Smart mining, also known as intelligent mining, is the adaptation of Industry 4.0 throughout its value chain and represents the concept of mining of the future, according to the Mining of the Future del Andes Pacific Technology Access. By using technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and automation in an integrated manner, mining achieves efficient management of the production process, saves energy, protects lives and infrastructure, and ensures the operational continuity of the process. Unlike traditional mining, smart mining uses digitalization as part of its operations throughout the entire process, from exploration and extraction to processing and trading.
According to Business Market Insights, this market is estimated to reach $970.23 million by 2030 in Latin America and will register a growth of 8.2% through 2030. This figure not only reflects economic growth but also the technological transformation we are experiencing. Currently in the region, smart mines with technologies already in place can automate their operations faster than those that are lagging behind in technology adoption. By implementing advanced technologies, mine operators can expand their existing wireless network of integrated sensors and advance the digitization of the mine, the same report highlights.
In the past year, big data and artificial intelligence (AI) have become key trends in intelligent mining. Both technologies offer solutions to improve problems such as productivity and address delays in material flow, among other potential solutions to address traditional concerns and changing difficulties.
In Latin America, we have seen an increasing use of operational intelligence (OI) technologies, such as wireless monitoring and predictive maintenance, to help mine operators track operating characteristics and manage the risks associated with mining. In real time, digital data collection replaces manual data collection in the field and enables better decision making.
Why implement AI and big data in mining?
At Vertiv, we have reported on how mining has evolved by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other smart technologies in mineral exploration, digital analytics and visual recognition for operational safety, the Internet of Things (IoT) for problem detection in transportation and loading, and robotic automation (RPA) to increase efficiency and productivity.
The present and the future of mining have several AI applications that hold promise for the industry to improve productivity. These include:
- Prospecting and exploration: AI algorithms can revolutionize this process by combining geological, topographic, mineralogical, and mapping data, AI identify anomalies and variations in the data, allowing to estimate the probability of mineralization. This enables faster and more accurate analysis of the vast amount of data, more accurately predicting areas with a high probability of containing mineral deposits.
- Equipment monitoring: AI can have a significant impact on mining productivity, as together with the Internet of Things (IoT) allows to monitoring conditions and equipment in real time. Combined with AI, we can instantly analyze the information collected and generate alerts on when to intervene on equipment. This has been proven to not only extend equipment life, but also reduce operating costs.
Benefits of using AI in mining
In my experience with Vertiv, I have seen how automated mining equipment can generate enormous amounts of useful data. Combining that information with AI and machine learning promises to help improve safety and operational efficiency. For example, Business Market Insights reports that the installation of automation software that allows the mine operator to remotely monitor static and mobile assets and schedule automated interactions between the two. In addition, automated trucks perform mining operations using a network of physical sensors and a remotely configured and managed software system that previously required a fleet of truck drivers to maintain.
However, implementing AI solutions requires more processing and high density, a backbone of solid and versatile critical digital infrastructure that supports the needs of data networks, cloud, cyber measures, and robust data rooms.
To take advantage of this Mining 4.0, companies must implement advanced technologies to increase capacity and achieve energy efficiency, redundancy and availability. At Vertiv, we worked with a company in Chile to implement a Vertiv™ Liebert® APM modular online uninterruptible power supply system (UPS) with lithium-ion batteries to achieve autonomy in a small space, high energy efficiency, and reliable uptime.
Vertiv understands the complexities and challenges of the data stack required for mining operations and provides effective and reliable critical digital infrastructure solutions designed to withstand extreme conditions in industrial environments. From corrosion, humidity, saline environments, high temperatures, dust, high altitude, seismic activity, to snow. Vertiv has a full range of solutions to support critical applications, including UPS, thermal management systems, racks, rack power distribution units, and prefabricated modular data centers for multiple racks or or a single cabinet. To learn more, click here.
