Autonomous Navigation in Mining Course
Online 300-hour course in autonomous navigation in mining. 6 modules covering ISO 17757 (safety of autonomous machinery systems in earthmoving and mining), ISO 19014 (functional safety of earthmoving machinery) and Komatsu FrontRunner. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the landscape of autonomy in mining operations.
Explain the perception, positioning and fleet navigation systems.
Size the communications infrastructure required.
Apply functional safety and risk management in autonomous zones.
Manage organisational change and the role of people.
Assess the economic viability of an autonomous system.
Design an implementation plan for mining autonomy.
Who it's for
- Mining autonomous systems engineer who wants to specialise in Autonomous Navigation in Mining.
- Functional safety manager who wants to specialise in Autonomous Navigation in Mining.
- Industrial communications engineer who wants to specialise in Autonomous Navigation in Mining.
- Autonomous fleet controller who wants to specialise in Autonomous Navigation in Mining.
- Mine technology implementation manager who wants to specialise in Autonomous Navigation in Mining.
- Mining productivity analyst who wants to specialise in Autonomous Navigation in Mining.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter metal mining.
What you'll work with
- ISO 17757 (safety of autonomous machinery systems in earthmoving and mining)
- ISO 19014 (functional safety of earthmoving machinery)
- ISO 21815-1 (collision detection and avoidance)
- IEC 61508 (functional safety)
- IEC 62443 (industrial cybersecurity)
- ISO 15817 (remote control of earthmoving machinery)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Why mining adopts autonomy ahead of other sectors1.2Autonomous equipment: haulage, drilling and auxiliaries1.3Levels of autonomy and remote supervision1.4Open-pit and underground operation1.5Integrated control centre and its function1.6Declared benefits: safety, consistency and cost1.7Operational prerequisites1.8Transition from mixed fleet to autonomous fleet1.9Stakeholders: operator, manufacturer and integrator1.10Workshop: readiness diagnosis of a mine
2.1Satellite positioning and differential correction2.2Indoor positioning without satellite signal2.3Perception sensors: lidar, radar and cameras2.4Sensor fusion and robustness against dust2.5Mine maps and their updating2.6Route and trajectory planning2.7Speed and trajectory control2.8Detection of obstacles and people2.9Performance degradation in adverse conditions2.10Practical: analysis of a perception failure
3.1Mine communications network3.2Coverage, latency and redundancy3.3Haul road infrastructure and signage for autonomy3.4Autonomous zones and mixed zones3.5Barriers, access points and entry control3.6Control centre: workstations and ergonomics3.7Dispatch and assignment systems3.8Integration with the plant and with surveying3.9Infrastructure maintenance3.10Practical: design of an autonomous zone
4.1Risk analysis of autonomous operation4.2Safety functions and their integrity level4.3Emergency stop and safe states4.4Separation between people and autonomous equipment4.5Procedures for personnel entry into an autonomous zone4.6Interaction with manned vehicles4.7Incident and anomaly management4.8System verification and validation4.9Sector regulations and good practice4.10Practical: risk assessment of a mixed zone
5.1New roles: remote controller and supervisor5.2Retraining of machine operators5.3Personnel training and certification5.4Normal and degraded operating procedures5.5Change management and industrial relations5.6Shifts and fatigue in the control centre5.7Autonomous operation indicators5.8Maintenance of autonomous equipment5.9Coordination with contractors5.10Practical: fleet transition plan
6.1Required investment and life-cycle cost6.2Expected savings and their verification6.3Effect on productivity and consumption6.4Project risks and their mitigation6.5Manufacturer dependence and exit plan6.6Implementation phases and go/no-go criteria6.7Sector cases and lessons learned6.8Common mistakes in autonomy projects6.9Foreseeable evolution of the technology6.10Final project: haulage autonomy implementation plan
How you'll learn
Fully 100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Komatsu FrontRunner, Cat MineStar Command, MATLAB/Simulink, ROS 2, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real risk analysis procedures for autonomous zones, mixed-traffic mine simulation and communications coverage tests. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the landscape of autonomy in mining operations.
Explain the perception, positioning and fleet navigation systems.
Size the communications infrastructure required.
Apply functional safety and risk management in autonomous zones.
Manage organisational change and the role of people.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of between 10 and 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You work with Komatsu FrontRunner, Cat MineStar Command, MATLAB/Simulink, ROS 2. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit recognition policy when you enrol.
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