Modern Mining October 2022

use of technology,” says Mackay. The reasons for adopting technology have also evolved. Mining houses previously relied on technology primarily for cost leadership efficiency and profitability. However, over the past few years there has been a move to adopting digital to drive sustainability and ensure that issues related to the environment, social governance and stakeholders, are at the top of the agenda. This change in attitude is underpinned by the global ESG drive, which focuses on stakeholder capi tal and ensures that employees and the communities are involved in key decisions, such as capital outlay for aspects including the sinking of new shafts. Underground mining South Africa, which is built on mining, sees the coun try being home to some of the world’s deepest gold mines with some shafts extending as much as 4 km in depth. Given this depth of mines, adopting extensive digital outlay is not a feasible option for under ground operations with tunnel networks extending over 180 km. However, miners are finding innovative ways to implement technology in underground operations, including relying on ruggedized devices that syn chronise when miners return to surface instead of traditional methods of capturing information in note books, for example. Furthermore, an increasing number of miners are

required and saved the company 40% per annum in chemical input – this has delivered massive savings for the entity,” explains Mackay. Furthermore, digital transformation allows miners to synthesis large volumes of data turned into action able information. From a planning point of view, digital adoption aids in removing the cumbersome requirement of determining which products need to be ordered in which quantities, taking into account long lead times by auto-suggesting based on what materials have been consumed to date and ordering based on future projected use as aligned to new project requirements, among others. “The biggest advantage right now for mines adopting digital is that it helps miners survive the current challenging circumstances by allowing them to better predict aspects such as their bill of materi als, and by taking proactive steps to connect with the necessary suppliers around the world, to determine if they have stock on hand. Digital transformation has been instrumental in allowing for transparency and product tracking while en-route.” Companies that promote a culture of innovation and have a willingness to test new programmes have unlocked significant savings. “These days miners are much more receptive to new ideas and have faith that young people are more au fait with the latest technology. Young graduates have become a source of inspiration as they are able to unlock vital solutions through the

It is not feasible to digitise entire underground operations.

October 2022  MODERN MINING  27