If one had to define digitalisation, phrases like ‘improved business operations’ and ‘leveraging digitised data’ regularly pop up, with good reason. Digitalisation offers immense and proven benefits such as streamlining operations, reducing error and accelerating workflows. Digitalisation’s benefits include almost all industries on earth, including the mining, minerals and metals sector. Mining operators today leverage digital technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability and very importantly, safety.
In the eastern and southern African regions, the time is now to start digitalising, particularly in light of tremendous growth in the gold, copper and uranium sectors, in countries such as Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia and Ethiopia. Indeed, to remain competitive, mining companies must embrace digital transformation or risk being left behind.
Mining safety
Whilst the adoption of new technology is often met with scepticism, the role it plays in safety is undeniable. Today, mining companies can use AI, machine learning and automation to improve operational safety and reduce environmental risks. Ultimately, the safety of miners remains paramount. Autonomous equipment and remote monitoring systems help minimise human exposure to hazardous conditions while also ensuring compliance with stringent environmental regulations.
In fact, according to the Global Mining Guidelines Group’s whitepaper on system safety for autonomous mining, the implementation of autonomous systems has contributed to a decrease in fatalities in the mining industry. The precise statistics vary according to region and company, but the trend is clear; automation is making mining environments safer.
Operational excellence
Digitalisation in mining is not just about modernisation – it’s about survival and sustainability. Mining sites in Africa are often remote, making real-time monitoring and automation crucial. By integrating digital solutions, companies can achieve enhanced operational visibility, allowing corporate headquarters, often located hundreds of kilometres away, to oversee site performance remotely.
Another important advantage is predictive maintenance, which enhances asset reliability and reduces unexpected equipment failures. This again is a major plus for mines located in remote areas. Innovative solutions such as Prisma Flow, which uses fibre optics to detect leakages, cable breakages and movements in restricted areas, also provide additional layers of safety and security for mining operations. Additionally, technologies like scada and advanced analytics allow mining operators to monitor machine health, predict failures and schedule maintenance proactively.
Sustainability and renewable energy integration
Green mining remains a major non-negotiable aspect of today’s operations. Digitalisation facilitates energy management and optimisation, helping companies reduce their carbon footprint. Schneider Electric’s Power Monitoring Expert (PME) and microgrid solutions enable mining companies to integrate multiple energy sources efficiently, optimising renewable energy usage to reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels. These technologies ensure stable power supply while promoting environmental responsibility.
Through its digital mining solutions, Schneider Electric is assisting clients in streamlining their digital journeys. The EcoStruxure Automation Expert, an open-source IoT architecture, enhances interoperability and allows seamless communication between different suppliers’ technologies. Additionally, AVEVA Data Hub, a cloud-native, aggregate platform, enables real-time data collection and analytics, offering predictive maintenance solutions that reduce downtime and operational costs.
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