What are the different global approaches towards mining practices? What are challenges in mining maintenance?

Mining practices vary depending on the country and the level of local technology available. In many small, diverse regions of the world, artisanal mining is a significant business. In technologically advanced countries, mining is a large-scale corporate operation.

Background on Mining

Small-scale mining is a means of livelihood in about 80 countries around the world and occurs in a wide variety of geographic locations. Locations such as Asia, Central America, South America, Oceania, and sub-Saharan Africa are primary artisanal mining locations.

According to the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining Knowledge Sharing Archive, the number of artisanal mines may be more than 40 million, while other sources estimate that number is more than twice that high. This dwarfs the 7 million individuals working in industrial mines worldwide.

Roughly half of the small-scale miners are focused on gold extraction. Many other artisanal miners extract sapphire, diamond, and other precious gemstones.

Trends in Global Mining

Over the past 10 years, productivity has fallen in mining as companies place output as their highest priority.

The productivity drop can be seen in individual measures, such as a decrease in labor productivity by one-third over the last 12 years in South African gold mines, or in more global, comprehensive measures of labor, capital, and material.

Mining executives reported that most of the responses to productivity drops have been focused on cutting costs, which is really a short-term, stop-gap solution. Instead, the necessary response should be a more comprehensive end-to-end systemic solution. Technology, better data management, and empowering the mining workforce to discover and implement new solutions will be critical to the future of the industry.

Environmental Impacts

Mining activities can have significant environmental impacts including air pollution, water pollution, land damage, and loss of biodiversity in not only the local areas, but also throughout the world.

Air Pollution

When mineral deposits are extracted through mining, additional unrefined particles can be released into the air. Wind and traffic can stir dangerous elements such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic into the air, which can then be inhaled by the local population.

Water Pollution

The local water supply may also be contaminated through mining activity. Heavy metals, acids, and increased sediment can leach into streams and groundwater sources. These consequences can affect irrigation, water supply, fishing, swimming, and aquatic life negatively.

Land Damage

Through mining activity, open pits and rock byproducts can significantly change the local landscape. Besides soil erosion and disruption of plant growth, mining can cause sinkholes and other land instability. This can affect the future of mining in the area, as well as road and infrastructure projects.

Loss Of Biodiversity

Often, mining can have long-term catastrophic effects on the area’s biodiversity in ways that may not immediately be seen. Mining results in major habitat loss for everything from the tiniest microorganism through large mammals, as well as destroying a wide variety of plants and flora. In some cases, this can lead to the total extinction of certain living creatures.

The Future of Mining

The mining industry as a whole is at a critical point in its existence. In order to stay productive while minimizing detrimental effects on the environment, mining companies must take advantage of the many evolving digital technologies available. Here are some key areas that mining businesses must embrace moving forward:

Data Collection

Sensor technology has increased in power and dropped in price in recent years, making it a powerful tool for industries such as mining. By embedding a wide variety of sensors within the mining operation, you can collect critical data around the clock. This data is sent to a centralized system such as a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) where it can be compiled, analyzed and used to make smarter business decisions. Consider that one day’s worth of data collected in 2015 generated more information than all data collected through 2003.

Artificial Intelligence

Machines and computers continue to gain power in terms of learning based on existing data and conditions. As a result, more accurate predictions can be made about when detrimental things may occur. This allows mining companies to embrace predictive maintenance tasks, which result in fewer accidents and less environmental damage.

Sophisticated Tools

Technology allows the mining data to not only be analyzed, but to serve miners during their daily tasks. For example, smart goggles can walk miners through complex tasks and protective clothing may be embedded with sensors that can detect hazardous conditions before health impacts are created.

Robotics

Robotic technology can allow dangerous mining work to be completed by machines instead of by humans, minimizing the risk of loss of life or dangerous mining accidents. In addition, when you combine robotic technology with data collection and machine learning, tasks may be completed in a safer and more sustainable manner, as well.