The NSW Resources Regulator has finalised its investigation into a heavy vehicle collision earlier this year involving automated machinery at a coal mine near Mudgee.
The casual investigation was undertaken in conjunction with mine operators, equipment manufacturers and worker representatives and identified several safety improvements.
Resources Regulator Chief Inspector of Mines, Garvin Burns, detailed that a bulldozer operating in semi-autonomous mode collided with an excavator during operations at the Wilpinjong Coal Mine on 27 May 2019, shunting the excavator and leaving the driver trapped.
Thankfully, the excavator driver was rescued and not injured.
“The incident was of particular interest as the trialling and use of autonomous and remote-controlled equipment is increasing in mines throughout NSW.”
“As a result, an investigation into the cause was immediately launched to provide a better understanding of the contributing factors and to allow us to quickly pass on lessons learned to industry,” Mr Burns said.
Incident scene immediately following the incident, image courtesy of the NSW Resources Regulator.
The investigation identified a number of contributing factors to the incident including poor sightlines and a breakdown in communications.
However, of even more importance, the investigation and subsequent actions by the operator identified a number of key engineering and technology measures that have since been implemented to prevent re-occurrence. These include the installation of a proximity awareness and autonomous stop system on all machinery and portable units for staff working in the area, installation of an aerial camera and increased separation between machinery.
“Any mine operator using or considering the use of autonomous machinery should review the full investigation report to see if any of the lessons can be applied to their operations,” Mr Burns commented.
A video and report on the outcomes of the investigation has been released and are available here.
