T hree years ago, Hecla Mining Company, a year-old Idaho-based precious metals mining company, began looking into automation technology for its four mines: Lucky Friday in northern Idaho, Casa Berardi in Quebec, San Sebastian in Mexico, and Greens Creek mine on an island off the coast of Alaska. Without the deep pockets of mining giants such as Rio Tinto or Anglo American that have championed, developed and implemented automation, Hecla was forced to be very strategic, thoroughly analyze its operations and identify where automation would bring the greatest benefit and return on investment.
It also looked externally at technologies being successfully employed by other mining companies. Back at home, they developed a unique and customized staged approach for each mine and budgeted for the gradual implementation of automated tools.
It made sense for the mine because Greens Creek staff have a minute commute by ferry to get to work for their shifts. At Casa Berardi, they introduced Atlas Copco semi-automated drill jumbos, including computer-controlled rig guidance of drill patterns and drilling control as well as a Sandvik automated longhole production drill, automated hoisting and tele-remote rockbreakers controlled from the hoist room. In the fourth quarter of this year, the company will have autonomous trucks moving ore and waste from the main mining zones to the shaft.
And at Lucky Friday, the company is testing automated haul truck driver assist technology. It is also working on a longer-term step in its strategy with Atlas Copco to develop a mechanical mobile miner for vein mining.
Initially, the machine will be tested using on-board personnel, but it will be equipped for tele-remote control with automated muck haulage should Hecla decide to go that route in the future. Hecla is just one of many mining companies that has put its money on an automated future.
