Automation of Open-Cast Gold Mining Machinery

The three core processes of open-cast gold mining—drilling, loading and haulage—can all be automated. By utilising positioning sensors, remote control and autonomous driving technology to replace manual supervision, these processes comprehensively enhance mining continuity and operational precision.

Automated drilling rigs integrate GPS positioning with online monitoring modules for borehole depth and diameter. Mining design parameters are imported prior to operation; during drilling, the system automatically calibrates the borehole position, compares borehole diameter and depth data in real time, and dynamically adjusts drilling pressure and feed rate. This ensures consistent drilling accuracy, reduces waste of blasting consumables, and requires only a small number of personnel for remote monitoring throughout the entire process.

Automated loading equipment is fitted with visual recognition and remote control systems, combined with intelligent loading algorithms, enabling it to autonomously identify the boundaries of ore piles and automatically complete loading and unloading operations. The working face following blasting requires no large on-site workforce; central control personnel remotely manage multiple units operating in synchronisation, streamlining on-site crew numbers and mitigating the risk of flying debris.

The transport phase centres on autonomous mining trucks and automated conveyor belt systems. Equipped with LiDAR and high-definition sensors, the equipment autonomously plans routes using high-precision electronic maps, automatically avoiding other machinery and obstacles, and is capable of continuous, round-the-clock transport operations. The entire transport system interfaces with data from the upstream drilling and loading equipment, automatically adjusting transport schedules based on ore output to match the mining rhythm.

An integrated intelligent control and management platform has been established across the entire site, collecting real-time operational data from all equipment. It features automatic fault warning and emergency braking functions, whilst the intelligent systems for each process work in concert to achieve fully automated, continuous operation throughout the entire open-cast mining process.