Abstract
As the demand for metals and minerals is increasing, so is the need to optimize mining productivity and efficiency, while at the same ensuring safe and sustainable mining operations. Notwithstanding, our future is deeply dependent on mining. Mining companies of tomorrow are therefore evaluating new ways to take their operations to the next level, often finding digitalization is a key for moving forward.
A high-performance communication network is the foundation to manage a digital transformation. Modern technology simply requires modern communication infrastructure. Just as a communication network is a foundation, positioning services are almost as essential. On this foundation, companies can start creating business value out of the investment.
Where mining companies have been successful in the digital transformation, the communication network and positioning services must be treated as mission critical systems and maintained accordingly.
Underground mining includes many challenges that often result in unpredictable production with large variations and non-value added time. Some of these challenges are traffic congestions, machine break downs, late startup of shifts, difficulties to find machines and equipment, and inefficient distribution of information.
So the questions are: How can we get rid of the non-value added time and increase productivity? How can we reach peak production at every shift?
The answer to these questions starts with situational awareness and insight. The “lid to the mine needs to open” by transparency, positioning services and reliable real-time information. The information should be well visualized and, preferably be available for everyone, not only a few selected in a control room. By making people aware of what is going on in the mine and how the shift is proceeding, people can act upon what is happening and make smart decisions faster.
Most mining companies have a high safety focus and work towards a zero-accidents vision. However, manual processes and procedures limit the capabilities and response time in emergency situations. Even with a high safety focus, accidents and incidents still happen, too often with serious and tragic outcomes.
By adding digital solutions on top of existing safety plans and routines, mining companies are able to take safety to the next level. Information is key when it comes to safety. You can’t manage and improve what you can’t see or what you don’t know, which is why digital solutions to support, automate and speed up the decision-making processes are crucial.
By collecting reliable real-time information and positions, and presenting them on a 3D-map, you can gain better control of the mine to see who is safe and who is not. With smart alerts, miners can be warned of potential danger in advance and can take decisions to avoid incidents. Drivers will be warned of potential traffic collisions well in advance and can thereby avoid accidents or traffic congestions.
As network communications and positioning systems become an integral part of an improved evacuation or emergency response plan, it is imperative that they be accurate and reliable.