MINING INDABA •
“ The AI solution can identify areas where more data is required for analysis , allowing mine operators to deploy automation to pull the data needed to gain greater visibility ,” continues Swart .
Additional areas where technology delivers efficiency gains include optimisation through decision-support systems , advanced operational control platforms and predictive maintenance .
In this regard , asset performance management ( APM ) and machine learning ( ML ) algorithms combine structured and unstructured data to help predict equipment failures and accurately forecast maintenance needs to maximise uptime and equipment lifespan through predictive maintenance .
From a People perspective , Willie Ackerman , chief sales and marketing officer explains that technology plays multiple roles , helping empower miners by improving health and safety ( H & S ) management and meeting regulatory compliance requirements while supporting better workforce productivity and uplifting the role and impact that people have in the workplace .
“ AI-enabled solutions can automate visibility into H & S procedures with real-time monitoring via an integrated system to better manage the environment . The real-time feedback from IoT devices provides critical insights , analysing historical data and real-time metrics to predict safety incidents and reduce risks by mitigating human errors to improve or enhance an environment to make it safer .”
The real-time visibility via dashboards also streamlines reporting , ensuring operators meet regulatory compliance standards and make informed decisions , mentions Ackerman .
AI solutions also improve efficiencies and productivity by modernising the operating environment through improved communication and collaboration , where AI co-pilots from Microsoft play a key role in enhancing the role and impact of human resources by making people better at and more efficient in their jobs .
“ While technology can solve many common industry challenges , the key to unlocking its full potential depends on how well we upskill and reskill operators to adopt and use AI tools , which is why technology implementation alone is not enough . Miners require a service provider that can also deliver the training and change management services to support adoption and entrench usage ,” explains Ackerman .
Regarding the Stakeholder pillar , Swart explains that AI technology can improve visibility on sustainability and Environmental , Social , and Governance ( ESG ) scores .
“ Many miners remain mired in the manual , reactive , hindsightfocused aspect of ESG reporting but AI-based technology solutions can automate and streamline this critical aspect related to a mine ' s licence to operate ( LTO ),” elaborates Swart .
“ Embracing solutions like Sustainability Manager from Microsoft moves an operation from hindsight to real-time ESG insights via dashboards that miners need to actively manage and improve their scores and then start predicting outcomes .”
Beyond the ESG reporting aspect , technology can help customers materially impact sustainability scores through enhanced water balancing and carbon emission reduction .
Supplied by 4Sight Holdings
Left to right : Willie Ackerman , chief sales and marketing office , and Wilhelm Swart , chief operational technologies officer at 4Sight Holdings .
“ Automating mine operations through IoT and AI has a significant impact on carbon emission reduction by improving efficiencies to deliver greater yields ,” explains Swart .
For example , Advanced Process Control ( APC ) projects can deliver a 4 % improvement in yields that result in the same percentage reduction in carbon emissions .
Ackerman explains that the Finance pillar focuses on integrating financial and ERP systems to get real-time insights to move the operation from hindsight through insight to foresight .
“ Metal accounting solutions support end-to-end optimisation by consolidating data from various sources , including sampling , assaying , and production records , into a single , centralised system , which eliminates data silos and ensures data consistency ,” explains Ackerman .
By automating calculations and reconciliations , these systems streamline the metal accounting process , reducing manual effort and minimising errors while providing real-time data-driven insights into production performance that support quicker decision-making .
Lastly Ackerman mentions the Innovation pillar ensures mine operators position themselves for the future to maintain their relevance and agility in the dynamic global commodities sector .
“ Technology investments must focus on how to incorporate AI across all areas of the business to ensure African mines and workforces do not get left behind in a technology-orientated world ,” elaborates Ackerman .
“ AI will not displace people in the mining sector . Instead , empowering human resources by training Africa ' s workforce to leverage and work alongside AI will unlock technology ' s transformative power , ensuring Africa emerges as a competitive force on the global mining stage ,” concludes Ackerman . •
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • January 2025 • 45