Delegates will be examining Western Australia’s proposed code of practice and guidelines, and Mines Minister Bill Marmion said the visit highlighted the state’s position at the leading edge of new mining developments.

“This highlights WA’s leadership in developing the mines of the future,” he said.

“It is about exporting not just our commodities but our expertise.

“We already have BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group using autonomous machinery – remotely controlled by people in Perth and onsite – and we are committed to seeing this technology used safely.”

As part of the collaboration, the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy will host meetings between the ISO and the local group which developed the WA guidance.

The local group includes representatives from the state regulator along with the builders and operators of autonomous systems.

After working with the WA team the ISO will hold a two-day meeting to develop its international safety standards.

“For more than 65 years, ISO has been developing safety standards that apply to industries around the world,” Marmion said.

“As a parochial West Australian, and minister for mines and petroleum, of course I believe our resources industry is a global leader, especially when it comes to safety.

“However, it is particularly pleasing to see this reputation reinforced by recognised organisations such as ISO.”