| This thesis is based upon field studies of automation research in Inco mines of the Ontario Division. It considers the advancement of technology and practice for underground hardrock mining automation, emphasizing the Load-Haul-Dump machine and its evolution and automation. It attempts to define the requirements for future mining processes, including the potential for extended teleoperation and autonomous operation of machines from safe vantage points.;Design issues including effective underground communications, automation amenable equipment, and process and workplace suitability are analyzed in detail and then related to solutions in design and practice.;This thesis concludes with discussions and recommendations towards solutions for future autonomous haulage for extreme long distance situations. Conclusions will highlight the successes the LHD has enabled in Canadian underground hardrock mines and its suitability to the task of optimizing automated haulage for use in safe, higher productivity automated processes that will optimize underground hardrock mining in Canada. |
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