Skills development and training of future workers in mining automation control rooms

Article


Chirgwin, Peta. 2021. "Skills development and training of future workers in mining automation control rooms." Computers in Human Behavior Reports. 4, pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2021.100115
Article Title

Skills development and training of future workers in mining automation control rooms

ERA Journal ID212150
Article CategoryArticle
Authors
AuthorChirgwin, Peta
Journal TitleComputers in Human Behavior Reports
Journal Citation4, pp. 1-10
Article Number100115
Number of Pages10
Year2021
PublisherElsevier
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN2451-9588
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2021.100115
Web Address (URL)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451958821000634
Abstract

The benefits and value promised by autonomous mining technologies in mine control will only be delivered when an equal focus is placed on humans and machines alike. This paper explores the obstructions mine controllers face, examining the fundamental reasons why technology adaption does not reach its full potential and why the industry is facing a skills resource shortage in this area. This is the first of two papers developing our understanding of the job design and task allocations of a mine controller's role. This will assist in addressing the shortcomings of inadequately designed Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and facilitate improvements in human factors. The goals of this first paper are to present a field study of the mine controller role from a human factors' perspective. Through interviews, in situ observations and analysis of job descriptions of current mine control roles a common skill set, and human factors requirements was developed and analysed against data reviewed from current literature. The findings reveal issues with technology integration, particularly in job design and training for the mine controller, are resulting in a shortage of available candidates for autonomous control. Therefor there is a need to develop robust workplace training practices, coupled with higher education that is valid, effective, and adaptable to an ever-changing and technology-intensive working environment.

KeywordsAutomation; Control room; Mining; Technology; Training; Work design
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020401002. Engineering education
401003. Engineering practice
Byline AffiliationsSchool of Psychology and Counselling
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q7330/skills-development-and-training-of-future-workers-in-mining-automation-control-rooms

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In Control With Higher Education Through Work-Based Learning
Chirgwin, Peta. 2021. "In Control With Higher Education Through Work-Based Learning." Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice. 21 (15), pp. 43-52.