Meet the leader: David Taylor MAusIMM

David Taylor is a mining engineer by background and today oversees the deployment of innovative technology as Byrnecut’s Senior Technical Services Engineer.

We sat down with David to learn more about his career, how new technology is developed, tested and deployed, and his thoughts on encouraging the next generation of mining professionals.

Please tell us about your career journey – what drew you to a career in the resources sector?

I studied mining engineering and graduated from the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM). My interest in engineering was driven by a love for science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects, problem-solving and the outdoors.

In 2005 I joined Byrnecut, starting with vacation work and then moving into their graduate program, spending four and a half years underground, which was incredibly formative. Once qualified, I worked as a Project Engineer at a number of sites, gaining experience in project management and operations before moving into supervision and management roles.

After spending seven years as a Project Manager, I transitioned to my current role at Byrnecut’s head office as a Senior Technical Services Engineer. In this role I oversee innovations and operations for Byrnecut and assist across the wider group with the integration of new technologies and strategies to keep Byrnecut at the forefront of the industry.

I am also heavily involved in Byrnecut’s Vacation and Graduate Programs, where I work alongside Jessica Williams, Byrnecut’s Graduate Program Advisor. The programs are designed to provide technical and practical on-site experience as well as professional development opportunities, fostering the next generation of mining engineers. Additionally, for our project engineers, I hold training days and workshops, provide operational support and mentoring.

Byrnecut has recently been working with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop new diesel-electric mining equipment such as underground loaders and trucks featuring electric drivetrains. What are some of the operational benefits that you hope will come from these electrified vehicles?

By collaborating with our major OEMs to develop new diesel-electric mining equipment, we can explore a wide range of technologies and embrace innovations that reduce costs, improve safety and increase productivity and sustainability.

Since an immediate change to fully battery-electric equipment isn't feasible for every operation, we work closely with our OEMs to ensure the equipment is optimised for Byrnecut’s specific operational requirements. Our end goal is to utilise quicker, more productive and more reliable equipment to increase productivities and value for clients while providing a cleaner and cooler working environment for our employees.

Diesel-electric equipment combines a number of the benefits of electric machines with the flexibility of diesel power, making them an excellent choice for our needs. With a long-standing association with our major OEMs, we are able to provide input and feedback that helps shape new diesel-electric technology. These collaborations result in improved equipment to enhance our operations, which then allows us to pass the benefits on to our clients.

Developing this new equipment takes a lot of testing – what does the process involve and how do you know when the equipment is operation ready?

The process of developing new equipment is ongoing and likely will continue indefinitely as we strive to create fit-for-purpose machinery for the future.

However, to ensure thorough testing we make multiple trips to OEM factories and test facilities primarily located in Europe, specifically Finland and Sweden. This year a number of groups from Byrnecut have visited these factories, and one group has also travelled to an OEM’s battery production factory in North America.

Additionally, we recently visited operational mines in Canada to learn from their experiences with battery-electric loaders. Observing the third generation of this equipment in use there has provided valuable insights, helping us avoid any errancies they may have encountered in the previous generations of equipment. This approach ensures we do not make the same mistakes and allows us to implement innovations directly as best practice.

Extensive collaboration with the local OEM team is also crucial to ensure the equipment is fit for purpose in an Australian environment. This includes liaising with regulators to ensure compliance and contribution to the development of future legislation.

By maintaining close cooperation with our OEM partners and continuously gathering and applying insights from various sources, we can confidently determine when the equipment is operationally ready.

How will the new equipment be rolled out into operating sites?

The rollout of new equipment is already underway via a staged approach that is heavily supported by both the OEMs and Byrnecut. Our aim is to fully integrate these units as operational machinery, replacing existing diesel assets rather than simply having them as test units on site.

Recently, we introduced a Sandvik DD422iE development drill with dual controls at the Prominent Hill mine in South Australia. This drill is the first battery-electric Sandvik development drill in operation in Australia and is working alongside our fleet of diesel-powered equipment. The Sandvik DD422iE jumbo has met all of our expectations, fitting in exactly as a diesel unit would. Its integration has been simplified by the fact that it charges using the same electrical infrastructure that powers the rock drills on the diesel-powered jumbos. Ultimately, our goal is to run a full fleet of electric drills, loaders, and trucks and this rollout has been an encouraging step in that direction.

To ensure the full range of use and exposure of both the diesel-electric and battery-electric units operationally, we provide comprehensive support through training our employees. We have a dedicated project team, headed by Luke Clements, Byrnecut’s Automation and Electrification Manager, who manages the process from the initial risk assessments with the OEMs all the way through to site implementation, making the process as smooth as possible.

Additionally, product specialists and product support trainers assist with the rollout, helping our workforce become familiar with the changes in technology application. By carefully managing the rollout process and ensuring robust support and training, we are ensuring a future where our operations are more efficient, sustainable and technologically advanced.

You recently spoke at a primary school to share what it's like to be an engineer in the mining industry. What do you think resonated with the students, and how might we encourage new or young professionals into the sector?

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Cottesloe Primary School, my alma mater, to showcase the mining industry by engaging primary school students in future career opportunities linked to studying STEM. Sharing my career journey and what it's like to be an engineer in the mining industry was an enriching experience.

I think what resonated most with the students was the exciting and diverse range of career opportunities that can come out of studying in the fields of STEM coupled with the fact that I was a former student at their school.

Encouraging new or young people into the sector requires a multi-year, multi-tier approach to foster the next generation of professionals. Since mining in Western Australia is here to stay, promoting STEM education is crucial. Interactive and practical learning experiences are also key to building a strong foundation. By supporting and promoting STEM from an early age, we can inspire students to pursue careers in the resources and energy industry.

Creating engaging and hands-on experiences, such as school visits, workshops and STEM programs will help students see the real-world applications of what they learn in the classroom. This approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also demonstrates the tangible impact they can have in the future as professionals and innovators in the mining industry.