Capcoal Embraces Remote Dozer Operations

Dozer operators at Anglo American’s Capcoal Complex in Australia are in training to implement remote control technology to improve operator safety on site. The mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin is trialing a remote-controlled stockpile dozer ahead of plans to retro-fit the entire fleet.

Anglo operates five metallurgical coal mines in the region and the company said it will reduce in-cab dozer exposure time by 45,000 to 75,000 hours per year once the technology is fully deployed across all sites.

The aim of the pilot program is to reduce the dozer operator’s exposure to concealed stockpile voids. A stockpile dozer was retrofitted with the latest Wi-Fi enabled technology to set up connectivity between the machine and operator chair in the control center.

“Upskilling our workers in this new technology is paramount to its success because their expertise is irreplaceable, even when the work is done remotely,” said George Karroz, general manager, Capcoal. “Operating our fleet of dozers from a safe distance will reduce the number of hours in the cab and fully remove our operators from the dozer seat in what is another significant advancement in autonomous mining.”

Anglo selected RCT’s technology, which is a proven, agnostic solution that will safeguard dozer operators working in hazardous areas. RCT’s tele-remote technology was installed on a Komatsu 475 dozer, allowing miners to operate the machine safety from the remote operations center (ROC) situated nearby.

For this project, the standard tele-remote control configuration included a few additional customizations to meet the mine’s specific needs. This included the implementation of geofencing around the dozer’s operating zone, ensuring it remained within the boundaries of the dedicated working area. Self-cleaning cameras were also added, so the operators could spot any potential hazards from the ROC.

Anglo asked RCT to provide custom interfaces to mine’s collision avoidance system and an emergency stop button to allow operators to shut down the feeder from the ROC if necessary.

Anglo’s Automation Operations Manager Matthew Wakeford said operators were being trained in how to control a dozer from ROC, in a transition that has been nine months in the planning. “We are re-imagining mining to improve people’s lives. From a business safety perspective, this will remove our coal miners from the hazards of working with voids in our coal stockpiles,” he said.

“This project was a great example of a mine being proactive with the safety of its operators front of mind,” said Jared Collard, project manager for RCT.

Anglo is starting with just one dozer, but the plan is to ramp up and retrofit the entire fleet — that’s 13 in total across its Capcoal and Moranbah operations.