The mining sector has long been a driving force of economic growth and progress, yet the challenges of doing business in this sector have also proven quite formidable. Unpredictable conditions and volatile markets are only part of the picture; with rapidly advancing technologies like IoT and AI, how can mining operations stay competitive?

IoT and AI technologies offer enhanced safety and quality control solutions - helping to improve productivity, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. In this blog post, we’ll explore how IoT and AI technologies are being deployed within the mining sector - from automated drills to predictive analytics - so you can better understand what your organization needs to implement to secure a future-proofed operation.

The mining industry is no stranger to adopting new technologies. In recent years, we've seen a surge in IoT and AI technologies across the mining industry to streamline operations and increase efficiency. These advanced capabilities, from predictive maintenance systems to smart analytics solutions, are revolutionizing traditional processes and ensuring a higher performance output with fewer operational issues. Here are just a few ways IoT and AI are revolutionizing traditional processes within the mining sector.

1. IoT Sensors for Safety

One of the most important aspects of mining is safety for the miners and those who live near the mines. In the past, ensuring safety was a matter of having someone physically present to monitor conditions. But now, thanks to IoT sensors, monitoring conditions remotely within the mines is possible. These sensors can detect methane levels, temperature, and air quality and send alerts to miners and supervisors if conditions become unsafe. This allows problems to be dealt with quickly and efficiently before they become disasters.

2. AI-assisted Drilling

Drilling is another essential part of the mining process, and it's an area where AI is beginning to make a big difference. In the past, drilling was a slow and painstaking process that needed more accuracy. But now, thanks to advances in machine learning, drilling can be done more quickly and with greater accuracy than ever before. AI-assisted drilling machines can learn from their mistakes and make adjustments on the fly, meaning they can drill faster and with fewer errors than their human counterparts.

3. IoT-Enabled Machinery

One of the most critical ways IoT improves mining is by making machinery more connected and efficient. Operators can remotely monitor conditions by installing sensors on equipment and make changes as needed to improve performance. For example, if a piece of equipment is overloaded, the sensors will send an alert to the operator so that they can take corrective action. This helps to prevent costly downtime and accidents. In addition, sensors can also be used to track maintenance needs so that repairs can be made before problems arise.

4. AI-Powered Analytics

Another way in which AI is changing mining is by providing insights that were not possible before. By analyzing large data sets, AI can help identify patterns and trends that would otherwise be hidden. This information can be used to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve safety. For example, if a particular type of equipment is frequently breaking down, AI can help identify the root cause of the problem so that it can be fixed. Additionally, AI can be used to develop predictive models that can help forecast demand and plan production accordingly.

Let’s look at how two mining companies use IoT to improve productivity.

1. Newmont Goldcorp

Newmont Goldcorp is a gold mining company operating in Canada, Australia, Mexico, Peru, Suriname, and Ghana. The company has been using IoT technology to increase safety and productivity since 2014. Newmont Goldcorp was an early adopter of wearables; in 2014, the company started issuing smart glasses to its employees. These glasses provide workers with real-time information about their surroundings, which helps them avoid accidents. The company has also used sensors to monitor equipment for potential problems and optimize maintenance schedules accordingly. As a result of these initiatives, Newmont Goldcorp has seen a decrease in accidents and an increase in productivity.

2. BHP Billiton

BHP Billiton is another global leader in the mining industry. The company has been using IoT technology since 2015 to increase safety and efficiency at its mines. For example, BHP Billiton has used sensors to track the location of its fleet of vehicles in real-time. This has resulted in a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and a 30% reduction in maintenance costs. The company has also used sensors to monitor the health of its employees. This includes tracking things like fatigue, heat exposure, and exposure to harmful chemicals. By monitoring the health of its employees, BHP Billiton has reduced injuries by 50%. Moreover, BHP Billiton is using IoT technology to monitor the performance of its equipment remotely. This helps the company identify potential problems before they cause downtime or require expensive repairs.

IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (artificial intelligence) are two rapidly growing technologies that have the potential to revolutionize how we mine—everything from more efficient operations to more excellent safety for employees. IoT is transforming traditional mining processes by allowing remote monitoring, bringing better analytics systems online, and allowing workers access to real-time data conveniently. Meanwhile, AI allows surface miners to make data-driven decisions faster than ever before with a deeper understanding of collected material samples through powerful analysis software.

So, if your company makes products used in mining, visit IoT2Market and create a free account to be connected to leading IoT suppliers.