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Smarter solutions start here

January 25, 2024

The Volvo Co-Pilot brings the next generation of mining technology to a mine’s doorstep.


As the demand for minerals and resources continues to grow, so does the mining industry’s responsibility to adopt sustainable technologies and practices.


The demand for efficient, economically viable solutions has led to remarkable innovations in the mining sector.


This includes the Volvo Co-Pilot, an intelligently designed interactive display enhancing mining operability.


Available as an option on select Volvo machinery, this technology is dedicated to equipping operators and site managers with a comprehensive toolkit and a wealth of information necessary for the establishment and maintenance of a highly sustainable, productive and profitable operation.


First released in 2016, Volvo Co-Pilot is fitted with all the latest technological advancements in driver assistance and safety features, setting the industry standard for excellence. It seamlessly works with Volvo Assist, a collection of functions comprising of dig assist, haul assist and load assist, providing real-time operational data for a responsive, harmonious and efficient operating experience.


When a SIM card is inserted, the Android-powered tablet display becomes 3G-enabled, facilitating seamless and wireless reception of software updates for the system.


The Co-Pilot system harnesses the potential of onboard machine data and high-precision sensors to streamline tasks, resulting in significant reductions in project completion times.


Co-Pilot’s user-friendly interface ensures operators can quickly initiate projects with just a few simple taps, effortlessly selecting the required job parameters.


Data collected through the Assist software programs can be captured in several ways. For example, it can be transmitted to the Cloud for access via an online portal, transferred to a flash drive, or printed via a small printer connected to the Co-Pilot interface through USB.


The logged information encompasses vital details such as work order number, customer name, loaded truck, load tonnage and the precise date and time of delivery, neatly organised in a spreadsheet format that seamlessly integrates into any customer’s enterprise resource planning system.


Notably, since Co-Pilot and the Assist programs are intricately woven into the Volvo machine’s electrical infrastructure, the system continually provides productivity data to Caretrack, Volvo’s telematics system.


Presented in a user-friendly format, customers can review details about their machine’s fuel consumption, utilisation percentage, and excessive idling to enhance operational efficiency.


This invaluable information empowers owners to identify potential training needs for operators and readily compare operating costs against production figures, both by machine and operator. These insights are a unique advantage, setting this integrated system apart from third party aftermarket solutions.


Safety has always been a paramount concern in the mining industry and Volvo Co-Pilot, with its intelligent systems and assistive technology, plays a vital role in enhancing safety standards on mine sites.


Volvo Co-Pilot not only simplifies the demanding tasks at hand, but also minimises workflow disruptions, enhancing onsite safety. The strategically positioned display reduces operator interactions with a reduced number of on-screen menus, enabling operators to stay focused on the task at hand.


This technology further promotes safety by promptly alerting operators, both audibly and visually, when predetermined operating limits are reached.


By employing Co-Pilot, the need for movement around the machinery and the necessity for additional on-site personnel are eliminated, resulting in an overall improvement in safety measures and operator autonomy.


With Volvo Co-Pilot, the operator can quickly and independently manage all operations with ease. The on-board display is intuitive enough to operate with minimal training and provides on-screen tips, optimising ease of operation.


Operators can also customise functions and targets in seconds and easily monitor the progress of their work with greater independence and confidence.


Sustainability is central to Volvo CE’s mission, and the Volvo Co-Pilot system is pivotal in promoting environmentally responsible construction practices.


By optimising machine operations and automating tasks, Co-Pilot actively contributes to reduced fuel consumption, lowering emissions and diminishing carbon footprints.


Furthermore, the system’s precise excavation and load-handling capabilities have the potential to minimise the need for rework, conserving materials, and further curbing waste production.


Volvo’s Co-Pilot monitoring features empower operators to make informed decisions based on data, resulting in additional reductions in fuel consumption and environmental impact.


By arming operators with tools that promote more efficient machinery operation, Volvo’s Co-Pilot is instrumental in fostering a mining industry increasingly committed to sustainability.


With Volvo’s commitment to science-based targets, the company continues to focus on environmental care and driving industry transformation to combat climate change.


Volvo CE leverages the extensive data gathered from operators worldwide to drive safety, uptime, and fuel efficiency enhancements that benefit both the present and future.


Integrating innovative digital technologies, such as Volvo Co-Pilot, streamlines the operators of Volvo machinery, promoting greater efficiency and concurrently reducing emissions, thereby enabling sustainable machine operation.


Volvo’s incremental improvements combine to deliver energy efficiencies across all types of Volvo construction equipment – a vital step forward in the world’s ongoing journey towards a carbon-neutral, sustainable future.


The global recognition of Volvo CE stems from its production of top-notch, safe, high-quality, and technologically advanced machinery. Telematics represents a significant stride in forming strategic customer alliances, complemented by additional productivity services.


For decades, CJD Equipment and Volvo CE have provided a range of premium construction machinery suited to Australia’s unique mining requirements.



Volvo and CJD deliver a range of productivity, fuel efficiency and safety solutions for a highly productive operation, ensuring machines perform at their best.




Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/smarter-solutions-start-here/

July 9, 2024
The Queensland Government has broken ground on the first construction works of the $5 billion CopperString project. Work commenced yesterday on the CopperString projects’ first and largest workforce accommodation site. The site will house those charged with building the project’s 840km high-voltage transmission line that will connect Mount Isa to the ‘SuperGrid’ for the first time. The workforce accommodation will house up to 550 construction workers at its peak. These workers will construct a nearby substation and progress early stages of the transmission line development heading west from Hughenden out to Mount Isa. Supercharging the state’s north-west aims to unlock Queensland’s $500 billion north-west minerals province. It’s expected CopperString will be complete in 2029, weather and construction conditions permitting. Queensland Premier Stephen Miles said CopperString is the biggest ever expansion to the state’s publicly owned energy system. “Queenslanders deserve cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy – to power their homes, our schools, hospitals, shopping centres and more,” Miles said . “CopperString will be the catalyst for transforming Queensland’s north and north-west – opening up mining opportunities, creating more jobs and unlocking critical minerals which will be essential in developing renewable technologies. “This is the start of a long and exciting future for the region and our state.” Commencing later this month, project owner, Queensland Powerlink, will be offering free sessions for businesses along the CopperString corridor to build their capabilities. The program includes five workshops and one-on-one assistance to help businesses build confidence to bid on major projects and supply chain work in the region. “All of North Queensland understands the immense opportunities that CopperString presents for local jobs both directly and indirectly which is why this is such a momentous day,” Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart said.  “Critical minerals are the next big boom for the resources industry and the feedback I’ve had from companies is that this project is key to unlocking those opportunities.” Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/queensland-breaks-ground-on-copperstring/
July 8, 2024
Underground mines are busy places, and it’s vital companies are on top of their processes to enable an efficient and safe underground operation. Whether it’s having the best equipment to drive higher production, maximise return on investment, minimise waste or keep workers out of harm’s way, mining companies benefit from understanding and investing in the right underground technologies. Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/showcasing-the-best-in-underground-mining/
July 8, 2024
BHP has started environmental processing to have the transport at its Escondida copper mine in Chile transitioned to an electric trolley system. The Big Australian will invest around $US250 million ($371.6 million) in the project at Escondida, which it owns in a joint venture with Rio Tinto. The funds will go towards installing key infrastructure to electrically assist the movement of extraction trucks in areas where the highest fuel consumption currently takes place. BHP has submitted an environmental impact statement to the Environmental Impact Assessment System in Chile. “The electric trolley system is one of the initiatives with which we seek to move towards a safer and more sustainable way of operating hand in hand with technology,” BHP Escondida president Alejandro Tapia said . “This project will allow us to reduce the fuel consumption of our extraction trucks and thus advance our goal of net-zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.” The project includes the construction of a new electrical substation and transmission lines both inside and around the Escondida Norte pit. These facilities will electrically assist the movement of trucks inside the mine in the areas where they go up loaded with ore and, consequently, consume more fuel. With this new technology, instead of using diesel, they will be propelled by electrical power, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving productivity associated with truck performance given the higher travel speed. Once construction kicks off up to 160 jobs are expected to be created. The trolley project is in addition to other technological transformation initiatives that the company maintains in different stages of study and execution, including the progressive incorporation of autonomy in its mining equipment.  To date, Escondida has six autonomous trucks in full operation and by 2025 it expects to have the largest fleet of autonomous equipment in South America. Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/bhp-goes-green-at-worlds-largest-copper-mine/
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