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Abstract
Due to safety concerns, automation of load-haul-dump (LHD) machines receives considerable attention from the mining industry. This paper analyses and discusses the issues and problems related to implementation and use of autonomous LHDs in underground metal mines. It presents the need for safety measures, infrastructure and discusses technical problems encountered. The paper looks also into technical and operational issues (reliability, maintainability, utilisation, production rate, etc.) as compared to conventional manually operated machines. Conclusions focus mostly on the aspects requiring attention before and after the implementation of autonomous loading systems in order to maximise the chances that they deliver expected benefits.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.