PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Major BHP and its coal alliance partner Mitsubishi (BMA) have announced a A$100-million investment into 34 new autonomous trucks at the Daunia mine, in Central Queensland.

BMA asset president James Palmer said this is a multi-generational investment in the industry and state at a time when it is needed.

“We acknowledge the important role our business and industry can play in supporting Queensland communities and the local economy during this time.

“This announcement is a vote of confidence in Central Queensland. At least ten regional and indigenous businesses will be employed to support the roll-out, with contracts worth A$35-million. This will result in 150 additional project roles for BMA people and contractors. This is on top of 56 new permanent roles on site.

“There will be no job losses as a result of this decision and anyone who currently works with us, be it an employee or labour hire worker, will be given the opportunity to continue to do so,” he said.

“We have engaged with our workforce at Daunia over the previous 18 months on the possible roll-out of autonomous haulage. Our people have told us that they are eager for new job opportunities and skills. That is why we are confident this is the right decision for Daunia.”

Palmer said that the autonomous trucks would further increase safety and performance and help the mine remain competitive over the long-term.

“We understand this decision represents some change. But it also offers a unique opportunity for people to gain new, highly valued skills that will create additional opportunities for growth into the future.” he said.

To help prepare for Daunia’s autonomous future, it is estimated over 30 000 hours of training will be delivered, ranging from general awareness to extensive training for those operating equipment, interacting with the autonomous haul trucks, or taking on new roles.

The first Caterpillar autonomous trucks will begin from February next year, with the roll-out expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

The Minerals Council of Australia has welcomed the announcement of more jobs and upskilling at the mine, saying the industry body has long promoted the benefits of technology and innovation for Australian mining, and its highly skilled, highly paid workforce.

“Innovation, people and skills combined with technological advances will deliver a more globally competitive minerals sector that delivers fulfilling careers in highly paid, high-skilled jobs,” CEO Tania Constable said.

The Queensland Resources Council has also welcomed the investment, with CEO Ian Macfarlane saying the Queensland coal industry was an early adopter of technology and a world leader in creating the long-term jobs of the future through automation.

“What we are seeing from the resources sector, such as BMA today, is companies building high-tech capacity into their operations to improve safety and efficiency,” Macfarlane said.

“Technology is a multiplier of jobs and through this investment up to ten regional businesses, including Indigenous businesses, will share in $35-million worth of contracts, creating 150 project jobs on top of the 56 new permanent jobs on site.

“Queensland’s resources industry will continue to invest in technology to ensure it maintains leading practices in safety and innovation which will secure the sector’s competitiveness over other mining jurisdictions around the world.”