Top Six Reasons to Use Underground Mining Technology
Technology has been advancing rapidly in many industries, and underground mining is no different. Many of the top companies are using different types of digital technology through automation and IoT-based tech, and it stands to revolutionize the entire industry. Using underground mining technology is more accurate, more efficient, and safer. Take a look at the top six reasons to use underground mining technology.
Table of Contents
1. Automation
They have been using forms of automation for several decades in the mining industry. First, they introduced autonomous mining vehicles that allowed people to communicate with machines remotely.
They are a great option in hazardous environments, as they can excavate, carry cameras, and more. Today, they are working on an autonomous mining system that can carry out tasks automatically using robotic technologies. This can improve safety and allow them to perform tasks in locations that are too dangerous for people.
2. Wearable Technology for Tracking Workers
There have been advances in wearable technologies, and they are using them to track workers in the mines. They can use them to improve care and safety in underground mines, and it makes all workers visible at all times. They can locate workers right away, and they can determine where they can increase productivity. They can also improve the amount of time it takes to respond to incidents, which helps to prevent accidents and more dangerous situations.
3. GPS and Navigation Systems
Some mining companies are using GPS positioning and navigation systems to get accurate visualizations of the drill bit or shovels in real-time. They can see them on a moving map display, and the operator can move the drill from one last hole to the next or keep the shovel at a particular grade. This often takes place in dangerous locations that have an extreme environment where people can’t go.
4. Operational Intelligence
Another form of underground mining technology is Operational intelligence. This allows mining companies to create a digital twin of a mine. They can then digitize parts of their operation so that they are able to make decisions based on data from real-time. They can see the behavior, look at the information, and come up with recommendations based on what is happening.
This allows them to improve safety and effectiveness for workers, vehicles, and more. They will know the slopes underground, dams that are there, and other details, which makes the entire operation safer. They can also trigger alarms in dangerous situations and allow real-time monitoring.
5. Digital Twins
A digital twin is a virtual replica of any of the physical assets in the mine. They are able to use machine learning or artificial intelligence, and they are updated in real-time as changes occur. Essentially, they allow them to interact between the real and virtual versions, and they can assess engineering data and more to find ways to improve the operations. This is a way to improve mining productivity and optimize the operation and management of their processes, systems, and physical assets.
6. Wireless Monitoring Systems
As more and more mines move towards digitizing their operations, they have more capabilities. They will ultimately be able to move towards virtual operations in place of manual or automated readings Wireless monitoring systems will make this possible.
Most mining assets are in areas that are difficult to access, and by the time workers can get down there and return with data, it could be too late. The data can be outdated quickly, and there may not be time to collect it. Using wireless monitoring systems, they have instant access to data on water pressure, the infrastructure, and more. They don’t need a person down below to collect the data, and they can reduce costs while collecting more accurate data in real-time.
Biswajit Rakshit is a professional blogger and writer. He loves to write on various topics.