The popularity of automation among African mining operations is increasing as the industry recognises the importance of modernising their operations to increase efficiency, says mining equipment company Sandvik Mining.

Sandvik automation VP Riku Pulli says loading is one of the main areas that mining operations in Africa are modernising.

He notes that, through its AutoMineLoading solution, Sandvik is assisting mines in automating their loading cycles.

The solution comprises the AutoMineLoading and AutoMine Loading Lite systems, which are available for fleet and single-loader applications.

“The AutoMineLoading solution is a fully scalable fleet automation system that increases the safety and profitability of underground mining operations. This flexible modular system can be adapted for applications ranging from stoping to sublevel and massive block caving,” explains Pulli.

He adds that the solution automatically manages and optimises loader traffic, and fully automates the production loading cycle. “One operator can manage several loaders from the safety of a control room.”

The AutoMineLoading Lite solution shares the same platform with AutoMineLoading; however, it is more mobile and easier to set up for single-loader applications.

Pulli explains that AutoMineLoading Lite is “a simple, single-load and haul dump machine automation product that ensures safe operation and high productivity”.

This solution also has an option that allows for multiple-loader operations to be managed from one operator station. “The loaders and loading area are handled as one entity and this provides flexibility, as one operator can operate several production areas simultaneously,” he explains.

The multi-loader option also allows for expansion to larger-scale operations, Pulli notes, with efficient production in applications like open stoping and backfilling, narrow-vein mining and sublevel caving, he adds.

He says the automated bucket-filling option allows for the AutoMineLoading

products to automate a mine’s entire loading cycle, resulting in convenience and ease of operation, as the operator’s role becomes that of supervising the operation instead of operating everything manually.

Pulli tells Mining Weekly that AutoMineLoading was launched in 2004, when the first system was used at Chile State-owned copper mining company Codelco’s copper mine, while AutoMineLoading Lite was launched in 2010.

“Since then, both products have developed a lot and they are currently used in countries such as Australia, South Africa, Canada, Sweden and Finland.”

Pulli says Petra Diamonds’ Finsch diamond mine, in Kimberley, the Northern Cape, has used the AutoMine system since 2006. He adds that this system has a production management function for loaders, integrating them into the fully autonomous truck loop.