Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data, Cloud Computing, IoT, 4th Industrial Revolution. These terms are what is defining the way most industries are progressing, let I say the world. The mining industry has been using AI and machine learning for some time already. Their focus has been more in the area’s that aren’t directly invested in production, which is where AI and machine learning are going to impact the future of the mining industry the most.
With the huge volumes of data generated by any single mine site, machine learning can now be generated to optimize production workflows, operation efficiency and not to mention mine safety. Case studies are only the start of our understanding of the value to be derived from machine learning prediction and artificial intelligence. Machine learning through CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) can be utilized to increase the validity of data being captured underground. This is just one-way mining companies will be able to run a smarter mine. Every mine is talking about AI and automation, where a decade ago, this was nothing but small talk amongst some forward-thinking executives. Now AI is a topic that is spoken with serious intention.
Currently, many mining operations are using sensors in their equipment, machine learning algorithms will be analyzing this data in real-time much quicker, giving the mine the ability to make decisions quicker and identify issues with more accuracy. There is less chance of something going wrong, and there is an increase in production efficiency, which means more profit at the end of the day.
With the industry evolving as we speak, the applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence will inevitably begin to play a major part in the way mines make decisions. Data has always been the starting point of any mining operations, and as the old saying goes, ‘rubbish in, rubbish out’. So, the importance of good data will be key to AI and machine learning cementing its place in the mining industry.
Contact MICROMINE to find out how we are going to incorporate AI and Machine Learning to make your mine smarter
