Mine of the Future
For future access to resources, we are looking beyond our current licence to operate and thinking about better ways of mining.
With our Mine of the Future™ programme we are demonstrating improvements to mining processes that include unprecedented levels in automation, and remote operations that will revolutionise the way mining has been conducted for more than 100 years.
Mine of the Future™ will help us improve our sustainable development performance in several areas. It will reduce the footprint required for infrastructure and lead to greater efficiency, better management of risk and lower production costs. It will provide attractive working conditions, which will help us recruit and retain staff in the highly competitive labour market.
- Innovation
- Engagement
- Results
The future involves reducing our footprint through improved capability for underground operations; relying more on technology such as remote controlled equipment; and ensuring we are at the top of our game on environmental management.
Our robotic Mine of the Future™, being developed at the West Angelas iron ore mine in Australia's Pilbara - at a location called A Pit - could deliver many of our sustainable development goals.
For example, some of the roles currently based at the mine site will, in the future, be based in a city thousands of kilometres away. Employees will work like air traffic controllers. They will supervise the automated production drills, loaders and haul trucks from a remote operations centre that is being commissioned in Perth in mid 2009.
Closure as a component of mine life planning
- Closing a mine does not simply mean shutting down production, rehabilitating the land and walking away. People's livelihoods can be affected, as can the social and environmental programmes established during the life of the mine.
- See all "Our approach" features
