Mining Magazine May 2015 | Page 9

Anglo American : Digging Smarter , Not Harder
Next generation mining The face of mining is changing . Rising costs and declining commodity prices have caused the laborintensive industry of old to curate newer and more efficient ways of doing business . The goal remains the same for Anglo American , but the process of obtaining it is different .
Representing an initial investment of $ 30 million a year , FutureSmart™ is the center of the operational and financial turnaround . The holistic method strives for a more sustainable approach to mining for Anglo American economically , socially and environmentally . The initiative also aims to improve the mining industry ’ s “ big picture ” by delivering better value , encouraging innovation and rebuilding the sector ’ s public image .
“ FutureSmart™ represents a shift in the way we approach mining at Anglo American , and is represented in many different projects across the breadth of the business ,” said Waller .
“ At the moment , more than 50 FutureSmart™ initiatives are under way to find safer , more efficient , environmentally-friendly and , ultimately , more sustainable ways to mine . Some of the innovations will be on a small scale , while others will be more “ disruptive ,” creating a step-change , worth more than new projects .”
Cutting-edge technology Anglo American wants to push the boundaries of what typical mining operations can achieve . Through key partnerships , innovative technology and new ways of utilizing information , FutureSmart™ seeks to increase mining efficiency while
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