Experiences to Date with Unmanned Haul Trucks in Open Pit Mines

Les T. Zoschke and Mike H. Jackson

Abstract:	About ten years ago major mining and construction equipment manufacturers began the research and development of unmanned (autonomous) haulage trucks. A number of these trucks are currently in use in quarries and some in limited applications at mining operations. These autonomous haulage systems integrate many new technologies available today in mining such as high precision GPS, inertial navigation and vital signs monitoring. Because of the potential to reduce labor and maintenance costs, many mine operators are eager to be involved in the development of this technology. Here we present a brief history of autonomous haul truck development, some ``real life'' experiences with the technology, and the potential impact on operations.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2000) September 19 - 22, 2000 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT
Pages:	1056 - 1060
Cite this article:	Zoschke, Les T., Jackson, Mike H., "Experiences to Date with Unmanned Haul Trucks in Open Pit Mines," Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2000), Salt Lake City, UT, September 2000, pp. 1056-1060.
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