Tag: technology

Rio Tinto Iron Ore: a new benchmark

Rio Tinto Iron Ore: a new benchmark

Rio’s new Koodaideri project would feature the latest in automation. Image: Rio Tinto RIO Tinto’s Iron Ore business has a big year ahead of it, as construction at Koodaideri begins, and the benefits start to roll in from a rising iron ore price; an outcome of Vale’s recent dam disaster. For Rio Tinto, its principal focus for the near-term was development of its $3.5 billion Koodaideri project, a replacement for depleting capacity across its Pilbara operations. Koodaideri – approved by the board late November – will be Rio’s most technologically advanced mine to date featuring a digital replica of the processing plant accessible in real time, fully integrated mine automation and simulation systems, and much more. The 43 million tonnes…

Fuel Farms: Fuelling Advancement

Fuel Farms: Fuelling Advancement

A diesel-powered bogger at Newcrest’s Cadia East mine. Image: Newcrest Mining. BY AMY BLOM EMERGING technologies may be set to change the way Australian mines are powered, but diesel fuel and large-scale fuel farms are likely to remain key to many operations for years to come. Renewable energy and the concept of the electric mine have been touted as among the biggest changes ahead in mining, and while many miners have begun to adopt these technologies, researchers were also looking to diesel-powered automation that could change traditional fuel farms. The remote nature of most mines meant access to reliable power was a challenge for most, making up a large portion of overheads on a mine. To overcome this issue, many miners…

Autonomous drone startup raises $3.5m

Autonomous drone startup raises $3.5m

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 underground mines while…

ROBOTS IN FLIGHT

ROBOTS IN FLIGHT

Image: UNSW. BY CAMERON DRUMMOND SINCE its initial use in military applications, drone technology has evolved into a cost-saving and efficient tool for many industries, including mining. Mining majors such as BHP already recognise the advantages of drone technology for a range of applications. BMA mining production head Frans Knox said the use of drones at mine sites has made operations safer and more productive. “At some of our coal mines in QLD, they’re used to ensure areas are clear before a blast takes place and to track fumes post-blast,” Mr Knox said. “They’re also used to improve road safety on sites, by monitoring traffic, road conditions and hazards. “At our Olympic Dam mine in South Australia, the maintenance team…

Let’s Get Digital

Let’s Get Digital

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…

CSIRO to open Silicon Valley office

CSIRO to open Silicon Valley office

Image: The CSIRO. By Cameron Drummond GOVERNMENT science and research agency CSIRO will be opening an office in the US for the first time, in an effort to promote Australian innovation overseas. The CSIRO US office will be based in the southern San Francisco Bay Area of Silicon Valley; working closely with American research, industry and business partners to bring Australia’s capabilities to the US marketplace. Foreign Affairs minister Julie Bishop said the move would capitalise on the CSIRO’s already strong relationships with science and industry leaders including NASA, Bayer LLP, Boeing and the Gates Foundation. “The office opening will support the government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda, which is fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship,” Ms Bishop said.…