SPECIAL FOCUS: CONNECTED MINES
connectivity delivers accurate, real-time data for full operation visibility – not just when it is needed, but autonomously. Ground Control has supported mining companies for decades and the firm has never been more excited about the potential of new IIoT-based satellite services. From edge computing devices to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, the mining industry has never had more sophisticated opportunities to optimise data capture and retrieval, and automate processes. But that comes with a caveat – without the connectivity infrastructure to transfer sensor data from anywhere in the world, regardless of location, businesses won’t benefit from the true value of their IIoT installation or project. Given that IIoT projects can deliver a 30% cost saving over a five-year period once executed, ensuring connectivity is addressed as a priority is essential. Over the coming decade, potentially thousands of satellites, including NanoSats for remote surveillance around the world, will be launched into Earth’s orbit. Tis will alter how all industries operate, providing mining companies with an exciting opportunity to maximise their data, and operations at more affordable costs.
Alastair MacLeod is CEO of Ground Control
www.groundcontrol.com
Remote operations greatly improve worker safety at mine sites
WHAT ARE CONNECTED MINES? C
onnected mining spans a number of different solutions whereby people (e.g. safety,
location, productivity), processes, big data, equipment of all sorts (stationary and mobile, including vehicles, for instance) and, increasingly, environment play in the digital transformation of the mining industry. It represents connected devices deployed on machines and vehicles used in mining operations. This includes solutions ranging from OEM telematics systems on mining
Berg Insight, the total installed base of connected mining solutions reached almost 0.6 million units in use across the globe in 2018. For 2023, over one million units are expected. The top players in the
connected mining space include companies ranging from specialised independent technology suppliers of
equipment to advanced connected solutions supplied by mining technology specialists. According to industry analyst,
varying sizes up to the leading mining equipment manufacturers. One example of a connected
mine is Dundee Precious Metals’ underground copper and gold mine in Bulgaria.
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