Australasian Mining Review
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67 [Automation] needs across the metalliferous, coal, export and processing sectors. The ASFS covers the identification of present and future automation skills requirements and the subsequent formation of an appropriate training framework. The desired outcome of the ASFS is a training framework capable of supporting the future of automation in the resource industry with highly skilled and effective personnel. Definition of automation For the purpose of this study, automation is broadly defined as the intelligent management of a system using appropriate technology so that its operation can occur without direct human involvement. This intelligence is realised through computer- based systems that might be as small as embedded microcontrollers or as large as a distributed network of tens or hundreds of computers communicating across a mine site. The systems under automation range between component systems, which may simply involve control of a valve up to complete systems such as a dragline or a coal preparation plant. The tasks performed by these systems might be as basic as switching a lubricant pump when required or as complicated as the autonomous operation of an entire mine. The automation skills shortage is a classic instance of insufficient people with the required technical knowledge, skills, and abilities. It threatens to worsen due to anticipated growth in demand and the present lack of a consolidated training framework. Where is the skills shortage? This skills shortage exists at all layers of engineering activity in the industry, but it is most acute at the trade level. Bachelor-to-Doctorate level engineering staff are also critical to the support of automation technologies for the resource industry, but the nation is reasonably well positioned to meet these demands. Over the last decade all of the major Australian universities have introduced so-called ‘Mechatronic Engineering’ programs developing knowledge, skills and abilities related to control and automation, building capability in the critical overlaps between mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. These programs are strongly supported by students, and graduates are enthusiastically taken up by industry. Many graduates from these programs go on to complete research higher degrees. The University of Queensland, by way of example, introduced a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) in 2002. This four-year program graduates approximately 50 engineers per annum, of which 20-25 go on to work in the resource industry. Programs at the other universities are of similar size. The most likely candidates to fill the automation skills shortage will be electrical mechanics or technicians trained to a Certificate III or IV level, although we expect that it will also be partly filled by university educated engineers with aptitude for and interest in supporting this technology. As we move closer to 2025, and technologies mature, we believe the burden will be carried increasingly by electrical mechanics and technicians. Quantification of workforce demand to 2025 Any skilling framework created to solve the automation skills shortage must be achievable and attract demand from industry. While the quantitative demand industry would have for such skilling is beyond the scope of this study, it is very relevant to identify what industry would consider desirable in a training implementation and whether this is achievable. Based on the following assumptions, 190 new automation support staff will be required each year to deliver 1500 staff within 15 years: • There are approximately 500 resource industry sites1 that will employ higher level automation Australia wide over the next 15 years. • Each site will require a minimum of three to five staff to give 24 hour coverage and meet service demand across the operation. • The attrition rate of staff with appropriate skills is 10 per cent. • This is typical of the electrical profession2 . • The industry could absorb 150-200 people immediately. The resource industry must support skills development around automation The resource industry must recognise that the Australasian Mining Review 2011: issue 2.1