Technology is constantly changing mining. Over the next five years, it’s predicted that 77% of jobs in Australia’s mining sector will be affected by technological change, and that this will increase productivity by up to 23%. But what are some technological changes that mining companies can make to optimise their productivity and stay ahead in digitalization?
Digital data management
It can be difficult to change existing data management processes, whether they’re old software systems, traditional databases or even paper-based data recording.
Thankfully, digitalization doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning your existing processes for new ones.
Even smaller mining companies deal with massive amounts of data. This all has to be sorted somewhere. Many people simply don’t have the time to file through excess amounts of data, therefore much of it is lost. If you have a platform to do the process for you, your job becomes significantly easier.
Our platform STAMP, for example, integrates with existing software. This makes digitalization in the era of technological innovation significantly simpler. There are a myriad of companies out there now who are also incorporating AI, automation and the Internet of Things into data management in mining.
Automated mining
This one might seem obvious, and perhaps the most widespread – but automated mining can, in fact, revolutionise mining operations. It also doesn’t mean you have to replace all your workers. Rather, they can be repurposed into other jobs, such as monitoring automated equipment, or placed into managerial roles.
Automated mining can be anything from software automation, to remotely controlled machines, to driverless trucks.
Automated mining – a conglomeration of AI, blockchain, automation and the Internet of Things – is on track to one day to create fully autonomous mines. This also helps improve safety and productivity in the mining workforce.
Efficient asset tracking
Asset tracking goes hand-in-hand with data management.
Tracking optimises the power of your data, but often in a supply chain or an asset system. Our product, STAMP Fuel™, for example, tracks fuel usage in mining or transport value chains. This allows companies to consolidate their fuel use and identify fraud and inaccurate reporting.
Alternatively, you can track your mining supply chain (such as with STAMP Supply™) and ensure that your supply chain is ethical, sustainable and productive. Comprehensive tracking of mining supply chains allows miners to have confidence in their corporate governance.
There are a multitude of things that mining companies can do to optimise their data efficiency. In the age of digitalization, it’s necessary for most mining companies to digitalize their processes, and this can be feasible for smaller companies too, through more subtle but efficient changes.
To find out more about how STAMP Supply™ , STAMP Fuel™ or even STAMP Stream™ can optimise your company processes, click here.