Implementation of Communications and Machine Teleoperation in Mine Automation

Inco has aimed to be a leader in underground hardrock mining automation. This paper reviews attempts to define the communications requirements for future mining processes, including the potential for extended teleoperation and autonomous operation of machines from safe vantagepoints. It discusses the technical aspects of some of the solutions explored as well as the rationale for some of the choices made. Résumé: Inco vise à se positioner comme avant-coureur dans l’automatisation des mines souterraines en roches dûres. A la base des travaux récents est la téléopération et le contrôle automatique des équipements miniers. Ces développements sont possibles grâce aux progrès technologiques effectués dans le domaine de la communication souterraine. Ce mémoire décrit l’état actuel des systèmes miniers télécommandés, et présente les points importants à surveiller lors de l’introduction de cette nouvelle technologie dans le milieu de production. 1. THE OBJECTIVE The communications systems installed at Inco’s Sudbury mines and the ability to remotely control underground equipment from surface have been reviewed previously (Poole et al, 1996, Poole et al, 1997). This paper is based on further research and development. It discusses some of the experiences and process required to further facilitate machine teleoperation. It focuses on the communications systems requirements, relating particularly to the potentia