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July 12th, 2024
Revolutionising Remote Mining
The remote mining industry in Australia is undergoing a transformation, with cutting-edge technology and innovative practices leading the charge. Autonomous vehicles and machinery, controlled from Remote Operations Centres (ROC), reduce the need for human presence in hazardous environments, improving safety and productivity. Innovations such as real-time data analytics enable instant decision-making and problem-solving from hundreds of kilometres away. High-speed internet and advanced communication systems allow for seamless interaction between the ROC and onsite teams. Even virtual and augmented reality is being increasingly used for training and operational purposes to provide immersive experiences, allowing operators to simulate and practice scenarios, improving their skills and preparedness.
As the industry continues to evolve, FDCs delivery of Whitehaven's Remote Operations Centre (ROC) in Brisbane, exemplifies what can be achieved when cutting edge technology meets human-centric design, to create a state-of-the-art facility. Crucially, Whitehaven ROC not only ensures operations are efficient and safe, but has created an environment that prioritises wellbeing in a workplace not frequently associated with comfort.
“A remote operation like this puts a lot of distance between the people and potential harm. But over and above that, in the psychosocial realm, it means that you can hire people who can go home every night to their families, rather than flying in and out, which is the typical mode for working on the mines,” explains Rob Paterson, Pre-Construction Manager at FDC. “The whole idea around ROCs is not just about technology; it’s about optimising human wellbeing.”
Ergonomic precision meets human-centric design
No details were spared in creating a comfortable environment for the Whitehaven ROC team. Certified ergonomists were consulted to ensure the project adhered to a strict standard of workplace ergonomics. Desks were custom designed with a bullnose edge to provide greater comfort for controllers, who regularly find themselves desk bound for 12 hours at a time. Specialist lighting was designed to create the perfect conditions for tired eyes.
“We engaged a lighting designer because it was essential the lighting was comfortable for workers to be in 12 hours a day. We utilised bespoke circadian rhythm lighting, which is where the lighting follows the circadian rhythm of the body. In the morning, you might have a more warm, yellow light, and then in the middle of the day—which could also be the middle of the night—because it's a 24-hour facility, you have a brighter midday light.” Each controller also has a dimmable task light just for their desk – reinforcing the thoughtful details embedded within the project.
Building resilience through innovation
ROCs are incredibly complex because they are required to be extremely resilient. Any loss of power can result in catastrophic disruptions, shutting down mines thousands of kilometres away. “To build resilience, we put a generator on the roof of the building, which was so big that it had to come up the goods lift in 18 pieces,” explains Rob. “The ROC is in an existing commercial building. We installed all new electrical and mechanical infrastructure so that it didn't have to be reliant on the base building to operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.”
Other details, including provisions for outside air to ensure optimum air quality, and the creations of a tea point within the facility, allowing for easily accessible refreshments have elevated the quality of the workplace for the Whitehaven ROC team. An acoustic engineer was engaged to define noise levels for the space, isolating the 24/7 operations area into its own room, allowing for anyone working within the facility to focus without distractions.
"FDC's extensive experience in constructing technical environments was crucial to our success. Their knowledge of what works, what doesn't, and how to optimise functions for the benefit of our people was invaluable," said Mark Stevens, Whitehaven Coal's Executive General Manager of Project Delivery.
A new benchmark in efficiency for the mining industry
Whitehaven ROC represents an exciting era for mining operations, bridging the gap between operational efficiency and wellbeing. Every ergonomic contour, every design decision—even the fresh air that controllers breathe—is the result of successful collaboration and FDC’s unparalleled experience in building these environments.
“One of the most rewarding things about Whitehaven ROC was delivering something as complex as this in such a short time frame. We handed over a couple of days early, which given that we designed and built it in less than five months, was fantastic,” says Rob. “But even more than that, seeing the whole team come together – from the designers and specialists to the subbies and everyone in between was the best thing of all.”
Image credit: Matt Pixel
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