BHP to introduce autonomous trucks at Daunia coal mine
BHP has sought to calm job fears as it moves to introduce autonomous trucks at a second Queensland coal mine next year.
BHP has come under immediate fire from mining unions over its decision to automate trucking at a second Queensland coal mine, after telling workers at its Daunia mine on Wednesday that the first of a fleet of 34 autonomous haulers will roll onto site next year.
The rollout at Daunia follows the company’s decision in November 2019 to deliver a fleet of 86 autonomous trucks to its Goonyella Riverside mine, expanding its automated mine fleet outside of its flagship Pilbara iron ore operations.
Like Goonyella, Daunia is run by BMA, BHP’s joint venture with Japanese corporate giant Mitsubishi, and BMA boss James Palmer said the first trucks would begin operating on site without drivers in early 2021, with 34 trucks to be converted or deployed by the end of the year.
Despite promises from BHP that the automation program will not lead to a loss of jobs across its Queensland coal operations, unions and Queensland communities have previously expressed fears that it could lead to a loss of blue collar jobs in regional areas as the company centralises control of the vehicles and mine operations in remote operating centres outside of the state’s mining hubs.
BHP came under immediate fire for the decision from unions on Wednesday, with CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland President Stephen Smythe accusing the company of failing to consult with employees ahead of the announcement.
“BHP is simply barging ahead with automation without taking into consideration the views and concerns of those workers whose livelihood is affected. They are only consulting once their plans are already in place, when the horse has already bolted,” he said.
“We will hold them to their statement that no permanent or labour hire jobs will be lost due to the introduction of this fleet of autonomous trucks.”
Mr Smyth said BHP needed to publicly commit to ensuring any new jobs created as part of the transition are based in mining communities in central Queensland and not in “remote operations centres thousands of kilometres away”.
“BHP needs to be able to demonstrate to its host communities that its mines are delivering social and economic benefit and the best way that they can do that is through good local jobs,” he said.
“We will hold them to their statement that no permanent or labour hire jobs will be lost due to the introduction of this fleet of autonomous trucks.”
But Mr Palmer said BHP’s focus in planning the transition had been on ensuring regional contractors and communities would benefit from the company’s investment in the technology.
“We acknowledge the important role our business and industry can play in supporting Queensland communities and the local economy during this time. This announcement is a vote of confidence in Central Queensland. At least 10 regional and indigenous businesses will be employed to support the rollout, with contracts worth $35m. This will result in 150 additional project roles for BMA people and contractors,” he said in a statement.
“This is on top of 56 new permanent roles on site. There will be no job losses as a result of this decision and anyone who currently works with us, be it an employee or labour hire worker, will be given the opportunity to continue to do so.”
Work required for the installation of autonomous systems is in full swing at Goonyella Riverside, with the first of the 86-strong fleet expected to be operating without drivers by September.
BHP says about 100 new positions have been created to support the transition at the mine, as the company converts its existing vehicles, builds separate ramps and haulage roads for the autonomous fleet, as well as a local control room.
BHP has been quietly working on its plans for the deployment of autonomous vehicles in Queensland coal for some time, treading cautiously for fear of a backlash from a politically powerful regional workforce that delivered government to Prime Minister Scott Morrison in May 2019 on the back of a vigorous election campaign centred on the importance of jobs in the coal industry.
The company said on Wednesday it had no plans to extend the program beyond Daunia and Goonyella Riverside for at least next 12 months, as it focuses on implementing the decisions it has already made.
Federal Resources Minister Keith Pitt welcomed the move, saying it was a sign BHP was prepared to keep investing in its Queensland coal operations.
“The resources sector and mining jobs are so important to the economies of Central Queensland and North Queensland. It is essential that these jobs are kept in the region and I welcome BHP’s commitment to maintain a locally-based workforce even as new automated trucks are introduced onsite,” he said.
“I also welcome the opportunities for local workers to develop new skills to use onsite. We know that mining workers have a long-term future whether it’s in coal mines or critical minerals.”