Aims of the Forum A contribution from Dr Robin Batterham, Vice President, RIO TINTO Research & Technology and a
member of The AusIMM Standing Technology Advisory Qroup. Dr Robin Batterham is of view that the inevitability of automation in the minerals industry and the importance
of addressing the human implications. He also outlined Rio Tinto's approach to automation. The progressive introduction of automation into mining operations will be revolutionary in its effects. This is
the experience in other industries and it will be no different in mining. Mining companies most successful at implementing the new technologies will gain relative competitive
advantage and those manufacturers who produce the most desirable automated equipment for miners will also
gain market share.