7 Technology Trends to Watch in the Mining Industry
Summary
TLDRThe 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
- š **Drones in Mining**: Underground drones are being utilized for scouting, data collection, and cave mapping, enhancing safety by reducing the need for human surveyors.
- š¤ **Virtual Reality Training**: VR technology is transforming miner training, allowing for safe practice in handling explosives and other hazardous tasks.
- š **Autonomous Vehicles**: The mining industry is adopting autonomous trucks and other vehicles, aiming to reduce the workforce needed and increase operational efficiency.
- š» **Digitalization and Software**: Mining software is becoming crucial for data collection and analysis, improving operational efficiency and safety through better data management.
- š„ **Blasting Optimization**: Advanced technology is being used to optimize blasting operations, ensuring successful outcomes and streamlining the design process.
- š **Electric Vehicles**: The shift towards electric vehicles in mining is gaining momentum due to their efficiency, low operating costs, and environmental benefits.
- š **3D Printing for Parts**: 3D printing is being explored for on-demand production of replacement parts, potentially reducing downtime and inventory costs.
- š± **Environmental Considerations**: The mining industry is increasingly focusing on reducing pollutants and improving environmental performance.
- š”ļø **Safety as a Priority**: Technological advancements in mining are driven by the goal of improving safety, aiming to reduce accidents and fatalities.
- š© **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
š 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.
š 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.
Mindmap
Keywords
š”Drones
š”Virtual Reality
š”Autonomous Vehicles
š”Digitalization
š”Mining Software
š”Blasting Optimization
š”Electronic Detonators
š”Electric Vehicles
š”3D Printing
š”Safety
š”Innovation
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 toĀ watch in the mining industry.
Humans have been mining for thousandsĀ of years. Literally thousands of years.
Gold, chalk, silver, ore.
We have been dependent on valuableĀ minerals for longer than we can remember,Ā Ā
but today's mines look nothingĀ like those of ancient EgyptĀ Ā
or even those of 50 years ago thanksĀ to steady improvements in technology.
With each advancement the miningĀ process has improved becoming safer,Ā Ā
more efficient, and moreĀ cost effective than before.
If the past is any indication, theĀ industry will only continue to innovateĀ Ā
new and better ways to mine materials.
Today's trends lead to tomorrow's breakthroughs,Ā so let's take a look at what might be in store.
Drones
Underground drones are being used as mineĀ scouts flying through mines to search caves,Ā Ā
collect data, and aid in the mapping process.
They've proved extremely effective at recordingĀ gas levels, identifying geological features,Ā Ā
and recording high quality visuals of the cavesĀ eliminating the need to send human surveyors.
By sending drones into unfamiliar areas firstĀ workers are kept safe from possible hazards.
In an underground setting after excavation thereĀ are multiple risks like potential collapse,Ā Ā
inaccessible areas, and no light.
The technology has only been around sinceĀ 2017, but the possibility of understandingĀ Ā
a mine's conditions without putting minersĀ 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 aboutĀ procedures, safety protocol, and workers comp.
You've studied everything and paid attention.
You're ready. Then someone hands youĀ an explosive. Are you really ready?
With virtual reality technology minersĀ can be trained in the delicate art ofĀ Ā
explosives without putting themselves at risk.
Using a simulated mineĀ trainees can practice placing,Ā Ā
setting, and detonatingĀ explosives in a safe environment.
Any mistakes they make are highlightedĀ and revisited as a learning opportunityĀ Ā
without causing any damage to people or mines.
Autonomous vehicles
Self-driving vehicles are certainly on trend.
Truck, rail, air, every industry seemsĀ to be making strides in that directionĀ Ā
and the mining industry is no exception.
Autonomous trucks have had a presence inĀ the mines for the past few years with Cat,Ā Ā
Kamatsu, and Hitachi all offeringĀ automated systems to their clients.
The next step takes automation even further.
Intelligent mines are mines that are staffedĀ with driverless trains, trucks, and otherĀ Ā
robotic assistants like Julius, the shopping cartĀ sized robot capable of analyzing ore samples.
These technological advancements are reducing theĀ number of human workers needed with BDO GlobalĀ Ā
going so far as to estimate they could replaceĀ 50 percent of miners in the next several years.
As hard as it might be to imagine, minerĀ less mines are likely a part of the future.
Digitalization and mining software
The more automated a mine is theĀ easier it is to collect data.
That data includes everything from mine conditionsĀ to inventory to fleet maintenance needs.
As more and more mines addĀ automated machines to their processĀ Ā
more data will be collected leading to improvedĀ analysis, operating efficiency, and safety.
The majority of the mining softwareĀ available compiles and sorts dataĀ Ā
storing it for easy access even remotely.
With software like that in place equipmentĀ operators and management can track how muchĀ Ā
material is used and if it is in needĀ of repairs to avoid costly downtimes.
Even in the exploration phaseĀ mining software is crucial.
Environmental data is stored toĀ be reviewed by geologists andĀ Ā
stakeholders to make decisionsĀ about a potential mine site.
Blasting optimization
So much has changed in the mining industryĀ but miners still rely heavily on explosives.
To ensure a successful blast andĀ streamline the design processĀ Ā
a variety of companies are relying on technology.
Using projected fragmentationĀ models, or tracking systems,Ā Ā
and environmental data companies canĀ provide blasting plans that ensure results.
Drilling logs, visual inspection,Ā Ā
and laser profiling data are all partsĀ of the decisions made for blasting.
The blast site is analyzed in several ways:Ā Ā
Sediment density, fluid penetration,Ā mud seams, and fragmentation.
In addition, mining is aĀ hazardous occupation in largeĀ Ā
part due to the dangers of breaking rock apart.
Blasting is a complex activity thatĀ requires specially trained crew.
Employees not associated withĀ a blast must leave the area.
Blast sites are not fully automated but weĀ should expect things to move in that direction.
Electronic detonators are alreadyĀ in use with every year bringingĀ Ā
improved performance and blast safety.
However, due to the complexity of the task,Ā wiring is still done by explosive experts.
The long-term goal of many in the mining industryĀ is to create a completely wireless systemĀ Ā
allowing for full automation thatĀ requires only human oversight.
Electric vehicles
Moving to an all-electric undergroundĀ fleet will be a slow process,Ā Ā
but it's certainly in the works.
The initial expense is high, promptingĀ companies to think twice before purchasing,Ā Ā
but electric vehicles provide aĀ fairly quick return on the investment.
Why? Operating expenses areĀ low and they've been provenĀ Ā
to be more efficient than the traditional fleets.
Even better, emissions are virtuallyĀ non-existent making electric vehicles aĀ Ā
tempting choice for a world that's growingĀ ever more concerned about pollutants.
Some of the vehicles you'll find inĀ these electric fleets are boom trucks,Ā Ā
LHDs, and mobile rock breakers.
3D printing
An Australian mining company has beenĀ exploring the possibility of usingĀ Ā
a 3D printer to print replacementĀ parts utilizing fine metal powders.
The printer is potentially capableĀ of creating a ton of parts per day.
Fortescue Metals Group is collaboratingĀ with printing experts on designing thisĀ Ā
machine with the hope of avoiding theĀ need to stockpile parts or wait 12 toĀ Ā
18 months for replacementĀ parts to be manufactured.
Their main focus is on theĀ parts in their processingĀ Ā
plants that need to be replaced or are obsolete.
By creating these parts on demandĀ they'll be able to avoid costly downtimeĀ Ā
and decrease inventory ofĀ replacement parts on site.
They also like the freedom to redesign partsĀ that aren't working to their satisfaction.
Their results are promising but theĀ project is still in its infancy.
At Dixon, our customers never haveĀ to wait for excellent service.
We strive to provide fast shippingĀ when our customers need replacementĀ Ā
parts to reduce downtime and getĀ their equipment up and running.
As for part modifications our expertĀ team of engineers is always delightedĀ Ā
to work with clients to customizeĀ products to fit their specific needs.
Improved technology. Improved safety.
Why is the mining industry never satisfied?
Why do we keep seeking new waysĀ to accomplish an ancient task?
It's simple. Every technologicalĀ advancement could mean a life saved.
Despite how far we've come miningĀ can still be dangerous work.
Accidents and fatalities occur everyĀ year and no one in the industryĀ Ā
is willing to continue toĀ accept that as the status quo.
Every additional piece of dataĀ gathered makes the process safer.Ā Ā
Every driverless vehicle keeps a humanĀ out of a potentially dangerous situation.
Each scouting improvement alertsĀ operators to an avoidable hazard.
The world needs miners as much as ever but we needĀ them to be safe and secure throughout the processĀ Ā
and technology is part of making that happen.
At Dixon we take this reality very seriously.
It's our goal to create reliable,Ā Ā
durable products capable of withstandingĀ even the harshest mining conditions.
With innovation on our side we haveĀ every confidence that the future ofĀ Ā
mining will be smarter and safer than ever before.
Looking for a solution withĀ a specific mining challenge?
Contact us to get started.
If you have any questions, comments, orĀ concerns contact us at dixonvalve.comĀ Ā
and don't forget to subscribeĀ to our YouTube channel.
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