Driverless Trucks in the Mining Industry
‘ This trend towards technology could very well be the starting point to a revitalized mining industry actually using inventions for production ’ otherwise known as drones in Australia .
The innovation isn ’ t stopping there . In 2008 , Rio Tinto also launched its Autonomous drill systems at its West Angelas mine . The drills have rock-recognition capabilities and will be rolled out into operations in the next few years . The idea of automation isn ’ t a new one but companies are beginning to jump on the trend and make the investment .
According to the country ’ s Bureau of Statistics , Australia spends about $ 3.7 billion a year on research and development . Rio Tinto alone spent $ 370 million on its technology and innovation unit in 2013 .
“ These types of incremental improvements have a direct impact on the bottom line , and help us power our operational performance ,” Walsh said . “ While … initiatives may not sound considerable in isolation , together they all make a substantial difference .”
This trend towards technology could very well be the starting point to a revitalized mining industry actually using inventions for production . The wave of integration could lead companies into the next chapter of mining with fully-automated mines .
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