A Field Study of Haul Truck Operations in Open Pit Mines

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a field study of the operation of haul trucks in two open pit gold mines. Qualitative results relevant to the haul truck operator's work environment are presented, and the human factors challenges of the work are identified. Three specific issues that stood out from the study are discussed in detail. First, fatigue is identified as a major contributing factor to crashes and overall performance in open pit traffic, heightened by the specific work characteristics of a haul truck operator. Second, negative transfer is discussed as it interferes with the adaptation from one truck type to another: a consequence of inconsistent controls across different truck brands. Third, the under utilization of and the general posture of suspicion towards the dispatch system are reported, with a list of potential reasons related to automation characteristics.

Analysis of the Interaction between Human Operator and Automated Dispatch in Haul Truck Scheduling

“…However, the operator is also an under-used asset with respect to the gathering of information relevant for dispatching decisions. The willingness of operators to actively input information into the system was apparent in the questionnaire results, and further supports the objective of including the operator in the dispatch system (see Stahl et al, 2011).…”

“…The willingness of operators to actively input information into the system was apparent in the questionnaire results, and further supports the objective of including the operator in the dispatch system (see Stahl et al, 2011).…”

“…This is characteristic of an industry that has put major emphasis on developing technical and hardware solutions, while paying only limited attention to the interaction between the operator and new technology (Munro & Tilyard, 2009). A recent study conducted by the authors in two open pit gold mines found that operators perceived the dispatch system to be inflexible and hard to operate, with the result being a general feeling of discontent (Stahl, Donmez, & Jamieson, 2011). We argued that the general operator discontent with respect to dispatching stemmed largely from the high level of automation, such that operators felt out of the loop and even became complacent in some cases.…”

“…Ten more questions addressed usability and functionality of the interface. The remaining 13 questions were specific to issues that had arisen during the initial, ethnographic study conducted by the authors (Stahl et al, 2011), during observations of mine personnel performed in the current field study, and most importantly, during the focus group discussions. Topics included the modality of communication, reliability and extent of information communicated through the interface, and the extent of operator involvement.…”

Finite Element Modeling for the Antivibration Pavement Used to Improve the Slope Stability of the Open-Pit Mine

“…Consequently, continual evaluation of the stability of excavated slopes is a vital component of open-pit design and operation. Traffic-induced vibrations around the open-pit mine can also be a significant factor concerning the slope stability [13][14][15]. It can cause the occurrence of a landslide that is a serious life threat for people working at the slopes of the open-pit mine.…”