the dozer and allowing them to carry out their role from a safe position on site. The dozers are commonly used in the tailing ponds and dams, which are notoriously dangerous areas to work in due to the potential of slips and the dozers becoming stuck.”

This project was carried out by RCT’s bespoke department, RCT Custom, which added the portable vision to the off-the-shelf solution.

Ridha said the site will continue to develop and implement this new competency, which will become a competitive advantage for PAMA to develop and support business sustainability.