BHP has completed the first autonomous drill at its Spence copper mine in Chile, marking a significant milestone on its journey towards safer, more competitive, and sustainable operations.
According to the official announcement, the company intends to place 5 autonomous drills into operation at the copper mine, eventually moving to a completely autonomous drill poll at the site.
The project opened 16 new positions for the roles of Autonomous Drill Controllers and Autonomous Drill Yard Operators.
The undertaking involved the use of the Pit Viper 351 model, operated remotely from the Spence Control Room located about 2 kilometres from the mine pit.
Relying on such advanced equipment reduces people’s exposure to operational health and safety hazards
“The first autonomous drill in Spence is the spearhead of a broader program that we are implementing in BHP’s main operations in Chile. We are not just working on drills, but also on autonomous trucks. We’re very happy to complete this first milestone, which will allow us to make further progress in the Autonomy Program at both Spence as well as Escondida,” said Pedro Hidalgo, Head of Autonomy at Minerals Americas.
“The importance of having developed this process together with workers, both through the involvement of our union as well as in early talks with workers and showed through in the recruitment and selection processes which were run for the new roles that the project required,” added Pampa Norte Asset President Cristián Sandoval.
