NORDIC FOCUS sustainable as well as competitive solutions will be key in the value creation of mining .”
IMA Engineering and illuMINEation
Finland ’ s IMA Engineering has been a contributor to the success of the illuMINEation project , funded by European Union ’ s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No . 869379 , which has recently come to an end . All in all , 19 partners developed bright concepts for a safe and sustainable digital mining future . The consortium provided a summary of the most important recent project activities . After 42 months , the illuMINEation consortium announced its successful project completion in February 2024 .
IMA stated : “ The project significantly supports the digital transformation of the mining sector . It brings safety improvements , environmental sustainability , and talent attraction , to industry collaboration . The mining industry is embracing fast the age of automation and digitalisation . So , illuMINEation brings its contribution to a future where mining is both efficient and environmentally sustainable , while also technologically advanced and socially accepted .”
One of the key achievements of the project lies in its potential to support the implementation of digitalisation initiatives in the mining sector . By utilising Industrial Internet of Things ( IIoT ) technologies , illuMINEation provides a framework for efficiently managing mining activities to increase operational efficiency .
“ We , at IMA Engineering , are so grateful for contributing to the success of the IlluMINEation project , which reshapes the future of underground mining . The solutions we developed with our partners make the mining sector more efficient and protect the health and safety of the workers . This means that the metal-bearing ores , so important for the current technology leap can be located and mined selectively and more responsibly . This has a big economic and environmental impact ,” Jukka Raatikainen , CEO of IMA Engineering mentioned .
The project focused on the development of technology solutions that also help reduce human involvement in hazardous mining operations . “ Moreover , the project results address safety concerns by minimising the risks associated with mining activities , playing a crucial role in reducing accident rates and contributing to a safer working environment . This change makes mining safer for workers , while also increasing the reliability and credibility of the industry .”
As an example , Raatikainen presented the Autosampler to the members of the IlluMINEation Consortium . “ This is the result of all the work we did with our partners during the last four years . We are proud that our
Autosampler proved its efficiency also in underground mines . Now we can help more mining companies differentiate ore from waste rock , leading to increased productivity reduced costs , and less waste tailings produced .
Moreover , it will also contribute to the health and safety of the mining workers .”
He demonstrated how the drill cuttings sampling device works , and the huge advantages it brings to miners , mining companies , and the economy in the context of the world ’ s fast electrification path . As the industry needs bigger quantities of essential metals , the Autosampler helps companies know where to mine with maximum efficiency and accuracy . The device automates the sampling , sample splitting , and sample bag change process while preserving the geological structure of the samples , providing detailed ore-waste border identification and the
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possibility for visual logging of the cuttings by measure of hole depth .
Jama prepares to present battery scaler experience with Boliden
Sweden ’ s Jama Mining Machines in the form of
Eva Skinner , CMO , and Anders Nilsson , R & D Project Manager will be present at Euro Mine Expo , running from June 14-16 in Skellefteå , where they will present the experiences of the first battery-powered scaling machine that has been in production for one year in one of Boliden ’ s mines .
The scaling process involves a dedicated scaling machine that remove loose rock after
blasting . Where a blast takes place it is not in a
secured area , which means that there are high safety requirements on scaling machines .
Scalers have been developed by Jama since
MAY 2024 | International Mining 59