SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT
ABB’s robotic blasting system ensures full reach to all borehole levels and areas of the rock face and remote control for operators
AUTOMATION BOOSTS SUSTAINABILITY AND SAFETY
Marcos Hillal and Jan Nyqvist reveal the specially engineered solutions utilising automation and robotics leading the charge towards greener and more connected mines
T 24
he mining industry is on an upward trajectory as its digital transformation journey continues. Increasing pressures
on the industry to improve worker safety and boost productivity while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact have created a pressing need to adapt existing processes and operations, driving the evolution of mining towards an automated and electric future. Indeed, advancements in automation and robotics are steering the future of mining, enabling safer and more eff icient processes with a more considered impact on the environment.
CONTRIBUTING TO AVOID RISK Safety is paramount in mining.
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Mine operators interacting with loading results and data insights captured by the vision system
Traditionally relying heavily on manual labour, mining has transformed with the implementation of automation and robotics to shoulder the heavy lifting. This has had a signifi cant impact on the safety and overall wellbeing of miners. One of the remaining processes
relying on manual work is the deployment of explosive charges within the rockface. Although blasting schedules may vary, from just once to multiple times in a day, each round may contain up to ten blasts. Despite it being a controlled process, the physical exertion of drilling holes and inserting explosives and primers can take its toll on the skilled people carrying out these tasks. Combined with the dangers associated with the risk of falling rocks,
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