Seljestokken Quarry

Overview

Seljestokken Quarry is a state-of-the-art autonomous mining site equipped with cutting-edge technology for efficient and safe aggregate extraction. The quarry operates with a fully autonomous fleet, advanced AI monitoring systems, and high-speed connectivity to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Equipment and Operations

The quarry operates with a fleet consisting of:

1 x Volvo 750F

2 x Caterpillar 772G

The fully autonomous dump trucks are monitored and managed by an excavator operator, ensuring efficient material handling. The quarry's automation system enables real-time decision-making and streamlined workflows, enhancing productivity and safety.

Technological Advancements

Steer Autonomous was designed from the start to cater for the requirements in small and medium quarries and mines. Quarry operations in particular usually have relatively few trucks of mixed brands while also offering thinner margins compared to the mining industry. Steer Autonomous addresses all of this in the sense that Steer Autonomous is:

5G Connectivity:

Telenor has installed a dedicated 5G base station at the site, mounted on a tower crane provided by the operator Romarheim AS. This ensures low-latency communication between all machines.

Lidar-Based Loading Monitoring

Lidar sensors mounted on the rear of the dump trucks assess the available space in the crusher feed hopper before unloading.

AI Video Surveillance

AI-powered monitoring systems are installed at key locations to enhance security and operational oversight.

Peer-to-Peer Machine Communication

The quarry operates without centralized infrastructure, relying on P2P discovery and direct communication between machines for efficient coordination.

revolutionize the mining and construction industry

Challenges and Adaptations

Solar Storm Interference:

Over the past year, increased solar activity has caused disruptions in GNSS-based navigation. This is expected to become a more significant challenge in the coming years, requiring additional filtering and redundant positioning solutions.

Steep Haul Roads and Debris Management:

Unlike the downhill operations at Eikefet Quarry, Seljestokken’s haul roads require loaded trucks to ascend steep inclines. This increases the likelihood of rock spillage. To mitigate risks, the autonomous trucks automatically detect and stop for any debris larger than 15cm.

Key Facts and Stats

General Stats:

Yearly aggregate production: 1 million tons

Weekly production requirement: 20.000 tons

Hourly production: 400+ tons

Average cycle length: 1,100 meters

Diesel consumption per 772G per cycle: 5.5 litres

Transmission shifts per cycle: 42

Excavator passes per truck load: 5-6

Average loading time: 2 min 10 secs

Technical Specifications

Fully redundant steering, braking, computing & network systems

Network topology: Peer-to-peer communication with minimal infrastructure

Bandwidth requirement per machine: 1 Mbps

GNSS RTK Corrections: Local base station

Integration: Custom cable harness, MCU/ECU, hydraulic interfaces, CAN bus, and telemetry

System integrity check frequency: Every 100 milliseconds

Mobile Crusher: Metso

Stacker: Terex Telestack

Personnel and Safety

Autonomous Accidents/Incidents: 0

Supervisors / Managers needed: 0

Onboarding period for new loader operators: 1-2 days

Remote support: Provided by Steer in Oslo

Financial Performance

Salary savings: Substantial

Fuel savings: 3%

Increased tyre lifespan: 25-30%

Increased component lifespan: 15% +

Insurance fees per machine: Unchanged

Machine financing: Standard leasing agreements

Component warranty: 12 months

Expected lifetime of Steer Autonomous system: 5-8 years (Lidar is the only moving part)

Seljestokken Quarry represents the next step in autonomous mining, leveraging cutting-edge automation, connectivity, and AI-driven systems to enhance efficiency and safety while reducing operational costs.

AUTONOMOUS OPERATION

Eikefet - Norway