Hall, D & Yeldham, L 2025, 'Integrating autonomy in mine rehabilitation: bridging technology and landform design', in S Knutsson, AB Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2025: Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-8, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_11
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/2515_11_Campbell/)
Abstract: Earthworks in mine site closure is on the cusp of a transformative shift – from traditional, human-operated equipment to remote controlled, semi-robotic and fully automated machinery. The move to autonomous machines is well underway in the operational parts of mines all over the world with the use of autonomous haulage systems, however, the rehabilitation industry has not yet broadly adopted automation.
This paper explores how the technology currently employed in mine rehabilitation projects can be leveraged for a transition to automation, ensuring tomorrow’s autonomous systems can deliver the desired landform outcomes.
Challenges faced for successful implementation are many and varied but this paper seeks to focus on the design and construction guidance inputs to the machines and systems. Complex designs often seen in mine closure such as geomorphic landforms can be difficult to construct due the steeper slopes, sharp valleys and varied material movement directions.
With autonomous machines there is no longer a human operator to make adjustments on the fly, so the design and guidance inputs need to be assessed for constructability and be able to be updated continuously throughout the project.
Through case studies and technical analysis, this paper will demonstrate how current technologies can lay the groundwork for the autonomous mine site closure strategies of the future and identify unique opportunities for autonomy to change the way we close mines.
By understanding and leveraging these tools, the mining industry can accelerate the safe, cost-effective adoption of automation in rehabilitation projects.

Keywords: mine closure planning, best practice, automation, efficiency, design optimisation