Sandvik has launched AutoMine Aura, a first-of-its-kind underground mining automation platform fully engineered for the future and the most significant evolution of AutoMine since its introduction over two decades ago.
AutoMine Aura transforms every layer of the AutoMine platform, delivering full situational awareness with zero blind spots, enabling higher utilization and consistent productivity in complex underground environments. The platform introduces a new navigation system with 3D perception – the most advanced and productive in the industry, which has been proven to move over 15% more material in one of the harshest underground mines globally.
The platform integrates with existing networks and access control systems, eliminating the need for infrastructure changes. Evolving the underlying platform enables mines to fully leverage future technologies while continuing to support today’s operations.
AutoMine has achieved almost nine million hours without a lost-time injury (LTI) since its launch, and safety remains foundational in its next incarnation. AutoMine Aura builds on the proven safety principles and access control systems used today, while 3D perception and adaptive intelligence enhance these capabilities. This improves safety in increasingly dynamic environments.
Operators also benefit from a wider, more intuitive interface that delivers full awareness of the mine environment. This enables remote supervision and control of multiple machines, reducing exposure to dust, noise, vibration and other on-site hazards. The enhanced operator experience strengthens both safety and productivity, while supporting workforce development by transitioning operators into more technology-focused roles.
AutoMine Aura has launched initially on underground loaders, with the platform set to expand across additional Sandvik product lines over time.
David Hallett, vice president – Automation at Sandvik, said there are more than 140 placements globally of the technology.
“It has defined automation in mining for more than two decades across both surface and underground operations. With AutoMine Aura, we have not built the next version; we have built an entirely new platform. The navigation system with 3D perception is the first of its kind in the industry, and the productivity gains, including moving over 15% more material, have been proven and validated at our customer sites. This confirms what this technology means for our customers and for the future of mining.”
Source: Sandvik Mining