A New South Wales mine has transitioned to a fully digital system by employing RCT-Powered by Epiroc’s AutoNav Lite system to its production fleet of CAT 2900s.
Prior to the updated system, the site operated its fleet using RCT’s analogue system.
The updated AutoNav Lite system is a digital analogue system mounted to Toyota Land Cruiser utilities, allowing operators to control the automated load haul dump machines from customised telecabins.
Cabins underwent a customised digital upgrade, including network management, to meet the specific needs of the mine site and ensure remote locations stay connected.
As a digital operation, the system allows crews to monitor machinery status including observation and diagnosis of load haul dump machines without returning to a control room, enhancing workplace safety by reducing time spent in potentially hazardous areas and increasing overall efficiency.
RTC says the company will continue to refine and enhance its systems to further optimise machine performance and digitalisation within the mining sector.
Recently, Australian governments have been honing in on safety in mining operations, as fatalities continue to occur in operations.
New South Wales Resource’s Mine Safety Performance Report recorded a total of 767 injuries across 2022 and 2023.
Australia has recorded a total of 4,707 workplace fatalities between 2003 and 2023, with 168 workers killed in 2024 alone, 11 of which were from mining operations, according to Safe Work Australia data.
Safe Work Australia has recorded 43 workplace fatalities so far this year, including one from mining, as of 6 June.
Over in Victoria, the government is due to finish regulator inspections of sites in the coming weeks. As reported by Mining.com.au, these inspections are intended to ensure operators are following work plan commitments, while also shaping future audits and inspections for maximised safety.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: RCT-Powered by Epiroc
