Many industries are now changing as a result of new technology. As new solutions come along, they make various processes quicker, easier and more cost-effective. Mining is one industry where technological innovations are having an impact, though perhaps it is adapting slower than other industries in some areas. Here is a look at how it is innovating, along with ways it can catch up with other industries.
3D Printing
This is something that could be the next revolution in many industries, and mining is almost certain to be affected. But mining will have to catch up with industries like the aerospace industry, which is already using 3D printing.
In the mining industry, this technology will likely be used to design and print custom parts when needed, which can speed up operations and lead to fewer delays.
Greater Use of Sensors
The Internet of Things (IoT) is growing all the time, and more and more companies are using it. But how could this affect the mining industry? It is widely suspected that equipment in the mining industry will soon start to incorporate sensors that gather data as they operate.
These will allow machines to connect to other machines and share information across the operation, improving efficiency and highlighting problems early on. This will improve quality control and productivity, making it a big area of development in the future.
This is something that has not yet caught on because the technology is not quite there. But you can expect it to have a big impact on the mining industry in the near future.
When this becomes common, it will be easy for companies to take advantage of machining equipment hire that comes with such sensors included. Hiring equipment has the advantage that you always get the best equipment and support, so sensors are likely to be incorporated into such equipment once they become commonplace.
Move into the Cloud
The cloud has had a big impact on other industries, and it has completely changed the way that some companies operate. It has yet to have a big impact on mining, but this will change in the near future as the cloud makes more of an impact.
More Automation
Automated equipment can be controlled remotely, and this can have huge safety benefits in the mining industry. Blasting is a dangerous task, and automated equipment can help to keep personnel away from dangerous areas so that they are not at so much risk, and this is likely to catch on more in the near future.
Self-Driving Vehicles
Mining is not playing catch-up here because few industries have been revolutionised by self-driving vehicles – yet. The technology is not quite there, but when it is, you can expect this to have a huge impact on the industry.
Companies like Google and Uber are making this a reality. It will change how people get around, but also industries like mining that use a lot of vehicles. This will have benefits for safety, efficiency and costs.
Mining Is an Industry on the Brink of Change
There are many ways that technology will improve the mining industry, leading to greater productivity, reduced costs and increased safety. In some respects, it is playing catch-up to other industries that are already benefiting from advances like 3D printing. But it is surely only a matter of time before these become common in the mining industry, bringing with them many benefits.
Owen Vaughan works as a risk and security manager in the mining field. He enjoys keeping up with technology and seeing how times have changed in keeping miners safe, writing industry related articles in his spare time.
