In order to improve safety and efficiency in the mining industry, experts have incorporated technology into every segment of the mining process. This includes mining equipment, the introduction of knowledge managers, etc. Material extraction also contributed to the development of mining technology. Another reason for the introduction of new technology is to care for the environment. It is used for faster, more reliable and cheaper finding of ore deposits. The workers have a lot of knowledge and are well trained.
This is why companies in the mining industry are so valuable. Safety needs of people and production processes are priorities. Given that mining is accompanied by a number of potential hazards, human resources have a great responsibility. That is why the working conditions are adapted to the specific ergonomic and safety needs of the workers. If you want to read more useful information, find out more about technologies and systems in the mining industry below.
1. Importance of new technology in the mining industry
Mining and geological companies around the world actively follow the latest developments in the industry. Thanks to the efforts of leaders, the mining industry is keeping pace with world trends. Environmental standards are an indispensable part of planning new mines, and production is planned in accordance with the latest technology. However, work processes and technology are constantly changing. In order to maintain their position, competitors are constantly working to simplify processes and increase efficiency. It is technology that makes the biggest difference between companies.
That’s why it’s important to understand the needs of the mining industry if you want to stay ahead of your competitors. Instead of being slow to adopt and implement new processes and machines, focus on progress and flexibility in mining operations. It will bring you greater productivity, security and reduced costs. Once you gain an economic advantage, a number of opportunities open up to you. The use of technology also allows you to react quickly, increase production, minimize intensive activity and much more.
2. Technological solutions
Speaking of technological solutions, the drone is one of the devices that contributes to mine research and safety. However, the technology faced numerous challenges that hindered progress. For example, these are unstable ground, stones and other types of obstacles. Such an environment is not only dangerous for a person, but also for a drone that needs to work underground. Most of the machinery was prevented from functioning in such conditions. It only takes one hard hit to break the propeller and cripple the drone. The new models are equipped with a protective frame that protects the components of the drone. Micro-explosions are another type of innovation that has removed the danger of fire and mine collapse. In the past, rocks were excavated by drilling holes, after which the holes would be filled with explosives. The end result is a rock explosion, which is a very dangerous endeavor. According to underground mining experts from Newtrax company, leader in IoT, new approaches involve reducing costs, time and energy.
In the mining industry, rock-drilling jobs, DTH rills, underground scrapers, mining trucks, etc. are most often used. It is intelligent and leadless mining equipment. The choice of machine depends on the type of task, because each one is different. We must not forget about electronic underground miner tracking systems. It is based on the use of GPS and Wi-Fi tracking. One of the most important things in the whole process is the intelligent scheduling and control system. It has a big impact on mining performance. The platform controls individual processes and monitors progress. For this purpose, it uses technology for data organization, 3D visualization, dynamic simulation, etc.
3. The biggest dangers in mining
Although the mining industry is on the rise, it has suffered numerous losses throughout its history. This refers to human victims, but also material losses. The causes of the accident are the inexperience of workers, poor access, lack of equipment, as well as numerous unfortunate circumstances. That is why the priority is the safety and protection of workers. For this purpose, it invests in new technologies and research. Thanks to this approach, many dangers are reduced. For example, miners have always been under a lot of stress. In addition to spending a lot of time at the workplace and getting tired, their environment is very noisy. Such conditions have a very bad effect on the psyche, and the workplace causes stress and health issues.
Fortunately, machines reduce the number of hours and effort of workers. There is also a system that enables a better work plan and prevents health problems of human resources. Another potential hazard is the vibrations coming from the mining machinery. Incorrect lifting is a common problem and therefore more and more attention is paid to proper training of workers. Of course, there are plenty of machines that lighten the workload for workers. Finally, the temperatures in the mines are high.
4. Transition from manual work to automation
The main feature of smart mines is the absence of traditional labor in the mines. It refers to workers with wielding miners in hard hats. Today, certain jobs are automated, which means that such labor has been replaced. Just to be clear, humans have not been completely replaced by machines. Some business sectors no longer exist, but in other cases there are very few or no one is interested in doing them. Modern mining power uses technological resources. There is very little manual work, and the number of vacancies in other sectors outside the mines is increasing. The main focus is on the implementation of real-time data analysis, which opens up new job positions.
In the future, there will be an increasing need for analysts, developers and other experts to control technology. With them come many other needs, such as new management strategies and the like. Consultants change their perspective due to new ways of working, and work positions must adapt to mining technology. Finally, the changing mining system requires new skills and training. Such programs are a big challenge for people who are used to traditional working conditions in the mining industry. They are trained to work on new machines that support automated systems.
Conclusion:
We are increasingly seeing innovation in various industries, and the mining sector is definitely one of them. It continues to evolve and new methods appear to improve all performance. The industry invests a lot of money in following today’s trends in scientific, technical, technological and economic development.
The consequences of this action are better exchange of information, greater experience, safety, greater market potential, investment and project opportunities in the field of mining and geological research. Thanks to innovative and technical solutions, the mining sector achieves great results.
