Tag: innovation

The Emesent team. Image: CSIRO.   BY ELIZABETH FABRI   DRONE technology developed by CSIRO Data61 spinoff Emesent has received a $3.5 million boost to bring its autonomous prototype, Hovermap, into the mainstream market.   The technology, which draws on 10 years of research by CSIRO’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems group, was designed to automate the collection of data in underground areas that were too dangerous or difficult for people to survey or navigate, including stopes or ore passes. Emersent’s Hovermap can be integrated with drones to enable them to be deployed in GPS-denied environments without a human controller to create 3D maps, images, videos or record gas readings. “Hovermap enables the mining industry to safely inspect inaccessible areas of...

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...

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...

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre has been selected to host the four day conference. Image: BCEC By Elizabeth Fabri BRISBANE has secured a bid to host one of the world’s largest international mining events, which is expected to attract more than 2000 delegates from 40 countries. The 26th World Mining Congress (WMC), held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) in July 2021 over four days, would put a spotlight on Australia’s innovation leadership in the mining sector. Led by CSIRO in partnership with the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), the conference was expected to generate $5 million in economic benefits to the State. CSIRO energy research director for coal mining Dr Hua Guo said mining innovation was...

Rio Tinto's autonomous haulage trucks at its West Angelas minesite. Image Christian Sprogoe Photography. By Elizabeth Fabri JUNIOR minors are more willing to embrace a culture of open innovation than their major counterparts, according to a new study by Deloitte. The Innovation in mining Australia 2016 report, developed in association with Diggers and Dealers and the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), explored how innovation was being employed in Australian mining. Deloitte found that while junior minors lacked the resources readily available to majors, their ability to problem solve, take advantage of government incentives, and willingness to embrace a culture of open innovation led to confidence in the sector. The report also stated Australia ranked itself above Canada and Africa but...