Norge Mining is planning to launch a fully electrified mining operation in 2028 in collaboration with ABB. We speak to the companies about the project and whether it could become a blueprint for the development of future mines. We also catch up with two tech startups developing a drone-based exploration system using diamond quantum magnetometers to accelerate the location and analysis of underground mineral deposits, and explore the latest research into the recovery of metals from mine waste and tailings. Plus, we ask how the platinum market can navigate current supply and demand challenges, and ask how Indonesia’s nickel mining sector can overcome corruption.
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Reliable power and data transmission systems are critical to ensuring safe and efficient mining operations. Mine operators require tailor-made energy transmission and communication systems that are highly rugged, durable, and designed to perform well under the extreme conditions of underground and open-cut mines.
According to GlobalData research, there are over 86,000 mining trucks, 16,000 hydraulic excavators and shovels, 2,000 electric shovels and 19,000 dozers active in mines worldwide. The productivity and safety of these machines are improved through fleet management software, which helps miners to optimise cycle times, manage fuel costs, minimise downtime and maintenance, track machines and miners, as well as automate their equipment.
Drone use has been expanding rapidly across the mining sector, driven by benefits such as improved productivity, safety and reduced costs. There are a wide variety of uses for drones, including surveying and mapping; monitoring and inspection; site safety management; tailings dam management; blasting assessment and haul road optimization.
The mining industry is subject to stringent standards and regulations on various aspects, including the mining process, site operations, and safety. Relevant training is essential to ensure workers and staff have the required skills and knowledge to perform mining operations smoothly and safely.
The three common goals of mining companies—safety, productivity, and sustainability—are all supported by robotic deployment.
Extraction and primary processing of metals and minerals are responsible for 26% of global carbon emissions. By nature, mining depletes natural resources and has a significant impact on surrounding ecosystems. However, metals and minerals will play an important role in the global transition to a greener future.
With the modern mine generating vast amounts of data from monitoring devices, the challenge for the industry is deriving actionable insights from it. However, data is often held in disparate systems leading to poor collaboration and worsening project productivity.
For an industry that is becoming increasingly interconnected, the growing focus on cybersecurity in mining industry comes as no surprise. The IoT sensors, augmented reality (AR) devices, autonomous vehicles, and drones that improve mining operations are equally capable of halting activity if they fall prey to cyberattacks.
The mining industry is under more pressure than ever to increase efficiencies. This comes as declining ore grades and more disparate and remote deposits create greater challenges in securing new resources, and rising mining costs drive the need for greater productivity at the mine site. At the same time, there is a strong focus on ensuring safety and sustainability within mines. Artificial intelligence (AI) in the mining industry can address many of these challenges and inefficiencies through several key technologies in the value chain, including computer vision, smart robots, data science, and machine learning.
The Internet of Things (Iot) can be beneficial across the whole mining value chain, allowing different assets and people to be monitored and accounted for across vast distances in hazardous conditions.
Modern mining is adopting advanced sensor-based technologies to enhance operational safety and efficiency and optimise mine productivity. 18pxSensors are used in each step of the mining operation, from mine exploration, surveying, and underground mapping, to ore extraction, sorting, and mineral processing.
Surface mining involves the extraction of minerals located near the earth’s surface by removing the soil and rock covering the mineral deposits. Common types of surface mining include strip mining and open-pit mining.
Machining and metal fabrications for mining machines and parts offer several advantages, including improved production, flexibility, and quality.
Advanced digital communication networks are essential to meet the safety and efficiency demands of the mining industry.
The list includes suppliers of hydraulic mining equipment, cables, pipes, and other equipment for surface and underground mining operations.
Mining involves extensive use of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical equipment and systems throughout the mine development and operation, from shaft sinking, raise boring, and rock excavation, to ore haulage, handling, and processing.
Equipment used in mining operations such as mining cars, mining haul trucks and loaders use various types of tracks, wheels, and tyres to navigate through the rugged and uneven terrains of mine sites.
Crushing is used to reduce the size of run-of-mine (ROM) ore for further processing. Rock breakers are sometimes used in combination with crushers to reduce the feed size before the start of the crushing process.
Mining is a water-intensive industry, and the presence of stringent environmental regulations and policies compel mining companies to adopt sustainable water and wastewater management practices. Choosing appropriate mine dewatering and site water management solutions is essential to minimise water usage and reuse treated water while ensuring environmental safety and operational efficiency.
