MACHINERY & AUTOMATION
S ome people call them muckers , others know them as boggers , but at Glencore ’ s giant George Fisher Mine they call them loaders . Whatever the name , these huge machines play a vitally important role in modern underground mining .
This is the machinery that is used to transport materials within a mine – whether this is rock , ore or other materials – from the digging face to processing facilities or loading areas .
Glencore is one of the world ’ s largest global mining and commodity trading companies . Its George Fisher Mine ( GFM ) in Queensland , Australia , is one of the largest zinc , lead and silver mines in the world . Every year it produces approximately 3 million tonnes of ore and undertakes up to 12 kilometres underground development .
In recent years GFM has turned to automation technology to boost safety and efficiency levels , and to this end now runs a fleet of new underground loaders that are part of a transformative automation project .
Sandvik ’ s LH517 high capacity loader offers the integrated Sandvik Intelligent Control system for easy operation and fast maintenance . GFM has taken on a total of six new LH517i ’ s to replace its legacy fleet .
Previously it relied on a tele-remote , co-pilot hybrid system with operators based mainly underground , controlling the machines .
Sandvik ’ s AutoMine product group offers autonomous and remotely operated mobile equipment , allowing operators to control and monitor multiple underground and surface machine operations from the comfort and safety of a remote-control room .
78 June 2024