The term ‘smart mining’ describes the use of technology and data to improve productivity, efficiency and safety of the mining industry. Smart mining can be implemented in many ways, from automating tasks and processes to improving communications between team members.
But is the future of mining all about automation or is there more to smart mining than simply having the latest technology? Let’s dive deeper and find out.
Smart mining innovations
One area of innovation in smart mining is in the development of autonomous vehicles, which are able to operate without a driver and can be controlled remotely. Autonomous vehicles are already being widely adopted in other industries such as agriculture, but it has the potential to significantly impact the way that mines operate.
For instance, autonomous vehicles fitted with smart sensors and remote controls may be able to safely work in confined or hazardous areas where a human-operated vehicle would not be able to.
Another area of innovation is in the development of advanced sensor technology. Smart sensors can gather and relay data about the conditions underground such as temperature, humidity and gas levels. This data can then be used to create safer working environments, as well as to optimise the operation’s efficiency.
Benefits of smart mining
A key benefit of smart mining is that it has the potential to both increase efficiency while also reducing environmental impacts of mining operations.
Through the use of sensors and data analysis, smart mines can track and monitor data points across many different areas of the process, from supply chain to exploration and drilling operations. This in turn enables more accurate estimation of costs and planning of resources, and can help to reduce waste.
More detailed maps allow for more accurate targeting of areas for exploration, which can help to minimise the impact on local habitats.
Similarly, drones can be used to quickly and safely gather visual information about deep or high areas of a mine, and assist in faster and more accurate mapping of terrain.
Mine automation: step changes in safety
Automated machines can help to improve safety by reducing the number of people who are exposed to potentially hazardous conditions. In addition, automated machines may boost efficiency by reducing the amount of resources, time or effort required to extract minerals from the ground.
However, automation in mining may also have its limitations and present new challenges. Aside from potentially reducing some of the economic benefits of mining such as job creation, automated machinery is usually costly to purchase, install and maintain. A heavily automated operation may also call for retraining and further upskilling of team members. There is also some loss of flexibility in decision making to be considered — a brief conversation between humans can often lead to innovative solutions to problems which a machine may be unable to solve.
The mines of the future: IoT in mining
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to devices which connect to the internet, including phones and computers, but also increasingly sensors, appliances and tools. The IoT enables devices to communicate with each other and share data.
In mining, IoT can be applied to increase both safety and efficiency. One such use case would be IoT-enabled sensors, which can be used to remotely monitor underground conditions.
Increasing overall visibility with data and the mining dashboard
A dashboard can be used to provide decision-makers with visibility of all aspects of the business, from production to supply chain to safety.
By collating and summarising data from multiple sources, a mining dashboard can enable rapid identification of problems and opportunities as well as track progress towards goals. An effective dashboard gives a high-level view of the operation and enables quicker decision making, freeing up time to work on other priorities.
What does it take to make a mine ‘smart’?
While smart mining is a forward-thinking concept with a heavy emphasis on advanced technology, the theory behind it is also refreshingly uncomplicated: it is about discovering more efficient and more sustainable modes of operation.
At Fortem Resources, we believe ‘smart’ means more than technology. It also means matching highly skilled personnel to the tasks that best suit their capabilities.
Interested in mining smarter?
Is your company searching for smarter ways to manage projects? If so, we can help. Call us today to discuss your requirements.
