Category: Digital

Copper is vital in supporting rapid growth in global data centres, enabling us to embrace new artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) technology, according to BHP (ASX: BHP). AI and GenAI tools are transforming the way we work, create and interact. Interest in these tools has surged from the new DeepSeek from China, Microsoft Copilot, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini and Dall-E or the incorporation of AI functionality in already widely used applications such as Microsoft’s Word and Adobe’s Photoshop. AI-powered tools require super-fast data processing and data storage and retrieval capability to handle the resource-intensive training and deployment of the complex machine learning models and algorithms that make them work. Data centres provide this rapid computational muscle. To support…

Like any industry, the highly regulated mining sector has its own unique set of challenges when it comes to managing its workforce. Mining companies have large workforces spread across thousands of kilometres, complex shift patterns and rotations with many Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) workers. Mining sector organisations face exponentially more challenges as they grow and experience the complexity of a transient workforce. The varying overtime rules, complex awards and travel allowances, award interpretation, efficient onboarding, leave and accruals, time and attendance, rostering and reporting compatible with remote mine workers are all extremely important for their Human Resources (HR) departments to get control over. Recently, many industries have removed manual workforce management processes that hindered organisational efficiency. While the digital transformation of HR…

Industrial mining and manufacturing operations feature a diverse range of critical plant equipment and components that need to be constantly monitored around the clock to avoid any potential shutdown that can lead to costly downtime and maintenance. Due to the harsh conditions and heavy wear that plant equipment is subject to when production processes are in full swing, the need for intelligent technology that can diagnose and eliminate faults in advance and help facility managers make more informed decisions to improve operational performance. Global automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler combines smart condition monitoring and lubricant management to form one predictive maintenance solution. It offers intuitive operation via a mobile app to ensure the smooth running of machines and production processes,…

Underground mining operations have long relied on accurate surveying techniques to ensure safety, optimise production, and maintain operational efficiency. Although traditional surveying methods are effective, they can be a time-consuming and complicated task often at the expense of mining production, subsequently leading to cost implications. Globally, mines are adopting new technologies to further improve workflows, and provide a larger return on investment, whilst keeping safety and efficiency at the forefront of everything. For mine engineers, frequent and accurate underground data is valuable for ensuring regular safety checks, planning, and analyses. In the past decade, SLAM technology has further optimised this process, providing a less intrusive and faster way to capture 3D information. Early adopters of SLAM solutions have entered a…

The UNSW School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering (MERE) is a leading provider of innovative world class engineering education and research, and a proud sponsor of the 2023 Oral Presentation Prize at this Year’s World Mining Congress in Brisbane. Operating for over seventy years, the School continues to thrive with highly sought-after undergraduate and postgraduate programs, alongside an increase to its internationally acclaimed research output. In the latest global rankings, MERE was ranked both 4th in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2023), and 10th in the world (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2022). The School prides itself on creating and nurturing industry change makers and immersing them in a world that few people get to experience. Whether it’s…

It’s inevitable that with advances in technology comes the need for transformation to take advantage of these technologies. Mining companies must regularly consider investing in their IT infrastructure to deal with an influx of connected devices, automated plant and equipment processes, and challenges of collaboration across geographically dispersed sites. There are also the complexities of managing mine asset themselves, from high production costs of extracting and processing minerals, investment in critical equipment, maintenance and labour, to fleet tracking, logistics and transportation, all whilst trying to hit targets and maximise ROI. Smart automation is essentially driving the need for asset owners to implement more efficient, more secure software that can help streamline their processes, including the real-time collection, analysis, storage and…

Quantum computing is a groundbreaking field of science that holds the potential to revolutionise various industries and reshape our world. As Australia positions itself as a global leader in quantum technologies, the country’s scientific research organisation, CSIRO, is at the forefront of developing quantum applications for the mining sector. By leveraging advanced technologies like Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) and embracing the concept of zero-entry mines powered by digitalisation and automation, Australia is driving significant advancements in the mining industry. Recent developments from CSIRO in quantum computing promise to have a transformative impact on Australian mining. The power of squids in mineral exploration CSIRO’s LandTEM, a portable exploration tool, utilises SQUIDs to revolutionise mineral exploration. SQUIDs are quantum sensors that…

The mining industry continues to experience a rapid growth in the uptake of monitoring and control technology off the back of a rise in automation, electrification and digital transformation. The need to monitor critical plant equipment, machinery and people in real-time not only serves to improve safety and productivity, but helps drive process efficiencies and reduce costs through preventative maintenance and actionable insights. This is particularly important for fleet managers and maintenance teams to improve asset utilisation and performance from informed decision making about plant and processes. These can have huge implications on an operation, allowing systems to be monitored remotely, therefore minimising risk to personnel, and enabling a faster response to potential incidents. Predictive maintenance is one area where…

Australian mining location intelligence company GeoMoby has partnered with Sydney-based Digital Terrain to apply its real-time technology to monitoring environmental conditions in underground mines. Underground conditions are hazardous and dangerous, with these fully-integrated technologies from GeoMoby and Digital Terrain providing environmental monitoring solutions that record a host of information, improving mining conditions and ultimately save lives. GeoMoby director Mathieu Paul says temperature and potentially-lethal gases such as carbon monoxide or methane can easily be remotely monitored and recorded, with alerts triggered where required. “Essentially Digital Terrain has the technology to monitor many conditions – from levels of gases, such as oxygen, to the temperature in underground mines – and GeoMoby has the technology to use Digital Terrain’s data, from its…

In the digital era where everything is interconnected more than ever, maintaining a safe, reliable and compliant operation demands a holistic approach to asset management. It serves as an essential tool in achieving higher production throughput and equipment availability, reducing operational costs, meeting stakeholder and community expectations, and complying with government and environmental regulations. The mining industry is certainly reliant on the performance of its assets – earthmoving machinery, technology, infrastructure, plant and people. Therefore, the right asset management processes must be in place in order to keep a site running like clockwork. The increase in digital connectivity and remote controlled devices has seen an explosion in the number of data sources, and the volume of data, collected, monitored, analysed…

By Craig Petrie CSC and Jordan Plotnek PhD from Anchoram Consulting The Australian mining sector is a critical component of the country’s economy, contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP whilst creating job opportunities for thousands of people. Because of its importance and value to the nation, the mining sector is a growing target for threat actors to conduct cyber-attacks, espionage, and even cause physical damage. Without an adequate level of resilience to security threats, any impacts could have significant consequences to mining operations and output. Protecting your critical mining assets is a challenging task that necessitates the navigation of complex vulnerabilities introduced through both IT and OT systems, as well as the people and processes that support it. An integrated…