A collision occurred between a dozer operating semi-autonomously and a manned hydraulic excavator on Monday 27 May. A causal investigation team, comprising representatives from the mine operator, Peabody Energy - Wilpinjong Coal Mine, worker representatives and the NSW Resources Regulator, was established on 7 June 2019 to investigate the circumstances that led to the collision.
The excavator operator was scaling a section of a highwall in the operating area of the semi-autonomous dozer fleet. The excavator travelled into an active slot, in the path of a dozer working in semi-autonomous mode, while the dozer was reversing to commence the next programmed push. When the dozer contacted the rear of the excavator, it pushed the excavator approximately 1.5 metres sideways and then began to spin its tracks. After five seconds the dozer’s semi-autonomous system identified that it had experienced track slip and stopped tramming as programmed.
The operator ensured the excavator operator was not injured and notified the NSW Resources Regulator of the incident. The mine initiated emergency procedures and assisted the operator in safely exiting the excavator.
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