Digital solutions innovation hub Axora has launched an online smart mining resource centre to equip mining companies with the insights and technologies to enable a rebound from the impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

The centre provides the latest industry insights and access to digital solutions and technologies that mining companies can adopt to accelerate their business growth, reduce wasted investment and avoid duplication, says Axora chief commercial officer Dr Nick Mayhew.

“The downtime caused by Covid-19 offers mining companies a unique opportunity to improve their digital solutions, accelerate their digital transformation roadmaps and enable smart mining,” he says, pointing out that smarter mines will recover the quickest and thrive in the future.

The smart mining digital solutions comprise smart devices, smart connected devices and the Internet of Things, which can help to transform and revolutionise mining companies in a post-Covid-19 world.

“The Covid-19 pandemic is causing an acceleration of digital transformation across the mining sector, as the need to be safer, more sustainable and more efficient has never been greater,” adds Mayhew.

“We are seeing very specific technology themes emerging as key priorities, such as technology-enabled ore sorting, autonomous machinery and remote monitoring for health and safety, which are attracting urgent and significant investments, all enabling the so-called smart mining.”

Axora’s smart mining platform, developed by a team of industry experts, engineers and entrepreneurs, including Boston Consulting Group, uses blockchain technology to currently host more than 120 innovative solutions, from sector leaders to startups, universities and consultancies.

Axora is also launching a survey to probe the impact of Covid-19 on digital innovation and home-working practices in the mining industry.

Axora will initially focus on the oil and gas and mining and metals sectors, expanding into other sectors as the business grows.