Mining Global June 2014

still in its infancy for BHP. Other companies like Rio Tinto have made waves in the industry, taking the technology and spreading it like wildfire across operations. BHP, however, is taking its time to ensure the technology is perfected.

“While the business is currently only in the early days of investigating autonomy, it is part of our long term strategy to investigate mining technology options to drive safety, productivity and efficiency,” says Valle.

Beyond the driverless trucks at its coal mines, BHP is looking at other technologies to remove trucks from mines by using in-pit conveyers, crushers and other technology.

“Technology companies, small and large, need to look at how we can marry these skills together,” says Valle.

“There is a need there and I believe the smarts to do it are available.”

The introduction of autonomous trucks has the potential to revolutionize the mining industry and BHP is on the forefront of doing so.

The company knows machinery has the potential to play a vital role in minimizing downtime and boosting productivity, saving BHP valuable time and money.

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