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ADOPTING A MULTI FACETED STRATEGY 1/ One of the key benefits

of autonomy is the ability to
While each site and its employees will have their own individual concerns and improve a site’s productivity
with fewer people. However,
demonstrate their resistance to change in different ways, there are some things that doesn’t necessarily
that can be done to overcome the resistance and preconceptions that are a barrier to translate to lost jobs.
Initiatives that help ensure
autonomy implementation. the sustainability of
operations can in turn ensure
Minimize change. “The goal should be to minimize change whenever possible,” says longer-term employment for
the rest of the mine staff.
Humphrey. Because brownfield mines are the most likely locations for autonomy, the
implementation will have to take place within the standard roads and incorporate the
different types of loading tools currently being used. Autonomous machines must be
able to go into these sites and work with the current equipment and the existing road
configuration.

Minimize risk of the investment. Autonomous machines must be designed for

autonomy, but also work in a standard mining operation with typical load and dump
scenarios. For example, a truck does not need an operator cab when it’s being operated
autonomously. However, with the significant investment mining companies make
when purchasing a truck, they may want to be able to use that truck with a driver
in the future.

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