There are many advantages to adding automation to any mining operation. When we talk about mining automation, we mean two basic types of technology that the industry is in the process of shifting in a big way to: software automation and the application of robotic technology to mining equipment and vehicles.
Here are ten reasons why mining companies all over the world are investing in mining technology automation:
- Advanced software automation creates better predictability. It’s estimated that less than one percent of all data collected and generated by existing mining exploratory technology is not used. This is mostly due to the inability to process and present data in real time. Software automation can make this wealth of data more useful to investors, managers, and stakeholders by providing more exploratory information.
- Software automation can make adjustments much easier. Mines are by their nature unpredictable. Conditions change over the course of a single mine’s operation. Intelligent software automation takes the guesswork out of adjustments, avoiding production slowdowns and mitigating costs.
- Software and robotic automation cut costs. More efficient extraction of resources from mines and the better use of information from data collection devices make it easier to cut costs and learn how to create a leaner, more efficient mining operation overall.
- Robotic solutions improve safety. Workers in mines can utilize robotic, automated equipment better and more efficiently, creating safer conditions in mines. Some robotic technology, such as tele-operated mining equipment, can be used in hazardous areas that humans aren’t suited for.
- Better fuel efficiency. The elimination of guesswork in the proper use of mining equipment and heavy machinery improves fuel efficiency, which can cut down on operating costs significantly.
- Less downtime due to maintenance. Both the use of automated software to view complex data in real time and the use of robotic technology in mines cuts down on unscheduled maintenance and reduces the downtime that maintenance work inevitably causes.
- Overall reduction of overhead costs. We’ve talked about cutting costs, but automation of some functions of mine operation can mitigate the losses that labor shortages sometimes cause, especially in an age of lower commodity prices. Some simple jobs can now be done by robots instead of workers.
- Improved exploration processes. Before the mining operation starts in earnest, software automation and robotic technology can help executives understand what exactly is under the surface of the earth before investing in the operation.
- Improved communication. Communication between stakeholders, executives, and the workers themselves lead to more efficient, better connected mines as a whole.
- Reach remote mining locations. Sometimes getting equipment and miners to a site is the most difficult job in a mining operation. Using automated equipment, stakeholders can make better decisions on to extract resources from remote mining locations.
All of these reasons are benefits of mine automation. Mining companies are cautious, but slowly, more mining outfits are testing and embracing automated technologies both in software and robotics to improve their mining efficiency and cost.
