Impact of new technologies in hard rock underground mining taking into account operational efficiencies and production rates

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact that new technology will have and a few of the key areas to be addressed that will ensure a successful and sustained adoption of new technologies within mining organizations. Methods. Analysis and the practical experience of implementing technology to enable organization wide transformations across multiple industries. Findings. Five key areas will need to be taken into account in driving to improved levels of production rates, greater operational efficiencies and higher health and safety levels namely technology, mechanization, people, equipment and economic sustainability. Originality. Ensuring that all five areas are addressed holistically and no one area in isolation will result in improved production levels and efficiencies and ultimately the achievement of autonomous mining. Practical implications. There will have to be a significant organisational culture transformation within mining organisations and the ability to foster a culture of learning is going to be critical to the successful adoption of new technology in mining and the subsequent improvements in operational efficiencies and production rates that will result.