BHP is testing new automated shiploaders at its Port Hedland export facility in Western Australia’s Pilbara. 

The company says it is working on world-first, 3D laser scan technology as part of a $50 million project to fully automate eight shiploaders by 2023.

The shiploaders at BHP’s Nelson Point and Finucane Island operations can load about 1,500 bulk ore carriers every year, exporting about 280 million tonnes of iron ore to global customers in 2021.

BHP says automating the process could allow it to produce over one million tonnes each year, facilitated by greater precision, reduced spillage, faster load times, and equipment optimisation.

BHP’s Asset President WA Iron Ore Brandon Craig says the automated shiploaders will enable significant safety, production and cost improvements.

“The shiploader automation project shows that our Pilbara teams are at the forefront of innovation, technology and operational excellence. Automating our shiploaders will improve safety for our people and allow us to load our ships more precisely and efficiently, including through automatic adjustments for weather, hazards and other variable port conditions,” he said.

“Through targeted investments right along our value chain, BHP continues to deliver productivity gains that will help make our business more resilient and able to create sustainable value for our shareholders, the community and the economy.”

Reports say the number of Port Hedland-based BHP roles remains unchanged, as existing staff have been deployed across the shiploaders and through a range of other production-based roles.