The face of the global minerals sector is changing thanks primarily to technology, automation, regulatory adjustments and generational considerations.
To address this, the industry is embracing the concept of Mining 4.0 which seamlessly blends traditional extractive practices with cutting-edge technologies.
This reasonably new way of thinking embraces the Internet of Things (IoT), where many sensors and devices collaborate to generate real-time data.
This influx of information is then harnessed through advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to extract valuable insights and, ultimately, optimise decision-making processes.
Furthermore, the integration of automation is pivotal in achieving the objectives of Mining 4.0. Autonomous vehicles, intelligent drilling systems and robotic process automation are becoming integral components, effectively streamlining operations and mitigating risks associated with human involvement in hazardous environments.
This involves the holistic integration of digital technologies across the entire project value chain – from exploration and extraction to processing and transportation.
“In the early stages of mining operations, digital transformation facilitates more accurate geological surveys and resource assessments,” engineering consultant Mipac says.
“Advanced imaging technologies, such as three-dimensional mapping and remote sensing, enable a comprehensive understanding of the terrain, thus allowing informed decisions regarding the viability of mining sites.
“Within the extraction phase, digital technologies optimise the utilisation of resources.”
Autonomous drilling systems, guided by AI algorithms, ensure precision in extracting minerals while minimising waste.
Additionally, smart processing plants leverage data analytics to enhance efficiency and reduce energy consumption, contributing to both economic and environmental sustainability.
Digital transformation establishes a robust communication infrastructure, fostering seamless connectivity across mining operations. This interconnectedness facilitates real-time monitoring of equipment and enables better collaboration between on-site and off-site teams, improving overall operational agility.
Safety is paramount in the mining industry, and digital transformation introduces innovations that prioritise the well-being of workers. Wearable devices with health monitoring capabilities and AI-driven safety systems create a secure working environment.
Moreover, optimising resource usage through digital technologies contributes to the industry’s sustainability goals.
Central to the digital transformation narrative is the emphasis on data-driven decision-making. The abundance of data generated throughout the mining value chain empowers stakeholders to make informed choices, driving both operational excellence and enhancing overall productivity.
In a paper published late last year by Mineral Economics, Swedish researchers Erik Lund, Annika Pekkari, Jan Johansson and Joel Loow pointed out that Mining 4.0 addressed the industry’s need to be able to deal with several challenges, including how to recruit skilled workers that are interested in working in an industry which is not always perceived as attractive, as well as how to utilise the digital technology to promote sustainable work environments based on human factors.
Handling organisational challenges as a result of this new paradigm of thinking was also a priority. Technological advancements, they said, will have a dramatic impact on work and workplace design.
“There is a broad consensus among researchers that digitalisation and new technology have the potential to create attractive workplaces that can help recruit the skilled labour that the industry needs,” they said.
“However, this will most likely not happen by itself, and continuous work environment management will therefore be needed to steer progress towards a healthy work environment.
“New technology can bring about improvements in work environments such as reduced physical or cognitive strain for operators.
“This is of course a good thing, but some … argue that the consequences of these changes need to be discussed in a larger context.
“From an occupational health and safety perspective, digitalisation and new technologies can be seen as an opportunity to create attractive workplaces and not as an end in themselves.”
Unlike literacy, the researchers said, digital literacy is not just about understanding, but also involves the ability to use — and dynamically interact — with the content, enabled by a computer.
This type of skill is usually found in computer scientists, a role that the mining industry typically has great difficulty recruiting.
“At the same time, computer scientists need to have knowledge of mining, metallurgy and geology, which is unusual,” they said.
“Hence, the best solution is probably to use multidisciplinary teams consisting of several workers, each with specific knowledge and skills.
“Most researchers believe that most of the responsibility regarding how to meet the changing requirements lies within education systems, which must adapt to the new needs for knowledge.
“The manner in which the mining companies handle challenges following the technological transformation will also eventually affect the surrounding societies.
“Although there is consensus in the literature that digitalisation and automation will reduce the number of employees in future mining operations, there is nothing that suggests that mining will be handled completely autonomously or tele-remotely without any people on site.
“Automation has the potential to counter-balance the challenge of the aging workforce that the industry struggles with globally.
Future generations will nevertheless still be required at mine sites.
“To attract the younger generations to mining communities and to keep them there, some of the mining companies’ profits should be reinvested in the surrounding mining communities to enhance the overall quality of life and to secure sustainable long-term mining operations.”
For example, digital twin technology creates virtual replicas of physical mining assets, such as processing plants and equipment.
These virtual models, powered by real-time data from IoT sensors, provide a comprehensive view of the asset’s performance.
Mining companies can use this to simulate different scenarios, optimise processes and identify potential issues before they occur.
This enhances operational efficiency and contributes to cost savings and improved decision-making.
In addition to this, ensuring the safety of mining personnel is a top priority. As a result, Mining 4.0 has seen the introduction of wearable technology such as intelligent helmets and vests with sensors, monitoring vital signs and environmental conditions.
In the event of a hazardous situation, these devices could automatically alert the control centre, facilitating swift response measures and improve overall worker safety.
If anything, Mining 4.0 — propelled by digital transformation — heralds a new era for the mining industry.
It transcends traditional boundaries, ushering in a future where efficiency, safety, and sustainability converge. As mining operations continue to evolve, the synergy between technological innovation and the inherent complexity of Mining 4.0 will undoubtedly shape the industry’s trajectory, defining its success in the years to come.
In a separate paper by Athens-based Doris Skenderas and Chysa Politi, it was also pointed out that the mining sector faces numerous challenges, including supply requirements and dwindling ore deposits.
In addition, mines have to comply with climate and environmental restrictions, health and safety issues and a skills shortage.
Nevertheless, the sector is considered technologically mature and conservative in innovation.
To be able to face many of the challenges mentioned, the mining industry is in a process of transformation, incorporating new intellectual innovations.
And, in this environment, new kinds of challenges are generated.
To avoid the negative impact of the transition to Mining 4.0 and for that to lead to an improvement of the sector, a structured roadmap that will detect and overcome existing barriers must be designed.
To achieve this, miners, governments, and even educational institutions, need to cooperate and create or/and update the necessary legislation, regulations, and policies, in an international and unified way to avoid the evolution of the global mining sector at different speeds.
“This may serve for creating a concrete base that will facilitate the transition to Industry 5.0 and, respectively, Mining 5.0, regarding the synergy between humans and autonomous machines by collaborative robots, controlling blockchain and management, and post-mining,” Skenderas and Politi added.