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Technology-savvy mining companies likely to be the winners in the quest for excellence

QUEST FOR OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE Mining houses that deploy the latest technology in the areas of robotics, sensors, automation, wearables and connectivity will likely emerge as winners

SCOTT McGOWAN One area that has grabbed the imagination of miners around the world is that of advanced robotics

21st August 2015

By: Ilan Solomons

Creamer Media Staff Writer

  

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Mining may be a highly industrial endeavour that has not changed dramatically over the decades, but sophisticated new technologies are starting to play ever-greater roles in improving productivity and mine safety, says information technology consultancy and systems integration firm Wipro Africa global mining practice director Scott Mcgowan.

He believes that, in the future, mining houses that deploy the latest technology in the areas of robotics, sensors, automation, wearables and connectivity will likely emerge as the winners in the unceasing quest for operational excellence within the sector.

Mcgowan notes that, historically, mining companies had very little technology at stope level. The physical work of blasting, breaking rock, clearing sites and then extracting ore has remained a very low-tech activity. “To use an analogy, it was like a blind man guided by a simple walking stick.”

However, he states that, with new technology monitoring all forms of data at stope level, mining can, in contrast to the example of the blind man, be said to be analogous to a highly skilled surgeon that deftly operates with full visibility, and with all the tools he needs close at hand.

Mcgowan points out that sensor and tracking technology at mine sites provides real-time data on everything from ore samples, temperature, air quality, ground stability, staff movements and staff fatigue to medical issues and much more.

“Combined, these information feeds give mining managers a rich view on the state of operations at the coalface, as the mine develops something akin to a central nervous system, which constantly gives feedback on its own health and performance,” he enthuses.

Mcgowan avers that, with this information, mining firms can profitably operate at deeper levels, make better predictions about ore grades and productivity levels, tailor their outputs more accurately to market demands and better ensure the safety of staff.

He points out that one area that has “grabbed the imagination” of miners around the world is that of advanced robotics.

“Initial trials from mining giant Anglo American and US-based University Carnegie Mellon have already produced a working prototype that enters mine sites immediately following a blast, navigates on its own, conducts measurements and takes readings. The robot is also able to go into dangerous areas where it is not safe for humans to enter,” Mcgowan states.

Additionally, he highlights that ground penetrating radar technology can be used to rapidly gather high-resolution subsurface information.

Mcgowan says this technology can help in several ways by determining mining-safety- related factors – such as rock bursts, fractures and shear zones – mapping rock quality and establishing where mineral and metal deposits exist, thereby enabling faster adjustments to mining plans.

He adds that, in the arena of wearable technology, miners can track various environmental conditions with embedded sensors and transmit information relating to their health and stress levels.

“Wearable technology can also be used to push relevant information down to the miner while he is underground,” Mcgowan notes.

To enable this, connectivity solutions such as fibre, WiFi and radio-frequency identification, or RFID, need to be established to carry these various streams of information.

He says these information highways – likened to the nerves linking the various functions in a human being’s central nervous system – are critical in delivering the right data to the right individuals.

Mcgowan states that, for mining houses, the benefits of connecting and using all these new technologies lie in both “soft dollar” and “hard dollar” formats.

He comments that, by deploying the right solutions, it becomes possible to start doing predictive analysis on miners’ health, measuring labour productivity, throughput rates, extraction qualities, haulage costs and other operational yardsticks.

“Ultimately, to realise all these benefits, the mining house must hook up this pulsating, information-rich central nervous system to the right array of enterprise architecture. “Having the correct systems is essential to manage all the information being generated, allocate resources based on this information, and make better strategic decisions,” Mcgowan concludes.

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

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