Tech in mining #4
Hello everyone, hope you're all doing well!
🗞Interesting updates
A mine in western Australia is trialing a system called Smart Gas (developed by InSig technologies) that enables mines to monitor the air quality, raise any alarms (e.g. methane and CO) and control the fans from the surface as needed - amazing from safety and healthy angle. Given miners spend manual time checking the air quality, this can also lead to productivity gains. More here
Interesting fact: Until the 1980s, coal miners in the UK, US, Australia, and Canada used canaries 🐦as an early warning for toxic gases
If you missed it, a couple of weeks ago we had mentioned the innovation in ventilation systems
Tailing dams can be really dangerous if not monitored correctly. SRK consulting, a US based engineering consulting firm, is prioritizing initiatives to use automated vibrating wire piezometers (VWPs) on tailings facilities to enable analysis associated pore pressure regime. Prior to these, pressure measurements were done manually, and systems like these could accelerate decision making. More here
Mines are investing more in remote operations. Fortescue in Australia has a remote control center enabling them to control mine operations 1200 km away. With COVID-19, they are considering adding more sites that will be controlled by the remote control center. They are also pledging to convert their fleet to autonomous over the next few years. More here
A synthesis of 250 studies, created by MiningWatch Canada and coalition of environmental nonprofits, shows that deep sea mining in the Pacific could cause extensive damage to ecosystems and island communities. More here 🤿
If you want a refresher on deep sea mining, check out the post we shared last week
📊Chart:
S&P recently published a report that mining exploration is expected to drop by 29% this year. More here
🙌Shout-outs:
Wanted to highlight our friends at Mining2Me, a non-profit that aims to transform the public's perception of mining through animated infographic videos. They want to raise awareness and educate the general public on the importance of mining, the technological and safety advancements, and the environmental stewardship efforts of the mining industry. Check out their video library consisting of videos such as how mines are using technology to cut costs and do things previously impossible to accomplish.
That's it for this week. Please forward it to a friend/ colleague who you think would be interested in subscribing 😃