7 Technology Trends to Watch in the Mining Industry

Summary

The mining industry is embracing technology to enhance safety and efficiency. Innovations like underground drones for cave mapping, virtual reality for training, autonomous vehicles for transportation, digitalization for data collection, blasting optimization, electric vehicles for reduced emissions, and 3D printing for on-demand parts are transforming traditional mining. These advancements aim to minimize human risk, increase operational efficiency, and align with environmental concerns, promising a future where mining is smarter and safer.

Takeaways

• 🚀 **Drones in Mining**: Underground drones are being utilized for scouting, data collection, and cave mapping, enhancing safety by reducing the need for human surveyors.
• 🤖 **Virtual Reality Training**: VR technology is transforming miner training, allowing for safe practice in handling explosives and other hazardous tasks.
• 🚛 **Autonomous Vehicles**: The mining industry is adopting autonomous trucks and other vehicles, aiming to reduce the workforce needed and increase operational efficiency.
• 💻 **Digitalization and Software**: Mining software is becoming crucial for data collection and analysis, improving operational efficiency and safety through better data management.
• 💥 **Blasting Optimization**: Advanced technology is being used to optimize blasting operations, ensuring successful outcomes and streamlining the design process.
• 🔋 **Electric Vehicles**: The shift towards electric vehicles in mining is gaining momentum due to their efficiency, low operating costs, and environmental benefits.
• 🏭 **3D Printing for Parts**: 3D printing is being explored for on-demand production of replacement parts, potentially reducing downtime and inventory costs.
• 🌱 **Environmental Considerations**: The mining industry is increasingly focusing on reducing pollutants and improving environmental performance.
• 🛡️ **Safety as a Priority**: Technological advancements in mining are driven by the goal of improving safety, aiming to reduce accidents and fatalities.
• 🔩 **Reliable and Durable Products**: The mining industry is seeking robust solutions that can withstand harsh conditions, ensuring continuous and safe operations.

Q & A

What role do drones play in modern mining?

Drones are used as mine scouts, flying through mines to search caves, collect data, and aid in mapping. They record gas levels, identify geological features, and provide high-quality visuals, reducing the need to send human surveyors into potentially hazardous areas.

How does virtual reality enhance miner training?

Virtual reality allows miners to be trained in handling explosives without risk. Trainees can practice placing, setting, and detonating explosives in a simulated environment, with any mistakes highlighted as learning opportunities without causing harm.

What is the significance of autonomous vehicles in the mining industry?

Autonomous vehicles, including driverless trains and trucks, are reducing the number of human workers needed in mines. They increase safety by minimizing human exposure to dangerous situations and are expected to replace up to 50 percent of miners in the coming years.

How does digitalization and mining software improve mining operations?

Digitalization and mining software facilitate data collection on mine conditions, inventory, and maintenance needs. This data improves analysis, operating efficiency, and safety, allowing for remote access and real-time decision-making.

What is blasting optimization and why is it important?

Blasting optimization involves using technology like projected fragmentation models and environmental data to plan successful blasts. It ensures efficient use of explosives and reduces the risks associated with blasting activities.

What is the current state of electronic detonators in mining?

Electronic detonators are already in use, improving performance and blast safety. However, due to the complexity of wiring, it is still done by explosive experts, with the long-term goal being a fully wireless system for complete automation.

Why is the shift to electric vehicles in mining significant?

The shift to electric vehicles in mining is significant because they offer low operating expenses, are more efficient than traditional fleets, and have virtually non-existent emissions, making them environmentally friendly.

How does 3D printing impact the mining industry's approach to replacement parts?

3D printing allows mining companies to print replacement parts on-demand using fine metal powders, reducing downtime and inventory costs. It also provides the flexibility to redesign parts that are not satisfactory.

What is the main motivation behind the continuous innovation in mining technology?

The main motivation for continuous innovation in mining technology is to improve safety. Every technological advancement has the potential to save lives and reduce the dangers associated with mining work.

How does Dixon contribute to the mining industry's pursuit of improved technology and safety?

Dixon contributes by creating reliable, durable products designed to withstand harsh mining conditions. They also offer fast shipping for replacement parts and work with clients to customize products to fit specific needs.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Technology Trends Revolutionizing Mining

This paragraph introduces seven technology trends that are transforming the mining industry. It highlights how technology has evolved the mining process over the years, making it safer, more efficient, and cost-effective. The paragraph discusses the use of drones for mine scouting, virtual reality for training miners in handling explosives, and autonomous vehicles for reducing the need for human workers. It also touches on the importance of digitalization and mining software for data collection and analysis, as well as blasting optimization for improving the mining process. The paragraph emphasizes the potential for a future with miner-less mines due to advancements in technology.

05:03

🔋 The Future of Mining: Electric and 3D Printed

The second paragraph delves into the future of mining with a focus on electric vehicles and 3D printing. It discusses the shift towards electric underground fleets due to their low operating costs and environmental benefits. The paragraph also explores the potential of 3D printing for creating replacement parts on-demand, which could reduce downtime and inventory costs. The discussion concludes with a call to action for the mining industry to continue innovating for safety, emphasizing the importance of technology in saving lives and improving working conditions. The paragraph also includes a brief mention of Dixon's commitment to providing reliable products and services to support the mining industry.

Keywords

💡Drones

Drones in the mining industry refer to unmanned aerial vehicles that are used for various purposes such as scouting, data collection, and mapping within mines. They are particularly useful in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas, reducing the need for human surveyors. In the script, it is mentioned that drones have been effective at recording gas levels and identifying geological features, thus enhancing safety by eliminating the need to send humans into potentially dangerous caves.

💡Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) in the context of mining is used for training purposes. VR technology allows miners to practice handling explosives and other dangerous tasks in a simulated environment without the risk of injury or damage. This technology is highlighted in the script as a way to provide a safe training ground where mistakes can be made and learned from without real-world consequences.

💡Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles in mining refer to self-driving trucks, trains, and other robotic systems that operate without human drivers. These vehicles are designed to perform tasks such as transporting materials within mines. The script notes that companies like Cat, Kamatsu, and Hitachi offer automated systems, and the industry is moving towards intelligent mines with driverless trains and trucks, which could replace up to 50% of miners in the coming years.

💡Digitalization

Digitalization in mining involves the use of technology to convert analog information into digital formats, facilitating data collection and analysis. This process is essential for improving operational efficiency, safety, and decision-making. The script emphasizes how digitalization enables better data collection, which can be used to monitor mine conditions, inventory, and maintenance needs, thus enhancing the overall mining process.

💡Mining Software

Mining software is a type of application designed to manage and optimize various aspects of mining operations, from exploration to extraction. It compiles and sorts data, making it accessible for analysis and decision-making. The script mentions that mining software is crucial for tracking material usage, equipment maintenance, and environmental data during the exploration phase, contributing to improved efficiency and safety.

💡Blasting Optimization

Blasting optimization in mining is the process of using technology to plan and execute controlled explosions to break rock for extraction. This involves using data from drilling logs, visual inspections, and environmental factors to ensure successful blasts. The script discusses how companies are relying on technology to provide blasting plans that ensure results, highlighting the importance of this process in the mining industry.

💡Electronic Detonators

Electronic detonators are devices used in blasting operations to remotely initiate explosions. They offer improved safety and performance over traditional methods. The script mentions that electronic detonators are already in use, with ongoing improvements aimed at enhancing blast safety and moving towards a fully automated blasting process.

💡Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles in mining refer to the use of battery-powered equipment such as trucks, boom trucks, and mobile rock breakers. These vehicles offer lower operating costs and are more environmentally friendly due to their reduced emissions. The script discusses the potential for electric vehicles to replace traditional fleets, emphasizing their efficiency and the growing concern for reducing pollutants in the industry.

💡3D Printing

3D printing in mining is an emerging technology that allows for the on-demand creation of replacement parts using fine metal powders. This technology can reduce downtime and inventory costs by printing parts as needed. The script mentions an Australian mining company exploring the use of 3D printers to create replacement parts, which could revolutionize the way mines manage their equipment and maintenance.

💡Safety

Safety in mining is a paramount concern, as the industry is inherently hazardous. The script emphasizes the importance of technological advancements in making mining safer, such as using drones to scout caves, autonomous vehicles to reduce human exposure to risks, and virtual reality for safe training. These technologies contribute to the reduction of accidents and fatalities, reflecting the industry's commitment to improving worker safety.

💡Innovation

Innovation in mining refers to the continuous development and implementation of new technologies and methods to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The script highlights various innovations such as drones, autonomous vehicles, and 3D printing, which are transforming the industry. Innovation is driven by the need to save lives, reduce environmental impact, and adapt to the changing demands of the world, making mining smarter and safer.

Highlights

Underground drones are being used as mine scouts to collect data and aid in mapping, enhancing safety by eliminating the need for human surveyors.

Virtual reality technology is used for training miners in handling explosives safely, without real-world risks.

Autonomous vehicles, including trucks and trains, are reducing the need for human workers in mines, with estimates suggesting a potential 50% replacement in the future.

Digitalization and mining software are improving data collection, analysis, and operational efficiency, leading to safer mining practices.

Blasting optimization technologies are being used to ensure successful blasts and streamline the design process.

Electronic detonators are improving blast safety, moving towards a fully automated system with only human oversight.

The shift to electric vehicles in mines is gaining momentum due to their efficiency, low operating costs, and minimal emissions.

3D printing is being explored for creating replacement parts on-demand, reducing downtime and inventory costs.

Fortescue Metals Group is collaborating on a 3D printer to print metal parts, aiming to avoid stockpiling and long wait times for replacements.

The mining industry's continuous pursuit of innovation is driven by the goal of improving safety and reducing accidents.

Dixon's commitment to providing reliable, durable products for harsh mining conditions aligns with the industry's focus on safety and efficiency.

Every technological advancement in mining is aimed at saving lives and improving the working conditions for miners.

The mining industry is expected to become smarter and safer with the help of innovative technologies.

Dixon offers fast shipping and customization services to reduce downtime and meet specific mining challenges.

Contact Dixon for solutions to specific mining challenges and to stay updated on their YouTube channel.

Transcripts

Seven technology trends to  watch in the mining industry.

Humans have been mining for thousands  of years. Literally thousands of years.

Gold, chalk, silver, ore.

We have been dependent on valuable  minerals for longer than we can remember,  

but today's mines look nothing  like those of ancient Egypt  

or even those of 50 years ago thanks  to steady improvements in technology.

With each advancement the mining  process has improved becoming safer,  

more efficient, and more  cost effective than before.

If the past is any indication, the  industry will only continue to innovate  

new and better ways to mine materials.

Today's trends lead to tomorrow's breakthroughs,  so let's take a look at what might be in store.

Drones

Underground drones are being used as mine  scouts flying through mines to search caves,  

collect data, and aid in the mapping process.

They've proved extremely effective at recording  gas levels, identifying geological features,  

and recording high quality visuals of the caves  eliminating the need to send human surveyors.

By sending drones into unfamiliar areas first  workers are kept safe from possible hazards.

In an underground setting after excavation there  are multiple risks like potential collapse,  

inaccessible areas, and no light.

The technology has only been around since  2017, but the possibility of understanding  

a mine's conditions without putting miners  or surveyors at risk will be hard to resist.

Virtual reality

Picture this: It's your first day at a new job.

You've sat through weeks of training reading about  procedures, safety protocol, and workers comp.

You've studied everything and paid attention.

You're ready. Then someone hands you  an explosive. Are you really ready?

With virtual reality technology miners  can be trained in the delicate art of  

explosives without putting themselves at risk.

Using a simulated mine  trainees can practice placing,  

setting, and detonating  explosives in a safe environment.

Any mistakes they make are highlighted  and revisited as a learning opportunity  

without causing any damage to people or mines.

Autonomous vehicles

Self-driving vehicles are certainly on trend.

Truck, rail, air, every industry seems  to be making strides in that direction  

and the mining industry is no exception.

Autonomous trucks have had a presence in  the mines for the past few years with Cat,  

Kamatsu, and Hitachi all offering  automated systems to their clients.

The next step takes automation even further.

Intelligent mines are mines that are staffed  with driverless trains, trucks, and other  

robotic assistants like Julius, the shopping cart  sized robot capable of analyzing ore samples.

These technological advancements are reducing the  number of human workers needed with BDO Global  

going so far as to estimate they could replace  50 percent of miners in the next several years.

As hard as it might be to imagine, miner  less mines are likely a part of the future.

Digitalization and mining software

The more automated a mine is the  easier it is to collect data.

That data includes everything from mine conditions  to inventory to fleet maintenance needs.

As more and more mines add  automated machines to their process  

more data will be collected leading to improved  analysis, operating efficiency, and safety.

The majority of the mining software  available compiles and sorts data  

storing it for easy access even remotely.

With software like that in place equipment  operators and management can track how much  

material is used and if it is in need  of repairs to avoid costly downtimes.

Even in the exploration phase  mining software is crucial.

Environmental data is stored to  be reviewed by geologists and  

stakeholders to make decisions  about a potential mine site.

Blasting optimization

So much has changed in the mining industry  but miners still rely heavily on explosives.

To ensure a successful blast and  streamline the design process  

a variety of companies are relying on technology.

Using projected fragmentation  models, or tracking systems,  

and environmental data companies can  provide blasting plans that ensure results.

Drilling logs, visual inspection,  

and laser profiling data are all parts  of the decisions made for blasting.

The blast site is analyzed in several ways:  

Sediment density, fluid penetration,  mud seams, and fragmentation.

In addition, mining is a  hazardous occupation in large  

part due to the dangers of breaking rock apart.

Blasting is a complex activity that  requires specially trained crew.

Employees not associated with  a blast must leave the area.

Blast sites are not fully automated but we  should expect things to move in that direction.

Electronic detonators are already  in use with every year bringing  

improved performance and blast safety.

However, due to the complexity of the task,  wiring is still done by explosive experts.

The long-term goal of many in the mining industry  is to create a completely wireless system  

allowing for full automation that  requires only human oversight.

Electric vehicles

Moving to an all-electric underground  fleet will be a slow process,  

but it's certainly in the works.

The initial expense is high, prompting  companies to think twice before purchasing,  

but electric vehicles provide a  fairly quick return on the investment.

Why? Operating expenses are  low and they've been proven  

to be more efficient than the traditional fleets.

Even better, emissions are virtually  non-existent making electric vehicles a  

tempting choice for a world that's growing  ever more concerned about pollutants.

Some of the vehicles you'll find in  these electric fleets are boom trucks,  

LHDs, and mobile rock breakers.

3D printing

An Australian mining company has been  exploring the possibility of using  

a 3D printer to print replacement  parts utilizing fine metal powders.

The printer is potentially capable  of creating a ton of parts per day.

Fortescue Metals Group is collaborating  with printing experts on designing this  

machine with the hope of avoiding the  need to stockpile parts or wait 12 to  

18 months for replacement  parts to be manufactured.

Their main focus is on the  parts in their processing  

plants that need to be replaced or are obsolete.

By creating these parts on demand  they'll be able to avoid costly downtime  

and decrease inventory of  replacement parts on site.

They also like the freedom to redesign parts  that aren't working to their satisfaction.

Their results are promising but the  project is still in its infancy.

At Dixon, our customers never have  to wait for excellent service.

We strive to provide fast shipping  when our customers need replacement  

parts to reduce downtime and get  their equipment up and running.

As for part modifications our expert  team of engineers is always delighted  

to work with clients to customize  products to fit their specific needs.

Improved technology. Improved safety.

Why is the mining industry never satisfied?

Why do we keep seeking new ways  to accomplish an ancient task?

It's simple. Every technological  advancement could mean a life saved.

Despite how far we've come mining  can still be dangerous work.

Accidents and fatalities occur every  year and no one in the industry  

is willing to continue to  accept that as the status quo.

Every additional piece of data  gathered makes the process safer.  

Every driverless vehicle keeps a human  out of a potentially dangerous situation.

Each scouting improvement alerts  operators to an avoidable hazard.

The world needs miners as much as ever but we need  them to be safe and secure throughout the process  

and technology is part of making that happen.

At Dixon we take this reality very seriously.

It's our goal to create reliable,  

durable products capable of withstanding  even the harshest mining conditions.

With innovation on our side we have  every confidence that the future of  

mining will be smarter and safer than ever before.

Looking for a solution with  a specific mining challenge?

Contact us to get started.

If you have any questions, comments, or  concerns contact us at dixonvalve.com  

and don't forget to subscribe  to our YouTube channel.