11
However, the inherently risky nature of underground
mining poses significant ergonomic challenges. This is
where mine automation offers a powerful alternative. For
example, the use of robots in mining can minimize human
exposure to dust, vibrations and extreme temperatures,
while autonomous navigation systems can reduce cognitive
load and improve decision-making in stressful situations.
A compelling example of a human-centered approach in
practice is the case study presented in “Mining automa-
tion human-systems integration: A case study of success at
CMOC-Northparkes” 39. This study highlights the success-
ful integration of automation at the CMOC-Northparkes
mine in Australia, which was achieved through a participa-
tory ergonomics approach. By actively involving employees
in the design and implementation of automation technolo-
gies, it was ensured that the new systems complemented
human capabilities and addressed their specific needs and
concerns. Ultimately, a human-centered approach based on
ergonomics and supported by automation paves the way
for safer, healthier and more productive mining operations.
Safety and Automation
The integration of automation technologies such as auton-
omous vehicles, robotics and remote-controlled equipment
then reduce the need for humans to be present in hazardous
underground environments. This exposes them to fewer
risks such as rockfalls, toxic gases and extreme tempera-
tures, making the operation of mines safer 40. By automat-
ing the most physically demanding and dangerous tasks,
mines can not only increase operational efficiency but also
significantly improve worker safety. Automation also makes
it possible to take on more strategic tasks 41.
Safety and automation are closely linked in the BM
concept. Automation is used to increase safety in the work-
place, allowing workers to focus on supervisory functions
or tasks that require human judgment and creativity. This
not only improves safety, but also increases efficiency and
reduces the likelihood of human error. Integrating automa-
tion and ergonomic principles ensures that technology does
not replace humans, but supports them, making mining
safer and more efficient.
Healthy Working Environment
A healthy working environment is crucial for the long-term
performance and well-being of employees. In underground
mining, this means providing adequate ventilation to
maintain air quality, controlling noise levels and providing
adequate lighting. In addition, the design of the workplace
must support good posture and movement to reduce the
risk of musculoskeletal disorders. By promoting a healthy
working environment, the Blue Mining approach helps to
reduce absenteeism, increase job satisfaction and maintain
a productive workforce.
Together, these three elements -human-centered plan-
ning, safety and automation, and a healthy work environ-
ment -form the foundation of the ergonomic principles
of the BM approach and contribute to a sustainable and
worker-friendly mining operation.
Some of the benefits of considering ergonomics in
mining that can be considered when implementing this
approach are resource efficiencies, environmental sustain-
ability, improved health and safety, improved productivity
and workload, and attracting the younger generation as the
future mining workforce.
Development of Concepts for Ergonomics-Oriented
Solutions in Mines According to the Blue Mining
Approach
The integration of ergonomics, a human-centered approach
and automation in mining is critical to creating a safe, effi-
cient and healthy working environment. The Blue Mining
approach provides a structured way to achieve this holis-
tic integration and ensure that mining operations are both
technologically advanced and focus on employee wellbeing.
The BM approach is divided into three key steps that guide
the development of ergonomic concepts in the mining
sector.
Step 1: Identifying potential uses
The first step is to identify the potential for implementing
ergonomic solutions within the mining system. In under-
ground mining, this could mean assessing the physical
demands placed on employees by their tasks and identify-
ing opportunities to redesign tools, workstations and work
processes to minimize strain and injury. Assessing the ‘state
of health’ of everyone involved, including the systems and
processes they interact with, is critical. This step ensures that
the work environment is not only safe, but also promotes
the long-term physical and mental health of employees.
Step 2: Identify usage conflicts and synergies
In the second step, the focus shifts to identifying dependen-
cies and interactions within the mine’s ecosystem, includ-
ing all elements, processes and people. This is particularly
important in the context of mine automation, where the
introduction of new technologies can either enhance or
disrupt ergonomic practices 36. For example, when autono-
mous vehicles or machines are introduced, it is crucial to
assess how these technologies will affect the movements
and safety of human workers in the mine. This step also
However, the inherently risky nature of underground
mining poses significant ergonomic challenges. This is
where mine automation offers a powerful alternative. For
example, the use of robots in mining can minimize human
exposure to dust, vibrations and extreme temperatures,
while autonomous navigation systems can reduce cognitive
load and improve decision-making in stressful situations.
A compelling example of a human-centered approach in
practice is the case study presented in “Mining automa-
tion human-systems integration: A case study of success at
CMOC-Northparkes” 39. This study highlights the success-
ful integration of automation at the CMOC-Northparkes
mine in Australia, which was achieved through a participa-
tory ergonomics approach. By actively involving employees
in the design and implementation of automation technolo-
gies, it was ensured that the new systems complemented
human capabilities and addressed their specific needs and
concerns. Ultimately, a human-centered approach based on
ergonomics and supported by automation paves the way
for safer, healthier and more productive mining operations.
Safety and Automation
The integration of automation technologies such as auton-
omous vehicles, robotics and remote-controlled equipment
then reduce the need for humans to be present in hazardous
underground environments. This exposes them to fewer
risks such as rockfalls, toxic gases and extreme tempera-
tures, making the operation of mines safer 40. By automat-
ing the most physically demanding and dangerous tasks,
mines can not only increase operational efficiency but also
significantly improve worker safety. Automation also makes
it possible to take on more strategic tasks 41.
Safety and automation are closely linked in the BM
concept. Automation is used to increase safety in the work-
place, allowing workers to focus on supervisory functions
or tasks that require human judgment and creativity. This
not only improves safety, but also increases efficiency and
reduces the likelihood of human error. Integrating automa-
tion and ergonomic principles ensures that technology does
not replace humans, but supports them, making mining
safer and more efficient.
Healthy Working Environment
A healthy working environment is crucial for the long-term
performance and well-being of employees. In underground
mining, this means providing adequate ventilation to
maintain air quality, controlling noise levels and providing
adequate lighting. In addition, the design of the workplace
must support good posture and movement to reduce the
risk of musculoskeletal disorders. By promoting a healthy
working environment, the Blue Mining approach helps to
reduce absenteeism, increase job satisfaction and maintain
a productive workforce.
Together, these three elements -human-centered plan-
ning, safety and automation, and a healthy work environ-
ment -form the foundation of the ergonomic principles
of the BM approach and contribute to a sustainable and
worker-friendly mining operation.
Some of the benefits of considering ergonomics in
mining that can be considered when implementing this
approach are resource efficiencies, environmental sustain-
ability, improved health and safety, improved productivity
and workload, and attracting the younger generation as the
future mining workforce.
Development of Concepts for Ergonomics-Oriented
Solutions in Mines According to the Blue Mining
Approach
The integration of ergonomics, a human-centered approach
and automation in mining is critical to creating a safe, effi-
cient and healthy working environment. The Blue Mining
approach provides a structured way to achieve this holis-
tic integration and ensure that mining operations are both
technologically advanced and focus on employee wellbeing.
The BM approach is divided into three key steps that guide
the development of ergonomic concepts in the mining
sector.
Step 1: Identifying potential uses
The first step is to identify the potential for implementing
ergonomic solutions within the mining system. In under-
ground mining, this could mean assessing the physical
demands placed on employees by their tasks and identify-
ing opportunities to redesign tools, workstations and work
processes to minimize strain and injury. Assessing the ‘state
of health’ of everyone involved, including the systems and
processes they interact with, is critical. This step ensures that
the work environment is not only safe, but also promotes
the long-term physical and mental health of employees.
Step 2: Identify usage conflicts and synergies
In the second step, the focus shifts to identifying dependen-
cies and interactions within the mine’s ecosystem, includ-
ing all elements, processes and people. This is particularly
important in the context of mine automation, where the
introduction of new technologies can either enhance or
disrupt ergonomic practices 36. For example, when autono-
mous vehicles or machines are introduced, it is crucial to
assess how these technologies will affect the movements
and safety of human workers in the mine. This step also