Virtual industrial monitoring is becoming increasingly crucial in the mining sector, particularly for regulatory compliance.
Advanced IoT and AI technologies are enabling continuous monitoring and detailed reporting of operational metrics, helping mining companies meet stringent environmental and safety standards.
The shift towards digital solutions for enhanced compliance is evidenced by a surge in patent activity.
According to data analytics firm GlobalData, patent filings in this area have grown substantially, with 512 patents filed in 2023 compared to 190 in 2022, totalling 1,695 patents in recent years.
Vaibhav Gundre, Project Manager of Disruptive Tech at GlobalData, notes: “The rising patent activities reflect the mining sector’s strategic pivot towards digital innovation.
“The broader sector trend focuses on cloud-based virtualisation and predictive analytics, coupled with advancements in scalable and adaptable monitoring systems.”
Rockwell Automation has emerged as a key player in virtual industrial monitoring, offering cloud-based data solutions for virtualising industrial environments, predictive analytics, and real-time data visualisation.
These technologies are crucial for efficient regulatory compliance in mining operations.
General Electric (GE), while a challenger in this domain, has made significant strides in developing scalable and adaptable monitoring solutions.
GE’s focus is on seamless integration with existing industrial systems, aiming to improve compliance and operational flexibility.
The differing approaches of Rockwell Automation and GE highlight the diverse strategies being employed to enhance regulatory compliance through technology.
While Rockwell Automation offers comprehensive monitoring solutions, GE emphasises adaptability and minimal integration disruptions.
As the mining industry continues to embrace virtual monitoring, experts stress the importance of addressing technological integration and scalability challenges.
Maintaining a balance between innovation and practical implementation will be crucial for preserving high standards of transparency and efficiency in the sector.
This technological shift represents a significant step forward for the mining industry, promising improved safety, environmental stewardship, and operational efficiency through advanced digital solutions.