A Field Study of Haul Truck Operations in Open Pit Mines

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a field study of the operation of haul trucks in two open pit gold mines. Qualitative results relevant to the haul truck operator’s work environment are presented, and the human factors challenges of the work are identified. Three specific issues that stood out from the study are discussed in detail. First, fatigue is identified as a major contributing factor to crashes and overall performance in open pit traffic, heightened by the specific work characteristics of a haul truck operator. Second, negative transfer is discussed as it interferes with the adaptation from one truck type to another: a consequence of inconsistent controls across different truck brands. Third, the under utilization of and the general posture of suspicion towards the dispatch system are reported, with a list of potential reasons related to automation characteristics.

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