Automated mining involves the removal of human labor from the mining process.[1] The mining industry is in the transition towards automation. It can still require a large amount of human capital, particularly in the developing world where labor costs are low so there is less incentive for increasing efficiency. There are two types of automated mining- process and software automation, and the application of robotic technology to mining vehicles and equipment.
In order to gain more control over their operations, mining companies may implement mining automation software or processes. Reports generated by mine automation software allow administrators to identify productivity bottlenecks, increase accountability, and better understand return on investment.
Mining operations require numerous steps and multiple operations, which are affected by precedent activities and also affect subsequent operations. Many mining operations have a need to collect, report, and share data on various aspects of the operation for environmental, safety, or production reasons. The application of information technology is happening at every phase of the mining value chain, from exploration and geological modeling to equipment, operations and maintenance, and logistics and transportation. The information has to be accurate and it has to be the right information; it needs to be easy to access and needs to be available fast.
For a mine in operation, an endless stream of data in the form of performance and condition data from sensors and monitoring devices on fixed and mobile assets through networks, servers, and services. This “big data” can be processed and analyzed to spot trends, help predict events, and formulate reliability strategies as early as the design stage (e.g., reliability-centered design). This embedded intelligence can be used to optimize operational efficiency, increase asset availability and utilization, improve safety and environmental integrity, and maximize return on investment. “Intelligent mining” implies that massive amounts of data augment the reality of the physical mine, plant, and equipment. Mines using standardized information technology throughout mining life cycle (called as smart or intelligent mine) could help restore the reputation of the industry and align interests of investors, environmentalist and the communities in which mines operate.
From blasting to noise to water monitoring, remote monitoring systems can save users operational time and resources by getting data to mining project personnel without requiring them to spend hours in the field. Automatic information gathering, analysis helps mines to save on operating and maintenance costs and extend asset life, while at the same time complying with stringent regulatory and safety requirements. Innovative hand held units allow field data to be captured and automatically downloaded when the unit is docked, eliminating human error during data transfer.
Growing efforts are being made to roll out automation across the mining industry as firms seek to embrace the technology to improve safety and efficiency standards
Over the past few decades, automation in the mining industry has gradually reduced the role played by the miner in the pit, edging them further and further away from the coalface. Recent breakthroughs in autonomous robotics have promised to take this process to its logical conclusion.
Source: https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/features/automation-mining-industry-future/
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Source: https://www.top10erp.org/erp-software-comparison-mining-industry-169
Make mining operations more agile and transparent – from the pit to the customer – with intelligent mining.
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