‘Embrace the future’: IQ CEO urges sector to embrace technology

Mining Institute chief executive Viv Russell urged members to “look to the future” as technology continues to advance in the industry.

Russell said 2024 was a year of change for the industry, which had shown the “pioneering spirit” to adapt to it.

“We have noticed that the pioneering spirit is still very much present in our sector, especially among the members of the Institute,” he said.

“The recent launch of the first fully autonomous articulated dumper (ADT) operating in a UK quarry is a perfect example of the ambition, vision and courage needed to take our sector forward.”

“The project also shows how we can all develop a common approach to driving our industry forward. Thanks to advances in technology, we will also see a change in the skills needed and the way we all work, while maintaining core competencies.”

Russell’s comments come after Chepstow Plant International, Bell Equipment UK, Xtonomy and Sibelco Equipment unveiled the first-ever fully autonomous articulated dumper to industry experts.

Four companies have partnered to create the new autonomous Bell B40E and its hardware and software components. It made its debut at a quarry in Devon earlier this year.

According to the companies involved, the key objectives of this pilot program will be to demonstrate the potential to reduce the number of road accidents and subsequent accidents and to upskill the existing workforce to further support the future of quarry operations.

“The project also shows how we can all develop a common approach to driving our industry forward. Thanks to advances in technology, we will also see a change in the skills needed and the way we all work, while maintaining core competencies,” Russell said.