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The mining industry develops smart solutions

Today’s mining industry offers large-scale possibilities for testing the latest automotive and connective technologies.

It goes without saying that the process of recovering the natural resources of the planet is hard. In addition to being difficult, it can be harmful to the environment. In these circumstances, human safety is of the highest priority. It is provided by such revolutionary IT systems as: ‘Extreme Wi-Fi’ that is capable of covering vast deserts; autonomous vehicles that take care of extracting vital minerals and rocks without the need for operator action; intelligent communications that warn employees if they approach giant machines and much more. Experts in the field believe that the potential of these systems will help achieve the ambitious goal of the fully autonomous mine site, where the actual presence of humans is not required.

Smart mining facilities

All major mining machinery manufacturers are now developing autonomous best practices to increase efficiency and productivity, reduce costs and reduce emissions without sacrificing safety. Using connectivity and valuable data analytics, they develop the optimal dig patterns on the coal face and enable vehicles to accurately route autonomously. Mining has become the mutual combination of big industry, big data, and big money.

The Underground IoT Provider

One of the most ingenious contributions to smart mines to date is the Smart Rockbolt. Basically, this is the device that creates a clandestine Internet of Things. The global mining industry uses 100 million bolts each year. These tools are used to shore up walls and ceilings during blasting. The concern is that they are quite susceptible. When damaged, they lose their carrying capacity. As a result, there is a risk of deadly collapsed tunnels and cavities.

The innovative Smart Rockbolt was designed at Lulea University of Technology in Sweden and has an impressive list of virtues. It is equipped with sensors that measure vibrations and tension. When connected to 4G or Wi-Fi, it empowers a mesh network with the power of a 24/7 security monitoring system. Also, a single non-rechargeable battery cell can work for years.

The art of geofencing

Geofencing technology serves to keep workers away from dangerous equipment. It is integrated with various microclimate monitoring systems, benefiting from sensors that measure humidity, temperature, sound, and gas levels in the area. In case of any problems, the mining workers and engineers receive the corresponding text messages on their phones. Employees may be warned not to enter an area because the air quality is unsatisfactory or heavy machinery is working. A worker can also send an alert to the control center when help is needed. Another important value of the technology is that it can provide real-time information on the physical condition of workers (eg, blood pressure, heart rate, etc.) through special wearable devices.

The ultra-reliable Wi-Fi

To ensure successful remote operation, connectivity must be seamless. But in the case of open mines somewhere in the high mountain ranges, the task requires a lot of effort. Sometimes the environmental conditions are so harsh that for electronics it’s like going to Mars. But there is such advanced networking equipment with hardened routers that it allows remote mining and construction workers to take advantage of so-called ‘extreme Wi-Fi’ wherever they go.

The need for 5G

Providing reliable connectivity that is flexible and durable enough for underground mining operations is challenging. In order to organize the work of autonomous mining machinery on a regular basis, the connectivity must be of at least the 5G standard. Telecommunications equipment companies have already launched the projects that aim to investigate how to remotely control monster-shaped vehicles. For this reason, distributed radio networks with carefully arranged antennas are being installed in mines to deal with the long underground tunnels and uneven walls.

future mine

Autonomous transportation around the mine is not a dream, but a reality being tested today at the Pilbara iron ore mine in Western Australia. The concept under the great name of ‘Mine of the future’ is being realized with the help of 69 partially autonomous trucks. Other prominent plans include automated drilling and even a fully autonomous long-distance railway to bring ore to market.

In the near future, it is planned to ensure fully remote control of tippers through an electric steering module, installed between the steering wheel and the valve. Additionally, the trucks will use data from onboard sensors as well as digital maps to help navigate around a mine and pinpoint an exact location to unload.

High expectations

Alongside the big behemoths in the form of haul trucks, there are smaller versions of haul trucks in the form of dump trucks that are also used for bulk cargo transportation on a mining site. Autonomous transport solutions for the construction sector have become one of the main concerns of Swedish car manufacturers. Scania tippers therefore represent the company’s ongoing commitment to profitability and sustainability. As an initial result, two Scania’s partner construction vehicles have already demonstrated their autonomous driving capabilities. A distinctive feature of the project is that its ultimate goal is not to eliminate the need for human intervention, but rather to make the driver a key player in competent autonomous transport and unloading solutions.