Mining houses that are deploying the latest technology in the areas of robotics, sensors, automation, wearables and connectivity will likely emerge as winners in the unceasing quest for operational excellence in the mining industry, says global information technology, consulting and outsourcing company Wipro.

“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 miner safety,” says Wipro Africa global mining practice director Scott Mcgowan.

He says, historically, mining companies had very little technology at stope level, and while the physical work of blasting, breaking rock, clearing sites and extracting ore has remained a low-tech activity, with new monitoring technology, all sorts of data at stope level can be extracted.

Sensor and tracking technology at mine sites provides real-time data on ore samples, temperature, air quality, ground stability, staff movements and fatigue, among other aspects.

“Combined, these information feeds give mining managers a rich view of 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,” says Mcgowan.

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

In robotics, initial trials from mining giant Anglo American, conducted in conjunction with US-based Carnegie Mellon University, have already produced a working robot prototype that enters mine sites immediately after a blast.

It navigates the site on its own, conducts measurements and takes readings. The robot is able to go into dangerous areas where it is not safe for humans to enter, says Mcgowan.

He further notes that ground penetrating radar technology can be used to rapidly gather high- resolution subsurface information.

This technology can assist in determining mining safety in relation to rock bursts, fractures and shear zones, mapping rock quality and establishing where mineral and metal deposits exist and thus enabling faster adjustments to mining plans.

Further, in the arena of wearable technology, miners can track various environmental conditions with embedded sensors, and transmit information relating to the mine’s health and stress levels. Wearable technology can also be used to push relevant information down to the miners working underground.

He says, by deploying the right solutions, it becomes possible to start doing predictive analysis on miners’ health and to measure labour productivity, throughput rates, extraction qualities and haulage costs.