SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT
Digitalisation improves mining operations today but also enables better planning for tomorrow D
igitalisation is a term most often associated with smart factories, and conjures up images of clean, sterile
manufacturing spaces populated only by robots. But digitalisation can also be a catalyst for change in heavy industries such as mining. So, what is the transformative potential of digitalisation and what specific benefits does it offer for mining operators in terms of improving efficiency and productivity?
BENEFITS OF DIGITALISATION Digitalisation is essentially the process of integrating digital technologies into mining systems, machines and components in order to garner valuable data. Collecting, understanding, and interpreting this data can offer significant improvements in availability, efficiency, and capacity. The potential benefits of
digitalisation include increased efficiency. Digitalisation enables automation and streamlines mining processes. Total machine interactivity and networking improve plant availability and allow mining companies to make smarter decisions. Data analysis is another benefit. The
ability to collect, store, and analyse vast amounts of data allows mining
companies to gain insights into their operations that inform better decision- making and improve performance. On the cost reduction side, better
visibility of resources helps mining operators cut costs by enhancing process efficiency, reducing waste, and optimising resource use (such as water and energy). Safety also benefits. In addition to
anti-collision systems, digital solutions can create a safer working environment by enabling remote control of mining equipment and supporting predictive maintenance regimes. It would be remiss not to mention
the benefits in terms of sustainability, too. Digitalisation supports sustainable mining practices by minimising environmental impacts, reducing waste and optimising the use of resources. It also helps track and manage compliance with environmental regulations by collating real-time data and facilitating report generation. Digitalisation can also assist with
workforce retention. Like many other industries, mining faces a skills gap due to an ageing workforce. Digitalisation enables automation of some traditional or repetitive tasks, but also attracts a more tech-savvy generation into the industry who are more likely to engage with digital tools and systems.
MINING FOR INFORMATION Implementing digitalisation across the entire existing mining operation in one hit would require significant investment, so mining operators should instead look to digitalise processes that offer the highest return on investment. For example, keeping track and control of the material flow during handling is one of the most important differentiators for an efficient and integrated mining operation and for the end-users. Material tracking systems (MTS)
based on digital solutions enable the observation, measurement, administration, calculation, and prediction of material transport processes. Using data from various sensors – including laser scanners, belt scales, radar measurement, ultrasonic sensors and cameras – a digital MTS can deliver insights into material distribution and merge, provide intelligent routing functions, and prevent overloading and chute plugging. The ability to monitor and track materials in real time also enables timeslot shift modelling, better material quality management and material transport management to optimise belt capacities across multiple jobs. Crucially, MTS also deliver the precision measurement of volume and mass to achieve an
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