Rio Tinto, the UK-based global mining group, has released its 2020 annual report. The look inside its operations reveals accelerated adoption of automation and technology, spurred by the global pandemic, with a long-term eye toward continued developments. 

To comply with COVID-19 restrictions and precautions, Rio Tinto increased its use of drones performing visual inspections of facilities and equipment. It can conduct inspections from anywhere in the world while maintaining safety and distancing requirements. Afterall, an underground mine would be considered a very (very) enclosed space, eh?

Rio Tinto also increased its use of smart glasses and AR. At the Oyu Tolgoi underground project, Vuzix smart glasses let technical experts from all over the world work with local teams when maintenance or repairs are needed.

COVID-19 sped up drone and AR implementation, and it also led to innovative approaches to measuring, monitoring, and reacting to the virus. The annual report stated, “We partnered with a data analytics specialist and used artificial intelligence (AI) to help us anticipate emerging local COVID-19 geographic risks so we could adjust resources and controls in those regions.

Even the robots are getting involved in COVID safety measures. For example, at the Weipa bauxite facilities in Queensland, Australia, there’s a custom-made mechanical arm that opens and closes tailings valves, reducing the risk of injuries.

While the pandemic sped up adoption and shifted priorities, it’s not Rio Tinto’s first foray into unmanned vehicles, digital twins, and other advanced technologies in its operations. 

At Gudai-Darri, Rio Tinto is working toward building one of the world’s most automated mines. This year, autonomous water carts are expected to join the existing autonomous heavy mobile equipment fleet, including haul trucks and autonomous drills. In the Pilbara, around 60% of the truck fleet is now fully autonomous, with plans to grow to 2/3 this year. 

Rio Tinto also piloted two autonomous electric drills at the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC). The trial showed increased safety and productivity compared to standard rigs. Its annual report said, “By allowing a single operator to monitor multiple drills from IOC’s Integrated Operations Center in Labrador City, drilling can continue safely in conditions unfit for teams on the ground, such as blizzards, freezing temperatures, and electrical storms.”

At its Operations Centre in Brisbane, Rio Tinto has an end-to-end view—a digital twin—of its Weipa and Gove bauxite mines. Wth Predicta, its data science and advanced analytics service, Rio Tinto can optimize operations, save costs, and reduce lost production time. The annual report states, “Predicta helped our ore crushers reduce lost production time by 94%. We have deployed Predicta at 19 operating sites, and we plan to expand it to more in the future.”

Rio Tinto has many other drone, robotics, AR, and related smart mining initiatives deployed and in pilot projects. And the annual report points to continued future investment. 

It’s Not a Moment, It’s a Movement

Other mining companies are similarly adopting drone and unmanned technology to improve safety and operations. For example, BHP claims it has saved more than $5 million per year by using drones for dangerous and time-consuming inspections. 

Looks like these mining companies have struck gold.