The sudden shutdowns as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic have jolted many industries and tested the capabilities of businesses to alter their practices almost overnight, highlighting the importance of digital transformation and adaptability.

Mining operations worldwide have had to grapple with the threat of a total shutdown or a reduced workforce, the likelihood of which continues to rise as Covid-19 spreads, says components and services supplier Wabtec digital mine VP and GM Doug Hanson.

“Entire labour forces are having to work virtually and embrace new technologies, while physical distancing orders in certain countries mean that remote monitoring of operations has never been more necessary,” he says, noting that questions are surfacing on how to use and engage with digital technologies more effectively.

The companies that have adopted digital mine technologies are already reaping the benefits, he says.

Telemedicine is helping employees sustain their good health and reduce potentially harmful exposure for healthcare workers, while remote monitoring and analytics can reduce potential economic loss.

“As Covid-19 continues its spread globally, it is likely we will see an uptake in these digital technologies in the mining sector,” Hanson says.

“Operators have now been given an example of the value of digitalisation, if they have these technologies, and if they do not, they will be left wanting and looking to put them in place as soon as they can return to production,” he continues.

There are already examples of how “a very stretched” on-site team can be guided on how to prioritise repairs and plan critical maintenance periods.

“Operators with a reduced workforce need as much support as possible to keep critical mining equipment functioning in an optimal way and avoid breakdowns, as the artisans and repairmen for such equipment are not easily able to travel under Covid-19 lockdown conditions.”

Through Wabtec’s asset performance management (APM) toolset, workers on site can be supported through remote monitoring centres located across the world, allowing nonstop monitoring of critical mining equipment, Hanson says.

This will allow operators to monitor the health and performance of equipment as it restarts in a seamless way to ensure operations resume as quickly as possible.

“By using APM technology, data analytics insights can stretch the use of equipment and determine where maintenance is essential. These solutions can help improve productivity [and] reduce costs, while also maintaining safety,” he says.

Technology could also identify when not to maintain.

“While it may be considered good practice to replace a filter or set of bearings early, in such an unusual scenario, where lockdowns can extend for weeks, sometimes it may be best to postpone certain minor or unnecessary replacements to ensure operations can continue.”

“Once operations do return to normal . . . there will be scrutiny [of] costs, particularly the costs of maintenance windows for equipment repairs,” he says.