Jevons Robotics has entered into an agreement with Newmont Australia to supply an automated, packaged pre-split loading robotic solution, aimed at significantly reducing personnel exposure in highwall mining environments. Pre-split loading refers to the precise placement of explosives along rock walls to create controlled fractures, helping to reduce the risk of unintended rock falls and making mining operations safer. Highwall mining involves extracting minerals from exposed rock faces—areas that can be particularly hazardous for workers due to the risk of rockfalls and unstable ground.
This deployment marks the first time Jevons Robotics’ proven ARTEV1000 rugged, battery-electric robotic platform has been extended to handle pre-split loading tasks. Purpose-built for drill and blast operations, the automated robot is designed to physically remove personnel from high-risk tasks at the highwall, while ensuring consistent and repeatable loading results. By automating the process, Jevons Robotics anticipates a reduction in personnel exposure hours by up to 50% and an increase in loading efficiency by 30%, directly supporting Newmont Australia’s goals for enhanced safety and productivity.
The agreement demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing safety and operational performance through practical automation that integrates seamlessly with existing drill and blast workflows and equipment. “We are really proud to be able to deliver this world-leading product to an organisation so focused on improving safety and productivity outcomes for their operations. This agreement represents the first payload extension of our existing ARTEV1000 platform and reinforces the value our robotic solutions deliver to global miners,” said Todd Peate, Chief Executive Officer of Jevons Robotics.
This deployment is a significant milestone for Jevons Robotics as it continues to industrialise robotic solutions for drill and blast applications, enabling mining companies to meaningfully reduce critical risk exposure while maintaining high levels of operational efficiency.
The ARTEV1000 incorporates several advanced technologies from Jevons Robotics’ larger 6000 series, and eliminates the need for operators to perform hazardous tasks directly at the blast hole. These tasks include hole dipping (measuring the depth of drilled holes to ensure correct explosive placement), stemming, and hose handling in small diameter blast patterns—all activities that traditionally exposed workers to manual handling risks, dust, and gas. By fully automating these processes, the ARTEV1000 dramatically reduces operator exposure to dangerous environments, furthering Jevons Robotics’ commitment to safety innovation and operational excellence in the mining sector.
