PwC described its current mining outlook as one of reinvention. Organisations within this sector, facing geopolitical instability, market complexity and economic volatility, are under pressure to find new routes to value and growth. How can they remain economically viable and sustainable when 41% of CEOs don’t think their organisations can unless they reinvent? The answer lies in optimisation. In creating new pathways to profit, growth and sustainability through intelligent evolution and optimisation and the smart use of technology.
Yes, technology. While hype and hyperbole have made technology out to be the magic that waves the complexities away, the reality is that without it, the mining sector will lose out. Companies are under pressure to optimise cash flow, improve productivity, refine processes, remain secure, prioritise health and safety and keep every regulatory box ticked – all this while navigating dwindling resources, increased costs, and flabby infrastructure. Digital transformation initiatives can fundamentally support the sector’s evolution, but to do so, there has to be a shift in thinking.
As Victor Thobakgale, Technology Operations Lead at African Rainbow Minerals highlighted at a recent mining roundtable, it’s time to move away from outdated processes, policies and procedures that inhibit the optimisation of the industry. For example – how can mines optimise health and safety if the use of mobile devices still remains prohibited in some mines? Digitisation requires that this type of policy be updated to allow for employees and managers to connect, collate data and overcome challenges around accessibility.
Smart mining operations are key to revitalising the sector’s performance and sustainability. Advanced technologies can measurably change the metrics around safety and efficiency. Automation, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, can leverage robotics and process automation to undertake hazardous tasks, reducing the need for people to work in dangerous conditions and the risk of human error. The same can be applied to mundane and repetitive tasks that have traditionally been performed by people – if technology takes over, those people can be upskilled to perform more critical roles that align with their expertise.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is another core technology capable of transforming processes for organisations across the mining, oil, and gas industries. Sensors, now exponentially more affordable, can be used throughout the mine, facilities, and remote locations to detect issues, optimise processes and undertake proactive and predictive maintenance. With solutions connected to mobile devices, management gains access to data that can be used to optimise employee routes and roles, while detecting bottlenecks that may have previously gone unnoticed.
Of course, data analytics is one of the most relevant tools at the sector’s disposal. Using data from across multiple touchpoints, sensors and facilities, organisations can measurably improve decision-making thanks to relevant, real-time insights. This also allows for predictive analytics – alerting to failure before it happens – and refining efficiencies throughout. Wedded to this is the use of digital twins. Already in use in mines, this allows companies to create digital copies of their assets and processes and then use these to simulate innovations, integrations, and optimisation planning.
Imagine being able to determine how well a technology works within your exact, unique business without running the risk of actual implementation. This is the value provided by the digital twin. You can assess how a solution will play out within your environment and then make an informed decision around its viability.
Technology may come with hype, but it definitely comes with proven results. Mines can lead the way towards transformation by leveraging AI, IoT, data analytics and digital twins, reimagining and redesigning their existing architecture to better reflect their long-term strategic goals. BCX can help the sector benefit from relevant, emergent technologies that are designed specifically for mining environments, and provide expertise and guidance around best-in-class solutions to resolve sector-specific challenges. Cut down costs, transform safety and optimise comprehensively with the right technologies applied at the right time, and with the perfect partner.
