Category: Technology & Innovation

Copyright © 2018 Rio Tinto. Image: Christian Sprogoe Photography. BY REUBEN ADAMS AUSTRALIA’S first nationally accredited courses in automation will be delivered for the first time in 2019. This is the next step of a landmark partnership between South Metropolitan TAFE and Rio Tinto announced in October last year, with the miner contributing $2 million towards a new curriculum including robotics, data analytics and digital inclusion education. Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury said the new wider curriculum being developed would enhance capabilities of those in the mining sector and form part of the learning pathways for those seeking to enter a range of industries applying automation and technology. The proposed curriculum will be completed by the end…

Unearthed Perth 2018 winners Team Steel Ballers. BY REUBEN ADAMS MORE than 100 innovators gathered at CORE Innovation Hub over 13-15 April to tackle four real operational challenges from BHP Nickel West for Unearthed Perth 2018. Students and professionals from the science, engineering, business, entrepreneurial, software development, and mathematics disciplines participated in the 54-hour open innovation event. Nickel West head of integrated operations Karl Stokes said working with Unearthed was an opportunity to connect with some of the best minds in the technology and data science space. “Nickel West is in an exciting period as we are set to become a globally significant battery material supplier very soon,” Mr Stokes said. First prize went to Unleashing SAG2; a State based…

Areas of technology investment in Australian mining. Image: Newport Consulting. BY ELIZABETH FABRI MINING companies are embracing the transition to the ‘digital mine’ by investing in new technologies, but falling short when it comes to preparing future workforces, Newport Consulting has found. In its 2018 Mining Business Outlook, the operational management consultancy firm revealed strong signs of revival for the sector following a series of in-depth interviews with more than 50 mining leaders. However it flagged an emerging skills gap confronting the industry as a result of the rise of automation and a ‘gig economy’ set to redefine roles and disrupt job security. “We spoke to many companies of all sizes that voiced concern over a widening skills gap, giving…

Mining and Energy Services Council of Australia (MESCA) national manager Alex Stanojevic. All images: MESCA. BY ELIZABETH FABRI THE future competitiveness of Australia’s mining industry is synonymous with the health of its Mining Equipment Technologies and Services (METS) sector. But how can companies stay ahead amid an ever-changing digital landscape? As technology rapidly advances, the opportunities and challenges for METS companies increase with it. We spoke with Mining and Energy Services Council of Australia (MESCA) national manager Alex Stanojevic about the next wave of growth for the sector and how his industry association facilitates collaboration. Q. What does MESCA have planned for 2018? The Mining and Energy Services Council of Australia (MESCA) is part of the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group). MESCA…

A one-year old mine site restoration in WA. Image: Centre for Mine Site Restoration. BY ELIZABETH FABRI TAILINGS dams are among the most ‘ecologically hostile’ by-products of mining operations yet there is currently a lack of sufficient technology to deliver timely and cost-effective restoration outcomes, according to Curtin University’s ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration (CMSR). In its new report One giant leap for mankind: can ecopoiesis avert mine tailings disasters?, CMSR argues more time is needed to allow for adequate mine site restoration practices, with current legislation providing a short timeframe. “After a mining operation ceases, there is often less than 10 years given to adequately restore the used land back to a sustainable ecological landscape, but the time…

Image: Hitachi. BY ELIZABETH FABRI WITHIN a decade Australian mines will be operated almost entirely by autonomous machines, according to global group Hitachi. Game-changing technologies such as remote and integrated operation centres, driverless vehicles, and advanced analytics are set to be “commonplace” across the entire industry by 2030. “Such advances in technology are predicted to increase productivity and reduce costs by up to 25 per cent, which will have a significant impact on retaining Australia’s competitiveness in the Asia Pacific region, in addition to major positive social impacts such as the ability for mining employees to work in metropolitan areas,” Hitachi stated. “Hitachi also predicts that by 2030 most mines will have fully integrated IoT systems that will connect all…

Image: Cox Architecture. BY ELIZABETH FABRI FORMER WA Government architect Steve Woodland has unveiled plans to build a $100 million mining museum in Perth to pay homage to the State’s rich mining history. Mr Woodland, who now works as a principal director at architecture firm Cox, said the proposed museum would act as an educational facility for children, and a place for events and celebrations. “The Museum of Mining WA could offer experiences like no other in the world,” Mr Woodland said. “Mining is in many ways a central part of who we are and yet our visitors see very little evidence of it in our city. “Many visitors are surprised — and disappointed — that it isn’t celebrated or…