Operations

Big names in mining team up to demonstrate remote semi-autonomous dozer tech

Thiess, Caterpillar and Hastings Deering deliver off-site remote operation of Cat® MineStarTM Command for dozing live at the World Mining Congress in Brisbane (27–29 June 2023).

Global mining services provider Thiess has teamed up with original equipment manufacturer Caterpillar and local Cat dealer Hasting Deering to demonstrate Thiess’ semi-autonomous dozing operation using a remote operating station (ROS) located over 850km away from the site.

The urgency to provide metals for the energy transition is putting pressure on the legal safeguards and approval processes governing mining, according to University of Queensland (UQ) researchers, and the consequences could compromise sustainable development.

In a report commissioned by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and produced by UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), researchers examined over 60 countries to identify the risks associated with governance of mining and mineral value chains in the energy transition.

The financial, environmental and social feasibility of mining in some of the world’s driest regions could be unlocked through shared water supply networks according to a new project led by The University of Queensland’s (UQ) Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI).

Dr Liliana Pagliero, who will present the findings and details of the tool at the World Mining Congress in Brisbane later this month, said the project demonstrates the benefits of moving beyond an ‘everyone for themselves’ approach to development in the mining industry.

How will more extreme weather events affect mining operations?

ESG Session/Climate change and Mining – 11 am Wed 28 June

One of the unknowns for the mining sector globally is how climate change will affect day to day operations.

“I think most mining companies are totally unaware of this issue,” says leading Australian academic and author, Professor Ian Lowe.

This session discusses global climate change issues that directly impact the more resilient supply of critical minerals and materials for the manufacture of equipment and technologies to deliver net-zero emissions. We’ll hear from experts from Mongolia, Chile, and Austria.

Mining, a heavy industry, is directly responsible for 4% to 7% of greenhouse gas emissions globally.

But the emissions produced by downstream industries such as steel and cement are even more significant.

Decarbonisation at the World Mining Congress, Wed 28 June and Thursday 29 June.