Toowoomba company leads way for mining future
WELCOME to the future of mining where bulldozers no longer need drivers.
An open-cut coal mine near Blackwater will be the first in Australia to trial multi-million dollar, state of the art, semi-autonomous driverless dozers.
Toowoomba-based Wolff Group, incorporating Wolff Mining, is the first company in Australia to showcase the latest in technology, testing the machinery in real mine conditions.
The semi-autonomous driving dozers are controlled by an operator, sitting in a remote room.
But the operator doesn’t control only one, he can control three at once.
The new technology aims to increase mine efficiency and worker safety and longevity.
Wolff Group managing director Terry Wolff said the machines would be game changers for the mining sector.
“The unpredictable nature of the resources sector means companies need to run more efficiently than ever before,” he said.
“Technology will allow for resilience, not only paving the way for increasing productivity rates and operational excellence, but will also play a role in continuity and extending employment.”
Mr Wolff said it wasn’t about robots replacing workers, it was about a more efficient and safe way to operate.
“The dozers aren’t run by robots, we still have operators controlling them but from a comfortable, remote location without the strain on their bodies,” he said.
“This is not a way to get rid of operators. We will have the same number of staff. It just means we need more dozers for them to control.”
Director Mrs Wanda Wolff said the machines would not only add to the footprint of the company’s workforce but also provide an opportunity for workplace diversity.
“The repetitive nature of this kind of excavations, including tasks of ripping rock, means workers usually retired before they were 50,” she said,
“These machines will allow operators to be up-skilled, creating a more adaptive organisation.
“We are excited to be involved. As a smaller, agile company we will quickly adapt to unlock and fully leverage the potential of the technology in shaping the future of our business.”
Wolff Group, Hastings Deering and Caterpillar showcased the machines at a three-day industry demonstration event at Willawong in Brisbane this week.
Now, a trial of the dozers will begin and run for the next 18 months. Results in efficiency are expected within six to seven months.