Connected Mines

Industrial digital transformation is still underway for many sectors, including the metals and mining industries. While some major mining enterprises have begun their digital transformation initiatives, automation and digitalization through connected mines remain elusive for most mine operators.

Without understanding why plant digitalization is so important, digital implementation remains off the table for many mine executives. Likewise, a lack of strategy within the mining industry to turn digital initiatives into realities may be halting potential growth.

In reality, connected mines provide vastly advantageous results for a number of enterprises across countless sectors. And the speed in which the connected enterprise in the mining industry are picking up the technology is increasing rapidly.

Through connected mines, operations see jumps in productivity, drastic decreases in energy costs and enhanced safety the industry hasn’t before seen. These digital mining solutions help progress the industry into the future.

But what do these solutions specifically mean for your enterprise? What advantages can the mining and metals industry experience from connected mines?

The Benefit of Connected Mines

In our digital industrial revolution era, mine optimization is paramount to an operation’s success. Fortunately, connected mines take optimization to the next level, encompassing various connected and integrated mining solutions. In fact, an operation’s environment, processes, equipment, safety, productivity levels and much more play a role in digitally transforming a mining enterprise.

This new, advanced mining management system may take advantage of digital plants, which are flexible, fully connected, data-driven networks that further drive efficiency within a company. From processes and people to the assets themselves, efficiency is a boon with these two integrated technologies.

One of the biggest benefits is that connected mines and plant digitalization help set the tone for the sustainability future. The mining industry is changing – for the better, enabling a more sustainable, safer, cleaner and even more profitable operation.

Through smart manufacturing technologies, anything is possible, including the new path the mining sector is going down. Software for sustainability and safety can finally dominate the narrative and take a front seat alongside profit and ROI.

Value in Automation

Much of the value of the smart mine is in automation. With digital transformation initiatives, the mining industry can look forward to more refined automation. Since safety is always a top concern, autonomous equipment and remote operations are a priority. Not only can remote operations increase productivity while reducing costs, but it can also (and most importantly) improve operator safety.

To start with connected mines, mine operators must invest in automation. With that as a focal point for your operation, your enterprise is sure to develop into an automated facility much easier. Investmenting in equipment and technology providers will deliver automation more accessibly and readily into the project at hand.

By focusing on automation, a facility can prioritize the end product rather than the steps it takes to get to the end product. This focus allows for improvements along every step of the supply chain. Downtime reduction is one of many goals, and it can be achieved easily with your plant fully connected.

Connected Mines Enhance ROIs

Finally, while the initial investment in an enterprise’s digital transformation can be costly, improvements will make the investment worth it in no time at all. Issues with quality are getting resolved, the supply chain is moving more readily and speedily along, and operations experience less material waste and operating costs, overall.

For most enterprises, the investment in automation and other digital solutions is an intelligent strategy that results in significantly higher profitability. Likewise, the cost savings are valuable enough solution to make a digital transition a valid move for most enterprises.

As the world progresses further into this digital age, it’s more vital than ever for companies to pursue digital solutions. Will your enterprise pursue connected mines to take advantage of the tremendous opportunity available?

FAQs

What is a connected mine?

Connected mines are often multi-value solutions that leverage cloud technology, analytics, tracking capabilities and mobile software to manage industrial mining operations most effectively.

What is mine technology?

The technology used in mines, or mine technology, includes electrification, digitization and automation, each of which has a fundamental impact on the entire mining industry. Some specific types of technology within the sector include automated drill rigs, drones, autonomous vehicles and smart sensors.

Why is mining technology important?

The ultimate goal for connected mines and other mining technology is safer, more efficient working conditions. Miners have long since been exposed to harmful contaminants in the air, such as mineral dust like silica and coal dust, putting them at a greater risk of developing severe respiratory illnesses, such as silicosis and black lung.

The smart mine works to improve emergency response measures, demonstrate more sophisticated metal and mineral transportation, enable automation and provide superior underground communication. Integrating technology into the mining sector through individual mining projects is the key for enterprises to make this next industrial revolutionary digital transformation.

What are the 3 types of mines?

Within the mining industry, there are two main types of mines: underground, and open-pit. Each type of mine requires a different mining method to extract products from the ground successfully.

What are some examples of technology in mining?

There are various trends to watch in the mining industry that have to do with the advancing of technology. From 3D printing to electric vehicles, the mining sector is becoming more and more sophisticated with the advent and introduction of new technologies such as automated drones being used for mapping and survey, autonomous trucking and material haulage fleets, digital twin technology enabled mine design systems, real-time fleet management systems and a host of others.