Bringing new life to historic mining sites often requires both ingenuity and adaptability. In Hill End, New South Wales, the Reward Gold Mine is adopting advanced technology to support its reopening efforts. The site’s operator, Vertex, is employing the Aramine L350D loader, powered by Epiroc’s AutoNav Tele system and developed in partnership with RCT. This step not only aims to maximize gold extraction from narrow underground veins but also highlights the increasing use of autonomous solutions in addressing the complex challenges faced by today’s mining industry.
Autonomous loaders and tele-remote technology have been gradually making headway in mining, often focused on larger operations or open-pit environments. Deployments in smaller, narrow-vein sites, like those found in Hill End, have proved more difficult due to constraints around space and operational flexibility. Previous attempts to introduce remote-controlled loaders have occasionally struggled with site-specific customization or faced logistical hurdles in adapting standard autonomous infrastructure to smaller operations. The integration of Epiroc’s AutoNav Tele on the Aramine L350D, along with the creation of a compact operator hut, distinguishes this project as a tailored effort that addresses localized constraints while advancing operational goals.
How Does AutoNav Tele Fit Narrow-Vein Mining?
The Aramine L350D is specifically designed as a small diesel-powered loader for narrow passages, making it suitable for challenging mine layouts. By outfitting this loader with AutoNav Tele, Vertex and RCT are able to safely reach areas left untouched by older equipment. The technology allows remote operators to control the loader from above ground, enabling safer access to difficult sections of the Reward Gold Mine and supporting more thorough extraction. As Owen Perrott, East Coast Branch Manager at RCT, noted,
“We’re introducing technology that can access areas previously unreachable, in this narrow-vein mine, unlocking gold reserves left behind for decades.”
Operators conduct their work from a secure, climate-controlled environment, reducing direct exposure to mining hazards.
What Are the Challenges of Implementing This Technology?
Installing the AutoNav Tele system onto the L350D loader demanded careful engineering, particularly due to the limited working space underground. Customizing the system to fit the compact Aramine loader and comply with Australian standards required close coordination between RCT and Aramine. To complement the loader installation, RCT developed a “mini” AutoNav hut, roughly half the size of a typical control center. This smaller hut was necessary to accommodate the mine’s restricted surface footprint and maintain efficient operator workflow.
“Due to the demand I have been receiving from other sites for smaller hut offerings, I thought it would be a good opportunity to design a layout for one, from the ground up,”
Perrott explained.
How Does This Impact Productivity and Operator Safety?
The adoption of AutoNav Tele at the Reward Gold Mine brings several operational advantages. Operators can execute loader functions remotely, allowing for faster shift changes, minimal idle time, and increased overall productivity. The ability to stay above ground means workers avoid unnecessary travel through confined underground access routes, further improving safety and efficiency. Moreover, the customized mini hut facilitates these benefits at a site where space is limited, illustrating a practical solution for other small-scale mining operations seeking similar enhancements.
Wider uptake of autonomous mining systems, like AutoNav Tele, depends on delivering site-specific solutions and overcoming integration challenges. Epiroc and RCT’s approach at Reward Gold Mine shows that even established industry players must adapt their technologies to meet evolving field conditions and client needs. The project’s success could encourage additional small-scale operations to pursue automation, particularly in settings with physical or operational constraints. For readers interested in mining technology, this case highlights the rising importance of flexibility, collaboration, and targeted engineering as automation continues to shape the sector’s practices and workforce safety.
