Modern Mining May 2020

AUTOMATION

COVID-19 – A compelling case for automation in deep-level mining?

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mining sector has been significant. In fact, deep-level mines are pretty much on a cliff with the continued restrictions on opera- tions. At the time of writing, deep-level mines, due to their labour-intensive nature, were still compelled to operate at 50% capacity. Munesu Shoko speaks to Kumeshan Naidu, regional automation centre manager at Epiroc South Africa, on whether the COVID-19 setback reinforces the business case for automation in deep-level mining.

S ince mid-March, the response of gov- ernments worldwide to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to severe disrup- tion of mining activities across several countries. A total of 32 countries, accord- ing to GlobalData, have passed partial or complete lockdown orders, leading to the temporary suspension of activities at over 1 600 mines worldwide, as of 3 April. However, as lockdowns have ended and mines are increasingly being con- sidered as an essential service, this number has fallen to 729 – as of 27 April. The exempted mines are, however, operating with reduced numbers of workers to minimise the poten- tial spread of the virus, which is causing a slow return for the industry. The effect on deep-level mines is probably most significant. Following the implementation of Alert Level 4 of the national lockdown in South Africa from May 1, mines were allowed to scale up operations to 100% for surface operations and only 50% for deep- level mines. To facilitate social distancing needed

to safeguard the health and safety of thousands of mine workers at deep-level mines, the operations are allowed to operate with half their workforces. The loss in productivity is staggering. Throughout May 2020, these operations have been stuck at 50% capacity, putting all forecast figures for the year, and even beyond, in jeopardy. To make mat- ters worse, South African gold mines, for example, already have some of the world’s highest production costs, averaging about US$1 000 an ounce at the moment, according to available industry data. By their very nature, deep-level mines are labour- intensive and due to the reduced numbers of workers required at mines to minimise the potential spread of the coronavirus, it may spell a very difficult time for these operations. Can autonomous tech- nologies be the answer to deep-level mines’ woes moving forward? The complexities surrounding deep-level mining, says Naidu, are far reaching and as such the drive for implementing automated systems and certain digital initiatives are often met with questions around prac- ticality, costs and ultimately the value that could be

Kumeshan Naidu, regional automation centre manager at Epiroc South Africa.

Featuring advanced automation technology, Epiroc’s Cabletec SL eliminates the need for perilous and time consuming hand-held drilling and manual installation of mechanical anchors by performing these processes remotely.

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36  MODERN MINING  May 2020