Autonomous and remote operation technologies are set to transform the Australian mining industry. These technologies will instigate a change in the nature of employment in the mining sector and as a result, the way in which mines interact with the communities in which they operate. Such a wide reaching transformation warrants the participation of an equally broad group of stakeholders in order to understand the scale and extent of potential implications and as a result, manage the transition with the best chance of sustainable success. This paper provides background information for a roundtable involving multi-disciplinary stakeholders to be held on 24 November 2011 and titled Autonomous and remote operation technologies: harnessing the societal benefits for Australia.