This article was written by Glen Stewart
Introduction
Mining has always relied on human intuition and brute force to extract Earth’s valuable resources. Now however, a revolution is underway, which is driven by the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). By using the potential of data and intelligent algorithms, AI is optimizing resource extraction across the mining industry, bringing significant economic and environmental benefits.
Exploration
AI assists in exploration and targeting mineral sources. Geological analysis, powered by machine learning, pinpoints areas of minerals with greater accuracy than ever before. Drones equipped with AI-driven sensors map the terrain and locate possible sites, thus helping with exploration costs and environmental impact.
Extraction of Minerals
Using AI streamlines the extraction process. AI algorithms can assist in optimising blasting patterns, reducing waste, and improving resource recovery. Predictive maintenance, fuelled by AI analysis of sensor data, can anticipate equipment failures before they occur. This can prevent costly downtime and ensuring operational continuity.
Safety & Sustainability
AI can also help with real-time monitoring systems powered by AI. This can help to detect hazardous conditions like ground instability and gas leaks. This in turn can alert miners of potential dangers and enabling proactive measures, through wearable devices. All of this not only safeguards lives but also protects the environment from accidents and pollution.
Productivity
AI can help to minimise waste and promote more effective resource utilisation. Smart AI algorithms can use data from processing plants to optimize mineral separation and identify opportunities for recycling or repurposing byproducts. This can increase profitability and also reduce the environmental footprint of mining operations.
Machinery use
Using ‘edge computing’ where data is pulled from different moving and stationery plant, the information can be consolidated and joined with other information to assist in tasks such as planned maintenance of equipment. This can have the result of increasing performance and preventing accidents and outages.
There are numerous areas of use for AI in the mining industry and over the next few years we shall do doubt see an increasing use of the technology.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is now being used in a number of fields, and the mining industry is no exception. It is particularly useful in areas such as mining exploration, helping to obtain more accurate, high-quality data. With the use of AI, several segments of the mining production chain have seen enormous improvements in recent decades. However, the future of employees in the mining sector will certainly take a hit, especially for those who are unwilling to update their skills.
