Abstract:

With advances in automation and a history of electrification in underground mining, Komatsu continues to focus on moving operators further from harm’s way, reducing diesel particulate matter (DPM), and providing a sustainable solution to mining. This is accomplished with an all-electric mining system for industrial minerals that includes the Joy Flexible Conveyor Train (FCT - continuous haulage) and 12HM46 continuous drum miner. A trial in Canada was recently completed with the FCT and 12HM46 running in level 2 automation. The FCT was operating using a feature called Follow me Mode and the 12HM46 was operating using a feature called Sequence Table based Sump and Shear. In this state, the system can cut for 15M (required distance) without intervention from the operator. The increased level of automation has provided the capability to operate the system with a single operator on the section and are currently trending towards remote management of the system. Through electrification and automation advances, repetitive tasks that lead to operator fatigue are reduced, operators can be relocated further from the face and operator exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) from cutting and hauling equipment is eliminated.

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Toby Cressman