Capital Equipment News January-February 2024

COMMENT

UNLEASHING MINING’S DIGITAL FRONTIER

M ining Indaba takes centre stage as the new year un folds, shaping expectations for the industry’s direction in 2024. Mining is not just an industry; it’s a compass pointing to South Africa’s capital investments, influencing mining equipment, technology, and job creation. In this edition of Capital Equipment News , we delve into the pivotal role of mining equipment in sustaining the heartbeat of mines. This month’s focus on mining aligns with our commitment to spotlight transport, construction, and mining in a rotating cycle throughout the year. With this rotation, Capital Equipment News aims to mirror the diversity of equipment shaping various industry sectors, offering hyper-focused content. This issue explores the nuts and bolts of mining and delves into preventative maintenance and emerging technologies. The narrative extends to automation, a beacon guiding the industry’s future. A friend recently highlighted to me Australia’s rapid adoption of automation, driven by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, the transformative power of automation comes with challenges, particularly the shortage of skilled workers. McKinsey projects a significant global shift by 2030, with 100 million workers transitioning to tech-proficient roles. Mining faces the additional hurdle of attracting young talent due to ESG concerns. Consequently, as automation improves production rates within mines, mining companies must address the skills shortage by investing in upskilling their existing workforce and enhancing the industry’s image to attract new talent. In response, mining companies worldwide must invest in upskilling their workforce and reshaping the industry’s image to attract fresh talent. My friend then shed light on the global and local landscapes, emphasising the need for proactive measures to address the looming skills gap. He transitions to South Africa, where the mining industry mirrors Australia’s strides in embracing automation. Driverless trucks, remote-controlled rigs, and innovative tools redefine mining operations. Significant players are at the forefront, testing cutting-edge machinery for increased efficiency and safety. In South Africa, major players in the copper, coal, diamond, and platinum extraction sectors are testing a variety of automated machines and software systems designed to improve mine efficiency and safety. Driverless mining in South Africa is no longer a pipedream. For more than a decade, a fleet of fully automated, remote-controlled trucks has been operating at the Finsch Diamond Mine in the Northern Cape. Along with automated vehicles, mining giants like Anglo American and De Beers are already testing a wide range of mechanised tools, systems, and equipment at their South

African operations, such as: • Continuous Rapid Mine Development Systems (RMDS) that enable maximised ore extraction, • Remote-controlled rigs capable of three times the output of conventional drill and blast methods, • Continuous Haulage Systems that connect RMDS to fixed ore conveyors, • Slot borers are purpose-designed to drill narrow vein hard rock ore. As the industry evolves, so must its workforce. A solution emerges through the Engineering Institute of Technology’s School of Industrial Automation. This educational hub equips individuals with the skills vital for navigating the complexities of mining technology, ensuring they play a crucial role in the automated future. Skills imparted, such as PLCs and SCADA systems expertise, address the intricate and hazardous processes within mining. The application of industrial automation emerges as a critical driver in optimising operations, enhancing safety, and promoting efficiency. The article concludes by emphasising the role of mechatronics and robotics in developing and maintaining automated mining equipment. In essence, the School of Industrial Automation at EIT serves as a gateway to addressing the unique challenges within the mining industry. Its programmes, tailored to the sector’s demands, contribute to sustainable and efficient mining practices. For those looking to explore these opportunities, EIT’s South Africa office provides a starting point for various online study options. The future of mining lies at our fingertips, shaped by the skills and expertise developed in institutions like the EIT School of Industrial Automation.

Adriaan Roets - EDITOR

capnews@crown.co.za

@CapEquipNews

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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JAN - FEB 2024