With the rapid adoption of autonomous and semi-autonomous mobile equipment in mining, the need for robust safety standards has never been more critical. ISO 17757:2017 addresses this challenge by setting global safety requirements for autonomous mining operations. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard ensures that technological innovation doesn’t come at the cost of human safety.

ISO 17757:2017 is an international standard titled:
“Earth-moving machinery — Autonomous and semi-autonomous machine system safety.”

This standard provides guidelines and requirements for the design, implementation, and operation of autonomous and semi-autonomous mining equipment. It focuses on mobile machinery such as haul trucks, dozers, and drills, ensuring their safe integration into mining environments.

The goal of ISO 17757:2017 is to:

• Reduce risk of injury or accidents caused by autonomous machines

• Ensure functional safety across all modes of machine operation

• Promote interoperability and consistency across OEMs (original equipment manufacturers)

• Offer guidance to regulators, engineers, and mining companies

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Key Features and Requirements

1. Operational Modes and Transitions

• Defines various operational states: manual, remote-controlled, autonomous

• Requires clear protocols for safe transitions between modes

2. Safety and Risk Management

• Emphasizes a risk-based approach for equipment deployment

• Requires hazard identification and mitigation during design and operation

3. Human Interaction and Interface

• Ensures safe interaction zones and operator awareness

• Mandates fail-safes and manual overrides for emergency situations

4. System Performance Requirements

• Specifies minimum standards for sensor accuracy, control systems, and data logging

5. Testing and Validation

• Demands thorough system testing, including simulation and real-world validation

ISO 17757:2017 is intended for:

• Mining companies using or planning to deploy autonomous systems

• OEMs designing autonomous or semi-autonomous mobile equipment

• System integrators and engineers working in mining automation

• Safety regulators and auditors in the mining industry

Implementing ISO 17757:2017 leads to:

• Improved worker safety in high-risk mining environments

• Legal and regulatory compliance across international markets

• Enhanced operational efficiency with fewer interruptions

• Greater trust from stakeholders, including investors and communities

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Relationship with Other Standards

ISO 17757:2017 complements other standards such as:

• ISO 12100 – Safety of machinery (general principles)

• ISO 13849 – Functional safety of control systems

• ISO 3691-4 – Industrial trucks with driverless operation

Together, these standards help establish a comprehensive safety framework for smart mining operations.

As the mining industry accelerates toward autonomy, ISO 17757:2017 plays a crucial role in balancing innovation with safety. It provides a globally recognized benchmark for implementing autonomous systems responsibly and effectively.

By aligning with ISO 17757, companies can minimize risk, maximize productivity, and lead in the future of mining automation.