Abstract:

For several years, mining companies have been developing strategies and beginning the deployment of remote and integrated operating centers. The reality of remote mining locations and the often constrained availability of expertise has made the mining industry a natural sector for these remote concepts to evolve. The benefits range from a more agile decision support chain across the mines sites and mine processing plants to lower operating costs associated with consolidating the expertise across the organization.

The increase in autonomous systems and specifically AHS create a natural linkage into these integrated operating centers. Further, COVID-19 has accelerated the need to support technology programs remotely and to consider new ways to provide AHS support and competency management programs while limiting sites to only mission-critical staff.

This paper will look at some of the recent developments in the remote support and training requirements of AHS, from the equipment technicians to the central control operators. These necessary requirements today can help build a more cost-effective AHS support and training model for the future, and further support the drive towards integrated and remote operating centers.

Biography of the presenter: Kelvin Smith, Manager Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS) Operations Support at SMS Equipment, leads the AHS training support and deployment team within the North American region. With over 8 years of experience in autonomous mining operations. Including site deployment, product development and performance improvements of multiple systems within coal, oil sands and iron ore open pit mining environments. Kelvin has a remarkable ability to execute customer requirements and find ways to drive a sustainable and productive platform that meets each site's expectation that the AHS system is implemented.

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Mr. Kelvin Smith

Biography