Komatsu's technology behind world class mine

Komatsu has announced the deployment of 41 new-model Komatsu 930E-5 ultra-class haul trucks, made autonomous ready, at BHP's new South Flank iron ore mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The rollout of the new big rigs commence in October.

According to Sean Taylor, Komatsu Australia's CEO and Managing Director, "People powered technology is our central philosophy at Komatsu, and it's this people first approach to technology that we feel we share with BHP".

"Komatsu focuses on autonomous technology driven job creation, with focus on safety, diversity, upskilling and an innovative flexible work force that marries our people's needs with business goals. This is our blueprint for the future," Taylor continued.

Komatsu says it not only has a proven record in safety, productivity and lower haulage costs, but the company prides itself on its contributions to autonomous technology in the industry.

Leo Kaloglou, Komatsu Australia's Executive General Manager – Mining, said: "It was Komatsu Australia who 20 years ago spearheaded the world first automation of mining equipment, which is now known to the industry as Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS).

"Komatsu has 250 AHS trucks deployed and 180 operating now globally across three continents, and nine mine sites, and recently became the first autonomous truck qualified to operate on private long-term evolution (LTE) mobile broadband technology in commercial operations.

The operation of FrontRunner AHS technology has been tested across three different commodities in three of the harshest and most extreme environments in the world; in ambient temperatures of minus 45 degrees, in temperatures higher than 40 degrees and finally at extreme altitude.

With over 2 billion tonnes of material moved autonomously – more than all other commercial mining autonomous haulage systems – with zero resulting injuries," continued Mr Kaloglou.

"While the transport sector automates, including cars and trains, the sheer size and scale of our machinery and the harsh environments in which they operate, indicate the impressive capabilities of our engineers and technical teams who make these challenges surmountable," concluded Mr Kaloglou.

With the launch of Komatsu's new Centre of Excellence for Autonomous Haulage Systems in April 2019 in Tucson USA, Komatsu is committed to innovation, training and people power.

Komatsu said in a recent press release that it is also committed to employing local Western Australian workers to support the workforce needs of the company’s fleet for the BHP South Flank mine site.

Technicians, apprentices, mechanics, electricians and boiler maker welders plus more roles will be recruited. This will add job opportunities for the local Western Australian workforce in both full time and part time capacities, the release added.