ABSTRACT

Mining is an important
industrial and economic sector
that plays a vital role in
developing a country and
provides substantial
employment opportunities. The
application of Artificial
Intelligence (AI) in the Mining
sector offers enormous
economic benefits for the
mining industry through cost
reduction, increasing safety
standards, improving efficiency
and productivity, reducing
workers' exposure to hazardous
conditions and avoiding
monotony in the continuous
production process with
improved product value.

-Sujib Barman

TRANSFORMATION IN THE MINING INDUSTRY


Transformation in
the Mining
industry
“The secret of change is to focus all of your
energy, not on fighting the old, but on
building the new”
-Socrates
Mining companies worldwide reacted fast to
the disruptions due to Covid-19, adopting new
ways of running to keep everyone secure.
Because the cost of most commodities fell
amid the Covid-19 pandemic, mining
businesses were forced to lessen charges and
improve productivity.
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic,
we have seen a need for digital,
environmentally-friendly innovation, and it has
proved that our future lies in digital.
Mining is an important industrial and economic
sector that plays a vital role in developing a
country and provides substantial employment
opportunities. The application of Artificial
Intelligence (AI) in the Mining sector offers
enormous economic benefits for the mining
industry through cost reduction, increasing
safety standards, improving efficiency and
productivity, reducing workers' exposure to
hazardous conditions, and avoiding monotony
in the continuous production process with
improved product value.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that
covers multiple subsets of technologies like
machine learning, deep learning, computer
vision, natural language processing, and other
technologies, used individually or in
combination to add intelligence and decision-
making to applications.
Current application of AI in the Mining
Industry
1. Prospecting and Exploration
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Prospecting involves a survey of the area of
interest collection of geophysical, geological,
chemical analysis of the sample and economic
data. The place where AI is used in prospecting
and exploration are-
a) Site Surveys / Reconnaissance
b) Sampling and Testing
c) Exploratory and Production drilling
Exploration includes geological mapping,
sampling, laboratory activity, borehole logging,
and, in addition, research of prospects. This
procedure contains significant collection and
records, conventional strategies concerning
human labour, site visits, manual sampling,
and assaying. Traditional technologies take
two years to twenty years, depending on the
size and complexities of the region.
Prospecting typically starts with locating an
anomaly in any region by analyzing geological,
geophysical, geochemical records, satellite
images, and other available data with financial
benefits. AI systems and statistics evaluation
software programs may be fed with geological,
topographical, mineralogical, and mapping
statistics to identify potential areas of interest.
AI and Machine learning is being applied to
develop autonomous drills for finding the
location diagnosed in the prospecting stage
and perform drilling activities to feed drill log
records within the device. The same
technology can also be used in the case of
production drilling.
World Projects
Goldspot Discoveries Inc- uses AI to improve
mineral exploration. Canada's Abitibi gold belt
region could predict 86% of the existing gold
deposits by using only 4% of the total surface
area's geological, topography and mineralogy
data using AI as an alternative.
Rio Tinto has developed a 3D visualization
technology, RTV- Rio Tinto Visualisation
(connection with mine automation system)
used in their Australian operations. It provides
the ability to evaluate data collected for
gaining a deeper understanding of deposits
located below the surface more easily. It helps
improve boundary identification and field task
planning. It allows workers real-time
monitoring with faster and more accurate
decisions to enhance efficiency and cost
savings.
BHP Billiton also uses AI in down-hole assay
analysis in their Pilbara operations for faster
grade analysis and real-time data capturing
capability. Speed of exploration has gone many
times up by rapid analysis in exploration. This
technology minimizes waste drilling and is
expected to save BHP more than US$10M on
drilling and assay costs.
2. Mining Operations
AI can enhance mining operations and make
them more efficient and productive. Areas
where AI is used in mining operations, are-
a) Survey by drone
b) Autonomous Vehicles
i. Trucks
ii. Train
iii. Loaders and Excavators
c) Autonomous Drilling
Mining by its very nature is a dangerous and
unsafe operation due to limited working space,
poor lighting, hazardous wastes, toxic gases,
radioactive substances, explosives and
hazardous walls and roofs.
Mining companies use drones for various
purposes, including surveillance for mining
operations, surveying, and environmental
monitoring. There is much that a drone can see
that we cannot see with our eyes. Using
machine learning-based computer vision
systems, these drones can analyze data
collected from the imagery by image analytics.
This technology gives mining companies
continuous round-the-clock access and
monitoring of their facilities which is very
difficult with the human operation.
Autonomous mining equipment improves
overall productivity, minimizing cost and
possibly terminal errors. Komatsu and
Caterpillar for mining operations have
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developed a wide range of autonomous
equipment powered by artificial intelligence.
There are some autonomous excavators and
others autonomous loading and vehicles. The
"digital mining" technique connects
equipment, minimizes human labour, and
decentralizes control, enabling mining
companies to operate a "digital mine."
In underground mine design, ventilation, an
emergency escape, and workforce
infrastructure are significant elements
contributing to cost. Underground mines can
be redesigned through the use of autonomous
remote control. This digital technology reduces
the costs of establishing and operating
workforce-based infrastructures such as
ventilation and refrigeration.
Video-The future of the mining industry
World Projects
The mining companies Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton,
FMG have led the way with this AI technology
in their autonomous truck fleet for years at
their mining operations. The trucks are
manufactured by Komatsu and Caterpillar and
are remotely overseen by operators in Perth.
These companies use autonomous trucks and
try to make their complete operations self-
reliant. Rio Tinto has also utilized autonomous
loaders, scope up waste, and an independent
blast-hole drill system for several years. Their
drilling system enables remote operator-
controlled multiple drilling rigs to drill into the
ground. Rio Tinto has also developed driverless
trains that carry ore over hundreds of miles on
the track.
In 2018, Orica released a digital platform to
integrate data and insights across the drill and
blast process to optimize blasting outcomes.
Blast design, explosive delivery, loading,
control system, and quality management are
done by this complete blast control system.
Robots
Besides autonomous mining equipment,
engineers are developing robots that work
alongside humans. Mining robots are also
venturing into flooded mines that are
abandoned to retrieve rare minerals. Robots
can be built to work in confined spaces like
those found in deep-sea mining. They are
helping to locate unique minerals even with
low visibility. These robots can also help
reduce the cost of security investments for
future explorations and existing exploration.
Robots will monitor mine operations to ensure
they run smoothly. They collect information
about underground conditions, such as
temperature rock stability, affecting worker
safety.
Sensors
In the mining industry, gas sensing technology
plays a crucial role in the safety of humans and
property. It is possible to reduce mine safety
risks, save countless lives and stop property
damage by improving hazardous gas
monitoring systems.
During harsh mine conditions like extreme
temperature changes, rapid humidity
variations, and high-pressure fluctuations, the
sensors should identify flammable and toxic
gases and depleted oxygen levels. Various
sensors are now being developed to help
miners continuously monitor the environment.
Model-based anomaly detection is used to
advance the condition-based approach using
predictive maintenance. It uses online sensor
data collection and data analytics to predict
machine reliability.
Machine learning, analytics, and artificial
intelligence are used to perform predictive
maintenance. Predictive maintenance takes it
further by implementing actions to resolve an
impending problem.
World Projects
DINGO Software Pty Ltd combines industry-
leading technology with maintenance
expertise. Dingo's solutions increase
availability, extend component life, and reduce
operating costs in just over a year.
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Video-Dingo software solution
KAL TIRE uses AI to monitor tyres’ wear and
health data in real-time, improving tyre life and
fuel efficiency.
Canaria Technologies has developed predictive
biometric screening technologies that utilize
biometric data and artificial intelligence to
predict potential long-term health risks.
Video-CANARIA Technologies
3. Processing
The processing plant frequently becomes a
bottleneck in mining operations. Poor planning
and scheduling of upstream processes can lead
to the plant being underutilized due to lack of
feed or compromised due to inappropriate
spread. There is a need to deliver the right
amount of product in the correct mix at the
right time to ensure operating hours and
throughput optimization. This can be achieved
through the use of integrated scheduling and
execution. Improved management of ROM
quality and schedule of plant feed has a
significant impact on stockpile requirements
and reduced re-handling to ensure the plant
continues to run efficiently.
Processing throughput can be enhanced
through the practice of drones, digital twins,
image analytics, advanced analytics, and an
Integrated Operating Centre (IOC).
Drones can scan the minerals transported to
the plant to collect information on particle size
distribution, quality parameters, and
characteristics. An IOC enables integration of
the plant with upstream processes to manage
controllable elements. Plant operational
parameters can be optimized by using real-
time information from advanced analytics.
Through digital twins, teams can test scenarios
to optimize plant control system parameters
based on real-time data from the physical
environment, resulting in improved plant
efficiency.
World Projects
Global Miner SAG Mill Optimisation (Chile)-To
further optimize SAG Mill performance, the
company used a digital twin where data is used
to train a 'twin' of the SAG Mill to indicate the
behaviour of a real SAG Mill in multiple
scenarios. Predicted optimal setpoints could
increase throughput, translating to a $40M per
annum revenue uplift.
Video-SGS Advanced Process Control (APC)
Next Ore Copper and Iron sorting (South
America and Canada)-Next Ore has developed
a sensor system for large-scale ore sorting
based on the quality of the material. While
productivity benefits vary depending on the
characteristics of the ore body, once sorted,
the analyzer can generate more than double
the average of ore grades. In some copper
mines, it has reduced 20% processing costs.
Global Materials and Chemicals Company-The
company is developing a mobile application
that provides data to improve decision making
and optimize the metal extraction process.
4. AI to reduce environmental impact
Machines or equipment are a better substitute
for working in hazardous working conditions.
Currently, mining companies use AI-powered
autonomous systems with self-controlling
machines to perform regular inspections or
work on those conditions where humans
cannot physically go. Mining equipment with
the attachment of cameras and sensors can
easily detect harmful gases and any structural
instability. Real-time monitoring and
inspections by this equipment are making the
workplace safer.
ABB has developed “eMine,” which can
optimize the design of the hauling process with
electrical solutions to reduce CO2 emissions.
Video-ABB Ability™ eMine
dioxide directly from the atmosphere and
permanently stores it in the ground.
Carbon Capture Technology
Conclusions
There have been highly inefficient practices in
the mining industry in terms of productivity
due to an emphasis on volume at any cost.
Volume at any price means inefficiency,
bringing opportunity and innovation scope.
Now we are entering a new era where AI will
enable us to overcome the limitations of
capital and labour. AI can increase economic
growth and generate significant opportunities
for countries significantly.
Significant benefits can be gained by using AI,
creating new jobs, extending people's abilities
to perform tasks more accurately and
efficiently, providing better services, and
enabling even faster innovation to occur,
together with putting customers in control to
protect their data. Along with benefits come
certain risks, though, if not appropriately
managed. For AI to be utilized properly, it must
be aligned with strong ethical principles and
robust compliance and legal frameworks.
When AI increases, labour market reforms will
be needed, and job skills training to meet the
new human resource need as the nature of
work will change. In the use of AI, there is the
need for shared responsibility between the
public and private sectors. Artificial
Intelligence (AI) rules must be transparent to
understand how the technology works.
When implementing AI in the mining industry,
we can adapt the SMART approach, where
SMART means Secure, Measurable,
Automated, Risk Management-based, and
Technology-driven.
Video-How AI can help tackle climate change.

Currently, BHP is working towards (Direct Air

Capture) technology that removes carbon

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