Roy Hill chooses Epiroc to automate haul trucks

Epiroc, in partnership with automation specialist ASI Mining, will deliver an interoperable solution with the ability to expand to other mining vehicle types and manufacturers.

The solution will also have the capability to integrate with existing and future Roy Hill systems.

Epiroc will work with Hitachi/Wencomine on truck conversion and the integration of Roy Hill’s existing Wenco fleet management system.

The project will involve an initial phase of testing and production verification of up to eight trucks, before the full fleet of Roy Hill machines is converted from mid 2021.

Roy Hill CEO, Barry Fitzgerald, said the Pilbara iron ore site was well positioned to transition to automation: “The teams on site and in the company’s remote operations centre in Perth have demonstrated a clear capacity to deliver complex projects, sustainable change and operational excellence with the recent success of the autonomous drill program and fleet optimisation initiatives.”

Epiroc and ASI Mining plan to establish a team in Western Australia to deliver the project.

ASI CEO, Mel Torrie, said the companies would also partner with key suppliers, including mining technology integrator Sedna, to deliver the automation haulage system (AHS) at Roy Hill: “As a manufacturer-agnostic solutions provider, ASI Mining looks forward to highlighting the opportunities presented by an interoperable approach to autonomous mining.”

Roy Hill has established reskilling and redeployment plans to assist the transition of operators to new roles within the business.

“The company is committed to an automation journey that creates an environment in which its people can develop new skills critical to the workforce of the future. The focus is on setting people up to succeed and further contribute to the Roy Hill community,” Fitzgerald said.

US-based ASI develops technology solutions for the autonomous operation of mining vehicles. Epiroc acquired a 34% stake in the ASI in October 2018.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/finance-business/17022020/roy-hill-chooses-epiroc-to-automate-haul-trucks/