TECHNOLOGY
based on the data generated by the IoT. It allows both
manufacturers and operators to react to problems or introduce
timely remedial actions. It also allows manufacturers to run off-
site diagnostics. The IoT is considered an integral part of some of
the other trends considered here.
Artificial Intelligence
The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications
has entered virtually every sphere of mining. Mineral sorting
to separate gold-bearing quartz from barren quartz directly
from the conveyor belt to geochemical analyses on-the-fly to
anticipate recovery are just some of the pilot projects being
developed. In mineral exploration AI is increasingly being used
for target generation to constrain exploration efforts to the areas
of highest probability. In the oil-and-gas sector, the use of AI to
combine historic project data, to model and predict the location
of economical traps of hydrocarbons have yielded encouraging
results. The success of the AI platforms however depends on the
quality of the training data. A skilled professional will however
need to still validate the interpreted product.
Integrated Automation
The introduction of driverless vehicles is still years away in the
urban areas, but is already a reality on some mines. Autonomous
mining vehicles are monitored from a control centre, where
GPS sensors indicate the location at any given time. An array of
sensors also indicates to the operator if there are mechanical
issues or when the vehicle is due for maintenance. Safety has
also been increased due to fewer persons in operational areas,
fewer operator mistakes, and addresses the issue of operator/
driver fatigue that is a leading cause of accidents on mines.
Face drilling rigs, with up to six booms, can now drill, flush
and charge holes on the face, either by remote control or
autonomously. All of this also increases productivity as near-true
continuous operations become possible.
Blockchain
The mining industry has seen the advantages of interconnectedness.
Exxaro’s Belfast mine is a good example of a modern mine that has
embraced technology to the fullest.
reducing jobs in poor communities. There also appear to be
a slight degree of internal resistance to change and adopting
new technology.
Initially developed for cryptocurrencies, the application of
blockchain technologies has increased exponentially in the last
three years. Blockchain is seen as a secure means of executing
international transactions. There has also been a strong drive
from the precious metals and gems industry to develop
blockchain platforms as a means of ensuring and meeting
the requirements of ethical sourcing. Blockchain is used to
proof the provenance from souring to sale. In combination
with IoT, blockchain platforms are also increasingly being used
by procurement departments, where ordering of supplies is
automatically done if the inventory indicates a product to be
below certain volumes or quantities.
Cloud
A review of popular searches associated with the mining
industry and fourth industrial revolution related technology
gives an indication of the trends most likely to influence the
industry in the coming decade. Here is a quick rundown of the
trends for 2020 and beyond: The use of cloud-based systems for information sharing and
as a collaboration platform is increasingly being introduced
by, specifically multi-national companies with a number of
global operations, and managed from a single hub. The cloud
approach has proven to be useful for areas with less developed
communication infrastructure to enable workers to safely store
data for offline usage. It has also allowed for significant savings
as SMEs or even larger operations now do not need to purchase,
install and maintain their own servers.
Internet of things Drones
The adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) has been the most
significant trend in the mining industry. The industry has seen
the advantages of RF tagging and interconnectedness between
systems. The main applications are related to the analyses of
performance, trends and making performance predictions There has been a dramatic shift in the use of drones to conduct
survey and security functions at mines. Previously, skilled
contractors were used to conduct all or most of the drone-based
activities, but there has been a significant amount of in-house
upskilling to licence mine staff as drone operators. The allure
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