Autonomous transport tackles sustainable mining

Since the beginning of civilization, gold, silver and copper have been valuable resources. These resources led to innovation and inspired the creation of new things. The metals have shaped our past and continue to shape our present. Newmont Corporation is a mining company that innovatively explores these valuable resources. Newmont brings sustainable mining to life with the help of autonomous transport.

Autonomous transport

The mining industry continues to use advanced technology to dig for metals that have helped us create new technology. Newmont integrates advanced technology from start to finish for a more sustainable process. An example of new technology in modern mining is autonomous transport. One of Newmont’s most important goals is sustainability. Dean Ghering, the Executive VP & Chief Integration Officer & Chief Technology Officer at Newmont, says he believes the future of the industry lies in automation and robotics. This allows them to electrify the mining fleet and reduce its carbon footprint.

In 2021, Newmont Boddington Mine in Western Australia became the first in the industry with a fully operational, autonomous transport fleet of trucks. Boddington is Western Australia’s largest gold mine. Now it features the industry’s first Autonomous Haulage System (AHS). This system allows a transport vehicle to do its work without a driver.

Transport trucks play an important role in mining. The loads are filled with materials and then transported to a landfill or crusher. However, mining activities usually take place in hazardous environments. That is why the drivers are in a dangerous environment while carrying out the transports. Taking the driver out of the equation reduces the risk of injury and promotes a safer work environment.

Newmont President and CEO Tom Palmer said: “Simply put, Boddington will be a safer, more productive, world-class gold mine in a top-tier jurisdiction.”

In addition, autonomous transports increase the life expectancy of the mine by two years. This impact ensures more efficient mining production. As for the employees currently driving the transports, the company plans to retrain and retrain them for other positions within AHS controls.