Autonomous and Operator-Assisted Electric Rope Shovel Performance Study

Abstract

Automation has been changing the mining industry for the past two decades. Material handling is a critical task in a mining operation, and truck-shovel handling systems are the primary method for surface mining. Mines have deployed autonomous trucks, and their positive impact on both production and safety has been reported. This paper aims to study the extent to which autonomous and operator-assisted loading units could improve different aspects of a mining operation. Four different levels of automation ranging from operator-assisted swing and return to fully autonomous for a shovel were considered. A discrete event simulation model was developed and verified using detailed data from a shovel monitoring system. Later, the developed model was deployed to assess how each of the proposed technologies could improve productivity and efficiency. Results show that up to a 41% increase in production can be achieved. Both mining companies and equipment manufacturers can use the methodology and results of this study for future decision-making and product development.