Australasian Mine Safety

• co-regulating with industry to ensure successful development and implementation of accessible CAVs including CAVs in Transport Standards by creating a class of driverless conveyances • adding digital public transport infrastructure standards in the Transport Standards • reviewing regulatory frameworks and their effectiveness in other countries • updating public transport definitions to represent modern public services empowering agencies to enforce Transport Standards compliance certifying and legally auditing the Transport Standards. The following are remarks from some study participants: "My big thing is that I want to be able to get onto this vehicle without assistance. I want to be totally autonomous in an autonomous vehicle, so I do not need to rely on other people to get down a ramp or put my bag up, or tie down my wheelchair – or anything like that. I want to be able to get on and off in the flow just like able bodied people. I need it to be simple so the simplicity of it means that I just get on." "Because I have a hearing loss and a vision impairment called Usher syndrome and I struggle with machines, audio voices like announcements, and understanding what is being said because the computerised voice does not work well with my hearing aids. I am wondering whether technology would work with automated vehicles, with my hearing aid and Bluetooth that could connect right into the hearing aid. It could be an option and, also with announcements with TV screens, I do not see very well. I would like to know where I am and when I need to get off … [and,] if I could have an app that is connected to that automated vehicle that would just tell me I am approaching. That is something that would be valuable for me." "I would say pretty much on almost every trip I will, at some point, rely on human interaction. Even though I use technology on my phone, inevitably for every trip I will at some point rely on another human being just to fill in the gaps." For more information visit https:// imoveaustralia.com NEWS AUTOMATION O ne of the world's first mechanised development charging systems will soon be rolled out at Newcrest's Cadia underground mine on a first global commercial trial. Co-developed with Epiroc, the Avatel semi- automated explosives delivery system is promised to remove people from potentially dangerous environments and drive productivity in underground development operations. The technology enables a single operator to prepare and wirelessly charge a development face from an enclosed cabin. It also provides superior blast control and operational reliability with Orica and Epiroc's flagship technologies. MECHANISED DEVELOPMENT CHARGING Transitioning from traditional to mechanised development charging can effectively keep workers out of harm's way. Orica's Angus Melbourne reports. Moving from traditional to mechanised development charging helps Newcrest and other mine operators keep employees away from workplace hazards. Avatel uses a second- generation wireless initiation system called WebGen 200, which is touted to eliminate the need for wired connections. This provides continued and safe access, even in poor or seismic ground conditions, to accelerate the development cycle. Orica is excited to see Avatel come to fruition and equally excited for what the future holds for disruptive technology, and the mining industry's desire to embrace new innovations – which turn the dial on safe and sustainable mining. Newcrest has provided invaluable advice throughout the design and development phase. The first Avatel unit is promised to trial the start of a new era for safer and productive underground development charging. This will be the first commercial deployment of the Orica and Epiroc co-developed system anywhere in the world. Teething issues are expected as with deploying any new technology. However, it will be well worth it if tunnel faces are charged with all human work completed from the operator cabin's safety and comfort. Australia will receive the first commercial unit in the second half of 2022, with Canada following closely behind in late 2022. For more information visit orica.com/avatel www.amsj.com.au / APRIL 2022 / AU ST R A L AS I A N M I N E SA F E T Y J O U R N A L 63

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