• CRADLE TO GRAVE
Informing investment decisions With such broad applications and the diverse set of digital solutions available , the challenge facing decision-makers in the mining sector is knowing where to channel investment into areas that deliver the greatest impact .
“ 4Sight utilises simulation and digital twin technologies to assist decision-makers with facts and scenarios related to where to invest for the best returns , and in what sequence they should execute the projects , combining our domain-specific skills with leading technology and experience ,” explained Ackerman .
Source : Supplied by 4Sight Holdings
Fleet Electrification The year 2024 promises to be the time to transition fleets to electric vehicles ( EVs ). Rapid technological advances , combined with a global commitment to sustainability , create a particularly favourable environment for electrification . According to a Webfleet study on the electrification potential of vehicle fleets , 61 % of commercial vehicles in Europe could be replaced by an electric alternative . Moreover , companies with EVs save on average 5 665l of fuel per vehicle per year , EUR3 599 ( R74 893.82 ) in costs , and 15 tons of CO 2 per vehicle per year . However , there are still challenges to overcome , such as the charging network , although the EU plans to distribute EV charging points on the main road networks .
Leveraging AI in energy management optimises the integration of renewable energy sources into mining operations .
FLEET MANAGEMENT TRENDS IN 2024
Fleet management is undergoing major advances and 2024 will be a decisive year in two key areas : safety and decarbonisation . In addition , technologies such as artificial intelligence ( AI ) applied to automotive will drive new challenges and opportunities in the sector . Webfleet , Bridgestone ’ s global fleet management solution , has compiled the fleet management trends that are on the horizon .
Justin Manson , sales
AI in the automotive industry director at Webfleet .
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising everything , from programming to data management , cybersecurity and training . It also plays a crucial role in the automotive industry , advancing aspects such as autonomous driving , road safety and user experience . This trend will continue in the coming months , with AI being used to train autonomous vehicles , improve emergency braking systems , detect fatigue , predict vehicle maintenance , and optimise routes in real-time – ultimately improving mobility in cities .
Supplied by Webfleet
According to Justin Manson , sales director at Webfleet , the electric trucks on South Africa ’ s roads will be joined by vehicles powered by gas , specifically compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas , and fuel cell trucks . “ A fuel cell truck is an electric truck that generates electricity from fuel cells powered by hydrogen stored in tanks . In a fuel cell , hydrogen and oxygen are combined through an electrochemical reaction to generate electricity , heat and water .”
Smart Charging for electric vehicles “ One challenge confronting companies with electric vehicles , is smart charging . What ’ s the point of using electric vehicles if recharging is done using non-renewable energies ? The market is starting to implement systems that ensure the use of clean energy during the charging process of electric vehicles . This not only improves battery health and increases residual value , but also facilitates charging when grid costs are lower , leading to energy cost savings ,” says Manson .
Fleet Safety The World Health Organization ( WHO ) estimates that traffic accidents result in 1.3 million fatalities and 50 million injuries every year . To address this , a global strategy has been drawn up to reduce road deaths and injuries by at least 50 % by 2030 . The strategy involves establishing measures such as setting driving and resting time limits and using in-vehicle technology to promote safe driving styles . In the upcoming year , safety will be given even more attention in regulatory developments , particularly with regards to tachograph compliance .
“ Even better news is that there will be safer trucks on South African roads in 2024 and into the future . Global truck manufacturers are constantly striving to introduce innovative safety features . Unlike in the past , where many were optional extras , features such as lane guidance and collision avoidance are fast becoming standard features in the newer models ,” says Manson . •
Source : Supplied by Webfleet
Sustainability Reducing environmental footprints have become one of the most important goals for companies globally , alongside meeting increasingly stringent emissions targets . Many European cities have already implemented Low Emission Zones ( LEZ ), and by 2030 , Zero Emission Zones ( ZEZ ) will be introduced , permitting only vehicles that do not emit to circulate . Additionally , new regulations , such as the Corporate Sustainable Reporting Directive ( CSRD ), which will come into force from this month , will be a challenge .
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising everything , from programming to data management , cybersecurity and training .
34 • African Mining • April 2024 www . africanmining . co . za