CQ businesses share $4.2m in mine automation contracts

Thirty businesses have received work at Goonyella Riverside

AUTOMATION: BMA has revealed it will rollout driverless vehicle technology over the next two years at the Goonyella Riverside mine site. Picture: Christian Sprogoe Photography

MACKAY based NB Industries is one of more than 30 Central Queensland businesses awarded contracts at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance's Goonyella Riverside mine.

BMA has spent $4.2 million with local businesses for its autonomous truck rollout at the mine.

A further $4 million is expected to be spent in the coming months, as the project is only half finished.

The site is undergoing work to make way for its first fleet of the driverless trucks, which will be rolled out from September.

NB Industries is completing the fit out of ancillary equipment.

The Mackay company has employed three new full time tradesmen to support the work, in addition to their roster of eight full time tradesmen.

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Business development manager Simon Plant said the company was excited to be a part of the project.

"It has afforded us the opportunity to employ more local talent, upskill and enhance the experience of our existing workforce and foster multiskilled tradespeople," Mr Plant said.

 

"Due to the shortage of skilled tradespeople in our sector, we are passionate about investing in training and mentoring to grow the resourcefulness and relevance of our team and community into the future."

Moranbah's CPH Mining and Civil has constructed the new ramp 25 calibration pad and access road.

The new Komatsu autonomous haulage trucks will have their autonomy functionality tested on the calibration pad before entering the pit to be commissioned.

Goonyella Riverside general manager Sean Milfull said the project had supported Central Queensland businesses.

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"These local businesses have upskilled their staff, and in some cases have employed several new staff to support the works being completed at the mine ahead of the first trucks being operational from September this year," Mr Milfull said.

"Autonomous haulage will help us further improve safety and productivity on site, and we are creating new roles and opportunities for the people of Central Queensland."

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