TECHNOLOGY
“ We will have to create deeper mines in the future . We can ’ t send humans to these depths and automation will be the only option . To be automation-ready , mines will first have to get digitalisation right .”
DAVID SJÖDIN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION ,
THE LULEÅ UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY IN SWEDEN were working in underground coal mines for mining , drilling and patrolling at the end of 2020 , according to the National Mine Association .
The Syama underground gold mine in Mali became the world ’ s first fully autonomous mine operation . Designed in partnership with Swedish engineering company Sandvik , the mine operates with fully automated trucks , loaders and drills . The fully autonomous operation means that the mine can operate 24 hours a day , with all operations overseen from a remote operation centre .
Drones and surveillance Mining by its nature has a negative impact on the environment . Whilst this is an unavoidable reality , mining companies can considerably reduce this impact by tracking how resources are extracted and disposed of . For example , automated drones can be used to monitor excavation and extraction projects , keeping detailed accounts on the spread of waste products and harmful materials . By introducing an element of accountability , mining companies will become more mindful of their activities and assess and minimize subsequent knock-on effects .
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