Rio Tinto is to splash out half a billion dollars on driverless, high-tech trains that in two years will be hauling iron ore to port as part of a futuristic move that could lead towards a completely automated mine.
The AutoHaul train project will be controlled in Perth ,some 1500 kilometres away from the company's Pilbara iron ore mines in Western Australia.
The project will displace as many as 500 train drivers from their jobs.
The plan, which forms part of Rio Tinto's so-called mine of the future plan, was launched in 2008 and includes 150 driverless trucks - some of which are already operating - and autonomous drills.
Rio Tinto chief executive Australia and Iron Ore Sam Walsh said automated trains and trucks would help the resources giant address the significant skills shortage facing the industry and improve productivity at its Pilbara iron ore operation.
"However, as we expand our business we will see an overall increase in job numbers and this will provide new opportunities in the rail division and elsewhere," Mr Walsh said.
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The West Australian
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