IM 2021 November/December21 | Page 37

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Top 3 technology trends set to disrupt mining

How automation , digitalisation and electrification are impacting the mining sector

Technology is shaping the mines of tomorrow and mining equipment , technology and services ( METS ) companies are discovering ways to be more agile and to disrupt the mining and resources sector for the better .

AspenTech , Dassault Systemès and Epiroc are at the cutting-edge of the sector , together , covering the entire process , from the mine to the port , and to the market beyond . They are all set to showcase their commitment to the future requirements of mines at the International Mining and Resources Conference ( IMARC ) at the beginning of 2022 .
Automation , digitalisation and electrification are seeing METS companies support miners in performing their jobs in a safe , sustainable and efficient way .
Epiroc Automation and Technology Manager , Rohan Anderson , said automation and data management enables smart , safe and seamless mining . “ The goal of automation is to increase mine productivity and to improve mine safety , by increasing daily operational capacity and producing predictable data ,” Anderson said . “ Data management converts data into decisionmaking information , and signals deviations and opportunities to maximise the impact on process performance improvement areas .”
BHP , Gold Fields and Roy Hill are some of the
AI , machine learning , 4D modelling and virtual reality systems are just some of the technologies making an impact in the mining sector ( credit : Dassault Systemès )
big names in mining now deploying Epiroc ’ s solutions and are some of the mining companies who will be sharing insights into METS and more at IMARC . At Roy Hill , ASI Mining and Epiroc are adapting 77 of Roy Hill ’ s mixed truck fleet to run on an interoperable autonomous haulage solution .
On top of automation , machine learning and predictive analytics are two disruptive technologies set to change the face of mining , according to AspenTech .
“ Knowing your equipment really well means AspenTech ’ s predictive analytics enable clients to get early , accurate warnings of impending equipment failure ,” AspenTech Senior Sales Account Manager , Tim Hopkins , said . “ AspenTech ’ s predictive analytics increase throughput by decreasing unplanned downtime and improve safety by identifying potential risks well in advance .”
The introduction of a bespoke 4D twin may allow companies to test out scenarios such as where to mine , what the impact of introducing an electric fleet might be , or even whether diversifying out of one commodity might be beneficial to the overall company , Dassault Systemès GEOVIA CEO , Michelle Ash , says
“ Artificial intelligence and machine learning will continue to be a bigger part of the mining sector , but not at the expense of jobs ,” AspenTech Senior Sales Account Manager , Tim Hopkins , saysses
He added : “ Artificial intelligence and machine learning will continue to be a bigger part of the mining sector , but not at the expense of jobs . Some traditional roles may no longer be required , but AI and machine learning still require human input and will create a suite of new jobs .”
The power of data and reviewing scenarios in real time means companies can assess how to manage waste reduction , mining plans and tailing dams , a point acknowledged by Dassault Systemès GEOVIA CEO , Michelle Ash .
She said : “ Platforms don ’ t need to be complicated or difficult to use , in order to be useful . Creating a bespoke 4D twin enables our clients to really experience their site and to run different scenarios in real time and see what the impact of that might be to the company .
“ Some of these scenarios might include where to mine , what the impact of introducing an electric fleet might be , or even whether diversifying out of one commodity might be beneficial to the overall company .”
METS companies are designing solutions that continue to push the boundaries of the mining and resources sector , with these companies seeing their solutions embraced by a sector with a desire to become increasingly agile .
Epiroc , AspenTech and Dassault Systemès are just some of the 200 METS companies showcasing ground-breaking solutions at IMARC from the January 31 to February 2 , 2022 , at the Melbourne Showgrounds in Victoria , Australia . For more information visit imarcglobal . com
About :
The International Mining and Resources Conference ( IMARC ) is where global mining leaders connect with technology , finance and the future . As Australia ' s most influential mining event , IMARC creates a global conversation , mobilises the industry for collaboration and attracts some of the greatest leaders in the mining , investment , and technology industries for three days of learning , dealmaking and unparalleled networking . The hybrid event is set to welcome Australian attendees to the Melbourne Showgrounds and international attendees from more than 130 countries via our online platform .
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | International Mining 35