BHP’s copper operation Spence in northern Chile has inaugurated its first autonomous drill, a milestone that marks the start of implementing different autonomy projects that seek to contribute to safer, more competitive, and sustainable operations. A total of 5 autonomous drills will gradually be put into operation. In the future, the idea is for 100% of the drill pool to be autonomous. It is expected that Spence to decide on the truck fleet's autonomy during the 2022 calendar year.The equipment used is the Pit Viper 351 model, operated remotely from the Spence Control Room located about 2 kilometers from the mine pit. Its implementation reduces people's exposure to operational health and safety hazards and the equipment's availability is expected to increase by 1.7%, while its use will do so by 14.1%.
BHP’s copper operation Spence in northern Chile has inaugurated its first autonomous drill, a milestone that marks the start of implementing different autonomy projects that seek to contribute to safer, more competitive, and sustainable operations. A total of 5 autonomous drills will gradually be put into operation. In the future, the idea is for 100% of the drill pool to be autonomous. It is expected that Spence to decide on the truck fleet's autonomy during the 2022 calendar year.The equipment used is the Pit Viper 351 model, operated remotely from the Spence Control Room located about 2 kilometers from the mine pit. Its implementation reduces people's exposure to operational health and safety hazards and the equipment's availability is expected to increase by 1.7%, while its use will do so by 14.1%.
