Resource Industry Network expects the METS sector to flourish in new autonomous mining age

The METS sector is set to boom in coal’s brave new world of autonomous mining, even as the CFMEU warns of steep job losses.

The era of autonomous mining is coming and Mackay’s METS sector is expected to prosper through the revolution even as traditional jobs go on the chopping block.

Resources Industry Network general manager Dean Kirkwood said the introduction of mobile autonomous equipment into Central Queensland would generate increased demand for high-skilled labour and Mackay was well positioned to capitalise on the shift.

“The METS sector will thrive in the era of autonomous mobile equipment,” he said.

“We will still require skilled trades people to ensure the equipment is built and operating to standard.

“Also, we have the smart minds in this region to continue to evolve these technologies into even more productive, efficient and safer equipment as the industry progresses.”

Autonomous mobile equipment refers to remote-operated machinery such as haulage trucks, drill rigs, loaders and dozers.

Central Queensland is at the forefront of the new age after BHP introduced autonomous haulage trucks to its operations at Goonyella and Daunia.

BHP is leading the way in the age of automation and will introduce 34 autonomous trucks to its Daunia mine in 2022. Whitehaven Coal and Anglo American are also investing in automation.

A new guidance note from the Queensland Coal Mines Inspectorate codifies how safety officers should evaluate the risk of autonomous machinery and proclaims that everything must change to meet the new age.

“The mine layout, mine design, mine plans and schedules will need to be tailored to accommodate autonomous mobile equipment,” the note reads.

The CFMEU expects steep job losses, particularly for traditional operators, and wants legislation to protect workers from the brave new world.

“Local jobs and economic benefit should be included in the regulatory framework, through additional requirements to manage the impacts of automation,” the union said.

“The CFMEU is urging state and federal political leaders to act before workers and communities pay the price.”

The union has called for remote operation centres to be located on-site and in regional areas rather than in capital cities to help off-set job losses.

BHP’s Daunia operation in Central Queensland. Picture: BHP

BHP predicts safety gains with the switch to autonomy, but the inspectorate is more circumspect.

“Autonomous mining machinery can support significant reduction of risk exposure,” the note reads.

“It can also introduce hazardous situations not normally encountered on a conventional manually-operated mine site.”

Since 2000, conventional mining practices have resulted in 24 accident fatalities across the state’s coal mines.

Like BHP, Mr Kirkwood expects technological innovation to improve safety.

“Any innovations that remove people from potentially high risk environments or situations will lead to lower injury and fatality rates in the long term and something we fully support,” he said.