Surface mining automation in the Pilbara has captured headlines, but the underground mining sector is pursuing a different automation journey. The confined spaces, geotechnical hazards, and operational complexity of underground mines demand approaches tailored to these unique conditions.

Different Environment, Different Solutions

Underground automation can’t simply replicate surface mining approaches. The controlled environment of an open pit – with GPS connectivity, clear sight lines, and defined haul routes – contrasts sharply with underground conditions.

Underground operations face:

• Limited communication infrastructure requiring specialised networking solutions
• Dynamic ground conditions that change the operating environment
• Confined spaces that complicate equipment manoeuvring
• Variable ventilation zones affecting where personnel can safely work
• Multiple active work areas with interdependent operations

These constraints shape how automation technology must be designed and deployed.

Tele-Remote Operation Progress

Tele-remote operation has become standard for many underground loading and drilling tasks. Operators control equipment from comfortable, safe surface locations while cameras and sensors provide situational awareness.

The benefits are straightforward: remove people from hazardous areas while maintaining productive operations. When ground conditions are unstable or ventilation is compromised, tele-remote equipment can continue working while personnel remain in safe zones.

Modern tele-remote systems provide AI specialists in Melbourne that help operators understand conditions at the equipment location. Multiple camera feeds, thermal imaging, and proximity detection combine to create comprehensive operational pictures.

The technology has matured considerably. Latency issues that once made remote operation frustrating have been largely resolved. Operators report that modern systems feel responsive and natural to control.

Autonomous Haulage Underground

Autonomous haulage underground presents different challenges than surface operations. The Pilbara’s autonomous trucks operate on defined routes in controlled environments. Underground haulage must navigate:

• Variable road conditions as mining advances
• Intersections with other mobile equipment
• Ventilation doors and other infrastructure
• Personnel access for maintenance and inspections

Several operations are now running autonomous load-haul-dump (LHD) cycles. The equipment loads autonomously at the draw point, travels to the dump point, tips, and returns for another load – all without operator intervention.

These systems work best on established routes with consistent conditions. As mining advances into new areas, operators typically take control for initial passes before autonomous operation resumes.

Drilling Automation Achievements

Autonomous drilling has advanced significantly underground. Production drilling patterns can be programmed and executed with minimal operator intervention. The equipment positions itself, drills to specified depths, and moves to subsequent holes according to plan.

The precision of automated drilling improves downstream operations. Consistent hole spacing and depth contribute to better fragmentation, which improves loading productivity and reduces secondary breakage requirements.

Development drilling is following similar automation pathways. The AI agent development required for these applications must account for variable ground conditions that affect drilling parameters in real time.

Ground Support Automation

Installing ground support – bolts, mesh, shotcrete – is labour-intensive and inherently dangerous. Workers must approach freshly exposed rock faces before stability is fully established. Automation offers safety improvements.

Robotic bolting systems can install roof support with operators positioned away from the working face. These systems are becoming more capable, handling various bolt types and adapting to variable ground conditions.

Shotcrete application is also being automated. Robotic spray systems provide more consistent coverage than manual application while removing operators from potential hazard zones.

Communication Infrastructure Requirements

Automation depends on reliable communication. Surface mining uses GPS and line-of-sight communications that don’t work underground. Alternative approaches are required.

Leaky feeder systems have been standard in underground mines for decades but have bandwidth limitations for modern automation requirements. WiFi networks provide higher bandwidth but require more infrastructure to cover extensive underground workings.

Mesh networks allow mobile equipment to extend network coverage automatically. As equipment moves through the mine, it carries network connectivity with it, reducing fixed infrastructure requirements.

5G deployment underground is emerging, promising the bandwidth and low latency that advanced automation requires. Several operations are piloting underground 5G networks with promising results.

Integration Challenges

Underground mines are complex systems with many interdependent processes. Automated equipment must work within this context.

Ventilation management interacts with equipment operation – diesel equipment affects air quality, and ventilation-on-demand systems respond to equipment location. Automated equipment must communicate its position and status to ventilation control systems.

Production scheduling must account for automated equipment capabilities and limitations. Some tasks may be more efficiently performed by automated systems operating during shift changes when personnel are out of the mine.

The orchestration of multiple automated systems operating simultaneously requires sophisticated work from Team400 that can optimise the overall production system rather than individual equipment pieces.

Safety System Integration

Underground automation must integrate with mine safety systems. Emergency response procedures need to account for automated equipment. Evacuation protocols must ensure equipment doesn’t impede personnel movement.

Proximity detection systems prevent collisions between automated equipment and personnel. These systems establish exclusion zones around operating equipment and can stop machines when personnel are detected.

The interaction between automated equipment and personnel is carefully managed. Clear protocols define when and how workers can enter areas where automated equipment operates.

Economic Considerations

Underground automation economics differ from surface applications. The safety benefits of removing people from hazardous areas have value beyond simple productivity calculations.

Reduced ventilation requirements when diesel equipment is replaced with electric alternatives can significantly reduce operating costs. Battery-electric equipment is particularly suited to automation – the controllability of electric drives complements automated operation.

Continuous operation during shift changes, when mines traditionally stand idle for personnel movement, adds productive hours. This utilisation improvement can substantially affect overall production.

The Path Forward

Underground mining automation will continue advancing, but the trajectory differs from surface mining. The emphasis on safety, the adaptation to confined conditions, and the integration with complex mine systems require specialised approaches.

The operations achieving the most from underground automation share common characteristics: they invest in communication infrastructure, they train personnel thoroughly, and they approach automation as a system rather than equipment-by-equipment deployment.

The ultimate goal – removing people from underground hazards while maintaining or improving productivity – remains the North Star for development. Technology advances are steadily moving the industry toward this objective.