Photo by: Reuters
PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Western Australia will this week play host to the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), which is in Perth to examine the state's proposed new code for autonomous mining.
Western Australia is leading the global implementation of autonomous mining, Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said, pointing to majors BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals which all implemented the technology at their Pilbara iron-ore operations.
Marmion said that the ISO’s visit highlighted Western Australia’s leadership in developing the mines of the future.
“It is about exporting not just our commodities but our expertise,” he said.
The Department of Mines and Petroleum and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy will host meetings between the ISO technical committee and the local working group, which developed the proposed guidance.
The working group comprises representatives of the regulator and autonomous system builders and operators.
The ISO technical working group will then hold a two-day meeting to develop its international safety standards.
“For more than 65 years, ISO has been developing safety standards that apply to industries around the world,” the Minister said.
“As a parochial West Australian, and Minister for Mines and Petroleum, of course I believe our resources industry is a global leader, especially when it comes to safety. However, it is particularly pleasing to see this reputation reinforced by recognised organisations such as ISO,” Marmion said.