BHP is set to gain from its merger deal with Rio Tinto as sharing technology is one of the chief features of the agreement.
Rio Tinto has been a world leader in mine automation and is showing no signs of slowing down its "mine of the future" plans.
The mining company says that it already has a robot drilling rig placing shot holes at its West Angelas, Western Australia. The drill can run to a pre-programmed pattern or be remotely controlled by an operator handling several drills simultaneously.
Rio Tinto’s other projects in its pursuit for total mine automation includes the development of driverless trucks and driverless-trains.
The company’s role as the leader of technology in developing mines will be further cemented in July 2009 when it moves its control room into a new operations centre near Perth airport one month ahead of schedule.
The new technology hub will oversee the East Pilbara operations, including train loading, plant management and mine planning.
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