With global mining operations facing a labour crunch, teleremote operation can tackle the issue on several fronts.

As teleremote allows the operator to control the machine from a distance, the use of offsite command centres can help attract a new workforce, as operators are not required to travel to remote locations or endure potentially rough working environments.

“Obviously, 12 hours a day on a machine can be extremely demanding and it can be uncomfortable. The environment can be very loud and humid, all those factors go into it,” McKinnon said. “So now we can look at putting them in a much more comfortable operating environment.”

Teleremote technology also plays to the new generation of potential employees’ existing skillsets.

“Some of the best operators that we see running teleremote equipment is the younger generation,” McKinnon said. “They grew up playing video games. They seemed to have a better ability to pick up the 2D spatial awareness and control equipment.”

Remote operation can also benefit training. For rookie operators, communication from the physical cab may be limited to radios. A remote command centre allows a trainer to supervise real-world operation.

“It helps close that gap between the simulation-based world and operating the machines,” McKinnon said. “Someone can stand next to them and kind of guide them and mentor them.”

Teleremote utilization

The ability to automate mining equipment can reduce the requirement for employees to complete repetitive and physically demanding work. This may reduce the number of employees exposed to hazardous conditions, leading to fewer errors and injuries.

By automating equipment, employees can take on a variety of tasks. McKinnon explained a frequent use case for teleremote operation is a mine requiring various machines that are not constantly utilized throughout the entire shift.

“They’ll have a cleanup dozer at a shovel, and maybe you know another dozer at a dump. They have to staff both of those pieces of equipment conventionally, but they’re not fully utilized 12 hours a day, they’re kind of on standby when they’re needed,” he said.

“From a remote operation standpoint, you only have one operator controlling both of those machines. You’re only starting them up and using them when you need them.”

Alongside Komatsu equipment equipped with teleremote systems, SMS Equipment has partnered with RCT to provide their teleremote technology in Canada and Alaska.

“That opens the avenue well beyond Komatsu equipment. We have the ability to work with a customer and provide a solution across their fleet,” McKinnon said.

Teleremote equipment is growing in popularity at mining sites around the world with the systems primarily utilized in underground mining. However, surface mining operations are starting to account for more of the technology’s market share.

“We’re seeing a lot of significant growth, ultimately driven by the need for improved safety. But again, it’s also addressing some of those labour shortages and sustainability goals,” McKinnon said.

While Australia is dominant in the use of teleremote machines, accounting for about 40 per cent of the market, Canada is also adopting the technology at an impressive pace.

“Canada is rapidly growing and currently has about 17 per cent of that global market share,” McKinnon said. “And that can be equipment above ground and underground -— loaders, haul trucks, dozers, excavators. It’s really any type of equipment we can look at deploying the solution on.”