The mining industry creates smart solutions
Today’s mining industry offers large-scale possibilities for testing the latest connection and automotive technologies.
It goes without saying that the recovery process of the planet’s natural resources is tough. Besides being difficult, it can be harmful to the environment. In these circumstances, human security is of the highest priority. It is delivered through revolutionary IT systems such as: ‘extreme Wi-Fi’ that is capable of covering vast deserts; autonomous vehicles that handle the extraction of vital minerals and rocks without the need for operator intervention; smart 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 a fully autonomous mining site, where the actual presence of humans is not required.
Smart mining facilities
All major mining machinery manufacturers are currently developing autonomous best practices to increase efficiency and productivity, reduce costs and emissions without sacrificing safety. By utilizing connectivity and rich data analysis, they develop the optimal digging patterns in the face of the coal and allow 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 so far is the Smart Rockbolt. Basically, this is the device that creates an underground Internet of things. The global mining industry uses 100 million bolts each year. These tools are used to prop up walls and ceilings during dynamite. The concern is that they are quite susceptible. When damaged, they lose their carrying capacity. As a result, there is a risk that tunnels and cavities will collapse fatally.
The innovative Smart Rockbolt was designed at the 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 enables 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
Geofence technology serves to keep workers away from dangerous equipment. It is integrated with various microclimate monitoring systems, which benefit from sensors that measure the levels of humidity, temperature, sound and gases in the area. In case of any problem, 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 because heavy machinery is in operation. A worker can also send an alert to the control center when he needs assistance. 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.) using special portable 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 is like going to Mars. But there is such advanced networking equipment with hardened routers that allow remote construction and mining 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. To organize the work of autonomous mining machinery on a regular basis, connectivity should not be inferior to the 5G standard. Telecommunications equipment companies have already launched projects that aim to investigate how to remotely control monster vehicles. For this reason, distributed radio networks with carefully arranged antennas are being installed in mines to cope with long underground tunnels and rough walls.
Mine from the future
Autonomous transportation around the mine is not a dream, but the reality being tested today at the Pilbara iron ore mine in Western Australia. The concept under the big name ‘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 railroad to bring the ore to market.
In the near future, it is envisaged to guarantee a completely remote control of the dump trucks through an electric steering module, installed between the steering wheel and the valve. Additionally, the trucks will use data from on-board sensors as well as digital maps to help navigate around a mine and identify an exact location for the spill.
High expectations
Alongside the big giants in the form of haul trucks, there are smaller versions of haul trucks in the form of dump trucks that are also used to transport bulk cargo on a mining site. Autonomous transport solutions for the construction sector have become one of the main concerns of Swedish car manufacturers. Therefore, Scania dump trucks they 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 to make the driver a key player in competent autonomous transport and unloading solutions.