The Fortescue Hive, the company’s Integrated Operations Centre which uses the latest automation and monitoring technology, has been officially opened.
The East Perth-based centre aims to improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of Fortescue Metal Group’s (FMG) operations across the state.
Activities at the hive will include operating FMG’s autonomous haulage and drilling technology, and the real-time monitoring of its iron ore processing facilities, mine sites and port.
Western Australia’s iron ore sector, which accounted for more than a third of global iron ore production in 2019, is a world-leader in deploying autonomous mining equipment.
Since the introduction of autonomous haul system technology, FMG’s 168 autonomous trucks have travelled more than 47 million kilometres and moved more than 1.4 billion tonnes of material.
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Western Australia Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston congratulated FMG on the opening of the site.
“WA’s iron ore sector continues to drive the digital mines of the future, reinforcing our reputation as a global leader in smart mining.
“This technology is not only transforming the iron ore industry, but is being trialled by other commodity groups such as the gold sector.
“Innovative centres such as the Fortescue Hive are a great win for worker safety, with a number of companies reporting improved safety outcomes across the State.