Thiess has launched autonomous mining solutions at Pembroke Resources’ Olive Downs Complex, utilising 21 haul trucks and three drills equipped with autonomous technology.
According to Thiess, Pembroke Resources’ Olive Downs Complex is now the first mining operation to simultaneously deploy Cat® MineStar™?Command for hauling and Command for drilling solutions.
The company has also established a private LTE network on Pembroke’s onsite communication infrastructure, ensuring the safe operation of over 85 connected assets within the autonomous operating zone.
“We’re pleased to achieve this milestone in collaboration with Pembroke Resources, Hastings Deering and Caterpillar and remain committed to operating the Olive Downs Complex to a global standard,” Thiess Head of Autonomy and Operations Technology Trent Smith said.
“This achievement also highlights Thiess’ ability to safely and efficiently transition from a greenfield site to a fully autonomous operation within 18 months, including exceeding our target of 6,500 annualised hours within two months of kicking off autonomous hauling operations,” Smith stated.
The start of autonomous operations is also expected to boost Thiess and Pembroke Resources’ sustainability initiatives through skill development, reduced diesel use, and extended life of consumable components.
“With a dedication to achieving cleaner, more energy-efficient operations, Thiess, in collaboration with Hastings Deering and Caterpillar, is an ideal partner for Pembroke Resources as we seek to lower emissions. This achievement is a major step towards the goals of a sustainable autonomous mining solution and builds on our already strong environmental practices,” Pembroke Resources CEO Barry Tudor said.
Thiess has bolstered the Olive Downs Complex’s autonomous operations by enhancing safety, operating hours, cycle efficiency, and cost by upskilling over 280 team members.
At full capacity, it comprises the operation of 15 autonomous Cat 794 AC trucks, six autonomous Cat 793F trucks, and three autonomous Cat MD6310 drills.
“The results of autonomous operations are game-changing. Workers are safer, machines move more efficiently, and operations run more consistently and productively. Already we’re seeing these benefits at the Olive Downs Complex with zero autonomous related incidents and increased effective hours,” Hastings Deering Executive General Manager — Resources Industries Jason Smith said.
