Remote control systems for underground mining equipment enable the operation of heavy machinery remotely to enhance safety, improve productivity, and reduce the risk of injury by distancing operators from hazardous underground environments. These systems range from line-of-sight radio remote controls to advanced tele-remote and autonomous controls integrated with mine networks. Let’s explore key aspects and types of remote-control systems.
Line-of-sight remote control
Operators use a handheld transmitter with radio signals to control mining vehicles from a safe distance within visual range (typically up to 100 meters or more). This basic level involves proportional controls and machine feedback via status lights. It reduces operator exposure to hazardous areas near machinery like loaders or scoop trams [1], [2], [3].
Wireless video remote control
It enhances line-of-sight control by adding a wireless video system (2.4 GHz Wi-Fi) to allow operation beyond visual sight of the machine. Operators receive HD video feeds and machine status information, improving safety by allowing control from farther away, sometimes hundreds of meters. These systems often include safety features like light barriers to stop machines if personnel enter danger zones [1].
Tele-remote control
Machines are integrated into the mine network, allowing operators to control vehicles from centralized control rooms underground or on the surface. This level allows higher productivity with vehicles operating at higher speeds and includes features like assisted steering, collision avoidance, and operation during hazardous conditions such as blast clearance or shift changes, improving uptime and safety [2], [4].
Semi-autonomous and autonomous remote control
Those advanced systems enable one operator to supervise multiple vehicles executing tasks autonomously. Autonomous control can handle the entire operation of equipment like load-haul-dumps (LHDs), minimizing human intervention in dangerous zones. These systems often combine telemetry and predictive maintenance, enhancing operational efficiency and safety [2].
Radio remote control systems (RRC)
Widely used technology involving a remote control transmitter and vehicle receiver, sometimes customized for different machines to operate drilling, loading, hauling, and excavation equipment remotely in harsh underground conditions. RRC systems operate up to several hundred meters underground and are compatible with various equipment makes and models [5], [6].
Laser-guided remote control systems
Those are employed for tunneling equipment like roadheaders and continuous miners, combining remote operation with laser navigation for precise machine positioning to maintain tunnel profiles safely from remote control rooms often hundreds of meters away. These systems include flameproof certification for hazardous mining environments like coal [7].
Remote control systems fundamentally improve operator safety by allowing control from outside hazardous zones, reduce operator fatigue, and increase productivity by enabling continuous equipment operation during dangerous or maintenance periods underground. They often include extensive machine feedback, video monitoring, and integration with mine safety and traffic management systems.
In summary, remote control systems for underground mining equipment encompass a range of technologies from simple radio-controlled transmitters for line-of-sight operations to fully integrated tele-remote and autonomous solutions with video and telemetry that keep operators safe and enhance operational efficiency in challenging underground environments.
Reference
[1] “Remote Control Systems – MacLean Engineering.” Accessed: Aug. 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://macleanengineering.com/iq-series/
[2] “Different level of Underground Mining Equipment Remote Control.” Accessed: Aug. 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: http://en.alpha1888.com/underground-mining-equipment-remote-control
[3] Epiroc, “Scooptram Radio Remote Control,” Epiroc. Accessed: Aug. 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.epiroc.com/en-qa/innovation-and-technology/automation-and-information-management/automation-and-information-management-underground/scooptram-radio-remote-control
[4] “AutoMine® Tele-Remote.” Accessed: Aug. 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.mining.sandvik/en/digital-solutions/automation/automine-tele-remote/
[5] “Radio Remote Control,” Murray Engineering. Accessed: Aug. 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://murrayengineering.com.au/pages/radio-remote-control
[6] “Radio remote control for safe, superior performance,” Hexagon. Accessed: Aug. 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://hexagon.com/products/hexagon-radio-remote-controller
[7] “Underground Miner Laser Guidance and Remote Control System,” Pempek Made for Mining. Accessed: Aug. 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://pempek.world/underground-miner-laser-guidance-and-remote-control-system/
