Miner flags possible automation roll out at second CQ mine

Company spokesman said mine truck crash highlighted need for automation.

FAIRFAX AND NEWS POOL ONLY: The Prime Minister Tony Abbott and the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with CEO Rio Tinto Sam Walsh with the chief executive Iron ore Andrew Harding during their visit to Rio TintoÕs West Angelas iron ore mine in the Pilbera, Western Australia. Michael Gollschewski hosted a tour where both PMÕs met with Rio Tinto employees, toured an exhibition and took in the view of the Centre Pit. They were photographed with a Komatsu 930E autonomous haul truck, an autonomous drill display including a walk through the control room, a Hitachi EX5600 excavator and a Bridgestone truck tyre and conveyor reel. Pic By Gary Ramage. 9th July 2014. **NO ARCHIVING**

MINING giant BHP Mitsubishi Alliance has revealed it is considering an automated haul truck roll out at its Daunia Mine in Coppabella.

It comes after a BMA spokesman said a collision involving two haul trucks at Saraji Mine on Anzac Day highlighted the need for the technology.

The Queensland Mines Inspectorate visited the site after the crash was reported and has since handed the scene back to BMA.

The operators of both trucks were not injured.

A BMA spokesman said it would prepare an incident cause analysis methodology report.

"That report will ensure we understand the factors that led to the incident occurring, and can take the necessary actions to manage the risks that are identified," he said.

BMA's Saraji Coal Mine near Moranbah

"Given that internal investigation is still active, we aren't looking to comment further on the specifics of the incident, however it highlights one of the key reasons that automated haul trucks are being introduced at our Goonyella Riverside mine and are now being considered at Daunia - because it will make them safer.

"We must continue to be vigilant and ensure we find hazards at all of our mines before they find us." 

CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland district president Stephen Smyth said it was "outrageous"  that the Saraji incident was being used to justify an automation push in Queensland coal.

"Mining companies like BHP always use safety as an excuse to push automation, but we regularly see safety take second place to production," Mr Smyth said.  

"Any move to automation must be preceded by a trial with full consultation with the workforce and community."

He said this had not happened at Goonyella Riverside and the CFMEU would not support further moves towards automation at other sites.

In November, BMA announced it would roll out a fleet of up to 86 Komatsu autonomous trucks at Goonyella Riverside over the next two years.

At the time, it said haulage automation would boost safety by reducing risk exposure, and decrease significant events.