Mining industry is a dangerous and labor-intensive industry. In the United States, about 1,000 people die in mines each year. Accurate numbers are more difficult to find in a global context, but some sources estimate that up to 12,000 miners die each year in mining accidents, mostly in coal mines.
While statistics are readily available from places in the western hemisphere, the African continent records the worst safety incidents and fatalities in underground mining. A study by Human Rights Watch has investigated that poor health and safety standards, including inadequate ventilation are the leading cause of serious health and lung diseases. A snippet of the HRW 122 page report, “Copper production carries serious health and safety risks from mining through processing and smelting. Underground copper mining is particularly dangerous, with at least 15 recorded fatalities in Zambia every year since 2001.” Anti-union activities, threats of job loss, and underreporting of fatalities are all commonplace and in breach of Zambia’s national laws and international labour standards. These are only example of the violations that occur in the mining industry.
Thankfully, advancements in technology and automation have provided miners with improved livelihoods and a safer working environment. Electric mobile robots can help make it a safer and more efficient place for miners. These robots can be used to perform a variety of tasks, from surveying and mapping to drilling and blasting. They can also be used to transport materials and equipment, as well as to monitor and inspect mining sites.
Robots are having a major effect on the mining industry, with self-driving ore-carrying trucks and deep-sea mining robots taking the place of humans. These automated machines are saving lives, increasing efficiency, and could open up new possibilities for mineral extraction. It is essential for mining companies to recognize the importance of robots and their potential for the future.
Oinride’s AutoJoe robot is a six-wheeled, fully electric, compact robot designed to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the mining industry. AutoJoe can be programmed to follow safety protocols and to avoid hazardous areas. It can also be used to detect and report any potential hazards, such as gas leaks or unstable ground. Thus help in reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, as well as to improve the overall safety of the mining site.
