Resources Technology Showcase 2019: Mining future on remote control with automation

The number of people employed in WA’s resources sector may be edging back to boom-time levels, but advances in technology mean the mining, oil and gas jobs of the future won’t necessarily come with high-vis.

Some of WA’s biggest mining companies embraced automation years ago in an effort to drive productivity and improve safety — BHP runs automated machines from its Integrated Remote Operations Centre in Perth’s CBD while both Rio Tinto and Roy Hill control some of their Pilbara operations from Perth Airport.

Improvements in satellite latency are also making real-time remote control more effective, with hopes it will foster a new wave of start-ups to service the industry.

Curtin University WA School of Mines Kalgoorlie director Sabina Shugg said WA miners had been at the forefront of the digital transformation and the evolution of remote operation centres.

RTS2019: See the full program, along with the unprecedented line-up of keynote speakers.

Ms Shugg will help to shine a light on how remote operations technology will play a part in developing new WA mines when she hosts a panel talk at next month’s Resources Technology Showcase 2019.

Panellists will include automation and ROC leaders from Woodside Energy, BHP, Fortescue Metals Group, Caterpillar and Saracen Minerals, along with WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston.

“I’m eager to hear them share their ideas and best practices,” Ms Shugg said.

“This Resources Technology showcase is a wonderful opportunity to go beyond the tech hype and discover what works and what challenges still lie ahead in that space.

“I’m also excited to dig deeper into how universities, government and industry can collaborate further to future-proof the mining workforce, drive innovation and engage young minds.”

RTS2019, a world-first conference offering two days of insights into the future of the mining, oil and gas sector, will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on November 27 and 28.

Along with panel discussions on everything from robotics and artificial intelligence, WA’s LNG legacy and how companies are skilling-up the workforce of tomorrow, some of the industry’s most influential leaders will reveal how their operations are evolving with changing technology.

For more information, to see the full program, or to register, go to rtsperth.com.

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• Conference: Exclusive access to world-first keynotes and expansive panel sessions
• Network: Delegate functions and unrivalled access to industry leaders and regulators
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• Go to: rtsperth.com/registration