Mining technology continues to evolve throughout the industry. With the ongoing advancement of the technology that powers autonomous vehicles and robotic operations, every industry is on the cusp of transformation to implement these new technologies.
ASARCO-Grupo Mexico announced to the community that it has officially informed the United Steelworkers Union that ASARCO will be implementing the use of Autonomous Haulage System at the Ray Mine. These notifications are required based on current labor contracts with the unions. The company announced that zero jobs will be lost due to the change of equipment. ASARCO and Union officials were scheduled to meet on Oct. 17 according to the public flyer. At press time the outcome of the meeting was not available.
In the announcement, ASARCO reported that the implementation of the new AHS system will be complete by October 2025. The implementation plan calls for current employees to to be trained to advance into other positions at ASARCO as part of the arrival of the AHS at the Ray Mine.
The AHS system is expected to improve the safety of employees, equipment and production as well as improve efficiencies at the Ray Mine.