People-powered tech in Pilbara
KOMATSU has deployed 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 WA.
Komatsu Australia’s CEO and managing director Sean Taylor, said people-powered technology was the central philosophy at Komatsu.
“It’s this people first approach to autonomous technology that underpins our relationship with BHP,” he said.
“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.” Komatsu has a proven record in safety, productivity and lower haulage costs, plus ground-breaking contributions to autonomous technology solutions in the industry.
Komatsu Australia’s mining executive general manager Leo Kaloglou said it was Komatsu Australia which, 20 years ago, spearheaded the world-first automation of mining equipment, now known to the industry as Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS).
“Komatsu’s brand of AHS is FrontRunner, and the name speaks for itself,” he said.
“Komatsu has 250 AHS trucks deployed and 180 operating now globally across three 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 three different commodities in three 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.”
Mr Kaloglou said the equipment moved more than 2bt of material autonomously – more than all other commercial mining autonomous haulage systems combined – without any resulting injuries.
“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,” he said. With the launch of Komatsu’s new Centre of Excellence for Autonomous Haulage Systems in April 2019 in Tucson, USA, Komatsu is committed to AHS innovation, training and people power.
According to Komatsu Australia people and srrategy executive general manager Colin Shaw, the company invests in time and resources into ensuring forward thinking qualifications are available for its workforce of the future.
“These qualifications relate to automation, technology, operations and leadership to name a few,” Mr Shaw said.
Komatsu 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, which will add job opportunities for the local Western Australian workers in both full time and part time capacities.