title: The contributions of human factors and ergonomics to a sustainable minerals industry.
abstract: This article describes examples of the application of human factors research and development work to a sustainable minerals industry. It begins by outlining human-related aspects of the minerals industry and the key human factors work previously undertaken in this domain. The focus then switches to sustainability in the minerals industry. Sustainability principles are introduced and illustrations provided of how human factors research and development work fits within such a framework. Three case studies of human factors in the minerals industry research are presented and the sustainability implications in each case study are highlighted. Finally, future trends related to human factors work in a sustainable minerals industry are addressed, in particular the opportunities and possible adverse consequences that increasing deployment of mining automation might bring.
  Minerals industries are a major global activity with significant sustainability implications. Aspects of sustainability in mining are examined using three case studies. These illustrate the contribution of human factors/ergonomics in reducing risks; developing emergency response management systems; and the value of participatory ergonomics in improving the design of mining equipment.
authors.affiliation: Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia. t.horberry@uq.edu.au
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Horberry
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Burgess-Limerick
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fuller
mesh_terms: D001331:Automation; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004630:Emergencies; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D008906:Mining / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D012308:Risk Management