The mining industry faces a
WORLD PROSPECTS
Breaking down data silos - ABB Ability™ OMS persistent challenge that often goes unaddressed - fragmented data across the mine-to-market value chain . While individual systems may function well in isolation , the lack of integration between planning , execution and reporting systems creates operational inefficiencies that impact the bottom line . Despite ongoing efforts to bring the mining industry into the digital age , a significant amount of mining workers ’ time is spent on paper-based administrative tasks and spreadsheet management - a clear driver for the industry to advance its digital transformation efforts .
The latest release of ABB Ability™ Operations Management System ( OMS ) for mining ABB says tackles this challenge head-on by consolidating data across the entire mining operation – from the mine face to processing plant and enterprise-level reporting . This integrated approach addresses a critical issue identified by McKinsey : that enhanced end-toend performance of the mine-to-market value chain represents a significant opportunity for value creation yet remains largely untapped due to fragmented responsibilities .
ABB states : “ Consider the typical end-ofmonth reporting scenario in mining operations . Teams can spend countless hours gathering data from multiple sources , manually updating spreadsheets and attempting to verify information accuracy . It ' s a familiar monthly ritual – the pressure-cooker environment of corporate reporting deadlines colliding with the reality of gathering and verifying operational data . The pressing question is - are the final numbers truly accurate ?”
Reporting headaches are just the tip of the iceberg . When a loader breaks down 200 m underground , every minute counts . Site operators need to make split-second decisions about equipment reallocation , yet they ' re expected to piece together an operational puzzle from radio calls , equipment logs and shift schedules . In these critical moments , the lack of integrated data isn ' t just an inconvenience - it ' s a direct hit to production targets and the bottom line .
The latest version of ABB ’ s OMS it says “ creates an immediate feedback loop between planning and execution – a crucial differentiation in the market . This integration enables mining operations to move beyond traditional siloed approaches to a more dynamic , responsive
operational model .”
The system ’ s intelligent Short Interval Control ( SIC ) capability demonstrates this integration in action . ABB : “ When equipment issues arise , the system automatically analyses operational data and provides specific recommendations for resource reallocation . This automation can save approximately 33 minutes of decision-making time per 12-hour shift , translating to roughly four additional hours of production per week .”
The transformation potential of integrated operations management is clearly demonstrated at Gold Fields ’ Granny Smith mine , located 740 km north-east of Perth . This mature mining complex , which has been operational since 1989 , has revolutionised its underground operations through digitalisation .
Prior to implementing ABB ’ s OMS , the mine relied on radio communications and paper schedules , requiring managers to build significant time buffers for contingencies in personnel and equipment movement underground . The transition from spreadsheets and verbal commands to digitalised scheduling has delivered immediate benefits .
The implementation included connecting all fixed and mobile equipment to achieve new levels of production scheduling efficiency . The system enables operators to receive work orders live via rugged HMI devices and report task completion or interruptions in real time . This real-time visibility has been particularly valuable in underground environments where , traditionally , oversight was limited .
The success of any operational system ultimately depends on user adoption . Through extensive on-site engagement and feedback sessions with mining professionals worldwide , ABB says it has refined the OMS user interface
to ensure it meets practical , day-to-day operational needs . “ This user-centric approach extends to the implementation of self-service dashboards , designed to meet the needs of most mining operations out of the box . This standardisation reduces implementation time and costs while ensuring users can quickly access the information they need to make informed decisions .”
As mining companies increasingly focus on ESG targets , operational systems must evolve and tighten efficiencies to support these initiatives . The integrated planning capabilities of ABB OMS provide a foundation for managing electrification projects and monitoring environmental impacts . At Granny Smith , production value achieved in equipment movements and maintenance are already contributing to reducing the mine ’ s carbon footprint , demonstrating how digital transformation can support both operational and environmental goals .
The era of disconnected mining operations – where planners , operators , and managers work from different datasets and struggle to align their efforts – ABB says is coming to an end . “ As Gold Fields and other forward-thinking mining companies have shown , integrating operations through intelligent systems isn ' t just about modernisation – it ' s about creating mines that are safer , more productive , and environmentally responsible . For an industry that has long wrestled with the complexity of coordinating underground operations and surface processing , these advances in operational management aren ' t just improving efficiency – they ' re transforming how mines operate , communicate , and succeed in an increasingly demanding world .” https :// new . abb . com / mining
6 International Mining | MARCH 2025