Creating the digital mine of the future

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Beth McLin, editor of Mining Magazine, interviews Glenn Kirkov, Global Industrial Principal at Aviva, about the future of mining and the digital transformation within the sector. They delve into the challenges of digitalization, workforce recruitment, climate risk, and technology integration, and how Aviva supports the industry through operational technologies, predictive analytics, and AI. The conversation highlights the importance of attracting the younger generation with innovative tech and emphasizes the role of digitalization in enhancing safety, sustainability, and efficiency in mining operations.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The future of mining is heavily reliant on digitalization, with 49% of top executives planning to include automation and digital goals in their long-term strategies.
• 💼 There is a significant challenge in attracting the younger generation to the mining industry, with 70% of individuals aged 15 to 30 unlikely to consider a career in mining.
• 🌡 Climate risk is a pressing concern for the mining sector, with 35% of CEOs anticipating high or extreme exposure to greenhouse gas emissions over the next five years.
• 🔌 The electrification of fleets and equipment is a key aspect of the digital transformation in mining, aiming to reduce environmental impact and improve sustainability.
• 🤖 Technology integration is identified as a major challenge by 74% of mining and metals executives, highlighting the need for advanced operational technologies.
• 🛠️ Aviva supports the mining industry by providing operational technologies such as data analytics, simulation tools, predictive analytics, and AI for decision-making.
• 🔑 Attracting the next generation to the industry involves changing its perception through the introduction of appealing technologies like AI, machine learning, and remote operations.
• 🏗️ The design phase of new mines or expansions should incorporate digital twin modeling and advanced simulations for efficient infrastructure planning.
• 🚀 For handover and startup, data integration and connectivity are crucial, utilizing virtual and augmented reality for training and remote operation centers for effective management.
• 🔄 Operational improvement involves automation, robotics, and predictive maintenance to ensure reliability and availability of equipment at an optimal level.
• 🔄 Continuous improvement and optimization are facilitated by real-time data analytics and AI, creating a collaborative ecosystem for data sharing and decision-making.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the content series on the electric mine?

The main focus of the content series is to discuss the future of the mine, particularly in terms of digitalization and how Aviva can support the mining sector in its digital transformation, including the electrification of fleets and equipment.

What challenges does Glenn Kirkov identify as impacting the future of the mine?

Glenn Kirkov identifies several key challenges: digitalization, workforce recruitment, climate risk related to greenhouse gas emissions, and technology integration.

Why is digitalization a significant challenge for the mining industry according to the research mentioned by Glenn?

Digitalization is a significant challenge because 49% of top executives of global mining and metals companies say they need to include automation and digital goals in their long-term corporate strategies.

What is the situation regarding the younger generation's interest in a career in mining?

70% of the younger generation aged 15 to 30 say they would probably not or will not consider a career in mining, which is the highest proportion among all industries.

How do climate risk and greenhouse gas emissions relate to the mining industry's future?

Climate risk is a significant issue for the mining industry, with 35% of Mining Company CEOs stating that their companies will be highly or extremely exposed to these risks over the next five years.

How does Aviva plan to support the mining industry with these challenges?

Aviva plans to support the mining industry by providing operational technology, data analytics, simulation tools, predictive analytics, and other digital solutions to help address the challenges and improve efficiency and sustainability.

What role can technology play in attracting younger people to the mining industry?

Technology, such as AI and machine learning, can make the mining industry more appealing to younger people by offering modern, innovative career paths and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology.

How does remote operation of mining equipment change the perception of working in a mining company?

Remote operation allows individuals to be based in urban centers while operating machinery in mining locations, making the job safer and potentially more attractive by addressing concerns regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

What are the driving forces behind the digital model of the mine of the future as discussed in the script?

The driving forces include the initial design of mines and processing plants, handover and startup of operations, ramping up to full production, and ongoing optimization, all supported by advanced technologies like digital twins, virtual reality, and predictive maintenance.

What solutions does Aviva offer to support the different aspects of the future digital mine?

Aviva offers a unified engineering platform with 3D CAD and simulation tools, a connect platform for data collection and analytics, a production management solution for tracking material movement, and AI for decision-making and ongoing optimization.

What benefits can companies expect from running a digital mine?

Benefits include optimizing energy balance, improving operational efficiency, enhancing equipment reliability and availability through predictive maintenance, and improving safety by removing people from harm's way.

What advice would Glenn give to a company looking to start their digitization journey, especially in electrifying their fleet?

Glenn would advise companies to establish a solid and robust infrastructure that can be built upon in the future, and not to wait but to start the journey now with the help of a roadmap of solutions and phases.