Robinson Mine : Delivering Deep-Rooted Dexterity

For more than a century, Robinson Mine, the jewel in the crown of KGHM Polska Miedź’s international mining portfolio, has been setting new standards in copper extraction. We delve deep into the details with Vice President and General Manager, Neil Jensen.

DELIVERING DEEP-ROOTED DEXTERITY

Due to the essential role that minerals play in enabling modern life, the North American mining industry continues to thrive. 

Copper has been recognized as a critical mineral fundamental to electrification, renewable energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure.  

Owned and operated by Polish copper miner KGHM Polska Miedź (KGHM), Robinson Mine (Robinson) is a large-scale open-pit facility located at Ruth, White Pine County, eight miles from Ely, Nevada.   

With activity dating as far back as 1867, the site boasts over a century of robust mining history in the Silver State.    

The mine comprises three large open pits – Liberty, Tripp-Veteran, and Ruth. Once identified, the ore is extracted using conventional surface methods and is then processed into a copper-gold concentrate as well as a molybdenum concentrate in the concentrating plant.   

“Robinson’s journey has been shaped by a commitment to safely and responsibly grow our people, resources, and partnerships to maximize value for a sustainable future,” opens Neil Jensen, Vice President and General Manager. 

“We operate with both a deep respect for our heritage and a clear focus on the future,” he adds.  

In addition, as global demand for technology expands, so does the importance of ensuring sustainable practices continue to enable Robinson to be a leading contributor to the energy transition and broader economic development in North America. 

LEVERAGING A PROUD HISTORY 

Today, Robinson’s primary products comprise the extraction of copper, gold, silver, and molybdenum.   

“With approximately 700 employees and contractors, we are the largest employer in White Pine County, and our operation includes three active open pits supported by a standard crushing, grinding, and flotation concentrator process,” explains Jensen. 

Right now, its customer base includes global smelters and refiners who supply downstream manufacturers serving infrastructure, energy, and industrial markets.    

What continues to set Robinson apart is its deep-rooted history in the local area and the subsequent connection it has created with people in the surrounding community. 

As well as this, the entire operation retains a family feel throughout its working culture. 

“Our employees are the heart of our operation, and with over 150 years of mining at our site, numerous members of the team are proud multi-generation Robinson miners,” Jensen prides. 

“As we continue to evolve and look for advancements in automation, it is important to recognize that technology supports our workforce – it does not replace the need for skilled workers, and it is important to strive to maintain a balance between innovation and people,” he affirms. 

Furthermore, as a cornerstone employer in White Pine County, Robinson’s success is closely tied to regional prosperity and a strong connection to the surrounding communities. 

“Our long-standing presence allows for meaningful community partnerships and strong ties with local tribal governments and regional stakeholders.”

AUTONOMOUS AND MODERNIZED 

With continued investment, Robinson is advancing its autonomous equipment and digital systems to modernize operations and improve efficiency – a priority that aims to maintain its position at the cutting edge of industry standards. 

“A state-of-the-art D65 drill was recently added to our fleet for the process of pre-split drilling, as well as two D11 dozers – the addition of these autonomous and remotely capable machines will reduce risk and improve operator comfort for a significant percentage of operating time,” Jensen expands.  

Meanwhile, Robinson is also integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) into its mobile and mill maintenance systems to improve planning efficiency and enable real-time decision-making.   

“Autonomous and remotely capable equipment expansion is improving safety and operational consistency, while processing plant optimization projects are enhancing our recovery rates and reducing environmental impact.” 

Elsewhere, the latest drone technology supports the facility in high-resolution mapping, volumetric analysis, and slope monitoring, significantly reducing exposure to hazardous geological areas.   

“Each of these projects supports our overarching objective of unlocking value through responsible mining by extending mine life, improving safety, and enhancing sustainability,” he excites. 

STREAMLINING THE PROCESS 

Long-term sustainability is fundamental to the prosperity of copper production, and the ongoing global energy transition depends on this vital resource. 

Furthermore, producing copper responsibly ensures that the rising demand can be met while maintaining community trust and regulatory compliance.   

“At Robinson, we focus on the implementation of new technologies to produce cost-effective and viable solutions towards achieving targeted outputs, reducing environmental impacts through adapting responsible mining practices, and streamlining activities to fully optimize the longevity of the operation,” states Jensen.   

As part of this implementation, Robinson is currently testing a new robot in its heavy equipment shop that delivers parts to mechanics.   

“By having the machine deliver parts to the maintenance technicians, travel time to retrieve items is removed, allowing the technician to continue maintenance on the machine.”  

Meanwhile, Robinson is also exploring drone delivery of components to technicians in the field – an innovation that has the potential to reduce up to two hours of travel time, greatly improving efficiency when maintaining equipment.   

“We utilize drone technology for high-resolution topographic mapping, volumetric analysis, and slope monitoring – this enhances survey accuracy, improves planning, and significantly reduces the need for personnel to access hazardous areas,” he details. 

THE STRUCTURE FOR SUCCESS 

In order to ensure employees are prepared for a more digital and automated mining environment, Robinson invests heavily in workforce training, leadership development, and skills enhancement.   

“We also recognize that strong operations are built on engaged people,” Jensen affirms. 

To ensure this, the business invests in training aligned with emerging technologies, structured engagement programs, and recognition of safety and performance milestones. 

“The goal is to create meaningful, long-term careers within a modern mining environment while continuing to be an employer of choice in the region.” 

Equally as crucial is the focus that Robinson places on both safety and sustainability, two factors that remain central to the entire operation. 

“Guided by our core value of achieving zero harm, we implement rigorous safety management systems, proactive risk mitigation, contractor alignment standards, and automation to remove personnel from high-risk tasks,” he elaborates. 

At the same time, a solid and comprehensive operational framework focuses on efficient resource utilization, emissions management, reclamation, and water stewardship.   

Looking ahead, taking all of this into account, Robinson’s priorities include expanding autonomous capabilities, optimizing mill throughput, enhancing workforce technical skills, advancing environmental performance, and extending the life of mine. 

“Through responsible mining practices and continued innovation, our facility remains committed to delivering the critical materials necessary for a more electrified and sustainable future while serving as a long-standing economic partner in Nevada,” Jensen proudly concludes.