Modern Quarrying Q1 2023

Maureen Phiri, Sales Manager at Oxyon People Solutions

with the industry stakeholders, can be an invaluable asset. They will help to ensure that the appropri ate skills are in place, that skills development is aligned with need and demand, and that they work with mines to source and place the right talent. An experienced TES partner can also connect min ing companies with facilities and training partners, with the special ists and skills required, to develop and adapt the skillsets, courses, training, and upskilling that are required for the movement into digitalisation. Adapt or be left behind Both employers and employees need to understand that tech nological innovation is neces sary and can deliver enormous benefits. The change is already upon us, and if mines stay in the past and do not adapt, they will be left behind as its competitors embrace digitalisation. Moving with the 4IR is also key in main taining the trust of investors, which is critical for sustainabil ity and continued operations. The reality is that we cannot go backwards, and all mines need to start somewhere. The right TES provider can help, partnering with mining organisations to reach their goals, upskill and develop people, and enable them to move with the digital revolution. l

typically located in rural areas, or at least outside of main cen tres, the infrastructure is simply not available to support the use of next-generation technology. Upgrading this can be costly and time-consuming, but necessary if digitalisation is to take place. In addition, areas may be difficult to access, which makes security and mobility an issue. Aside from these potential problems, the introduction of automation could lead to the loss of jobs for people whose skill sets are being replaced. Workers need to be trained and upskilled and given the tools and capabilities to adapt to meet the changing environment. Tertiary education facilities need to realign with new skills and new demand, and mines need to ensure that their training is brought up to speed. The already existing skills gap in the industry will only continue to widen if this is not adequately addressed. Partnering with the right TES provider Moving into the 4IR and working alongside digitalisation, AI, ML, robotics and automation is a cycle of continuous learning, adaptation and skills development to ensure employees are not left behind. The right TES partner, one that understands the changes and challenges, and one that can work

Long-term benefits Autonomous mining equipment that operates remotely can not only improve worker safety but also has a host of other long-term benefits as well. Cost savings can be realised due to improved efficiency, and productivity can be reached faster because robots can work 24 hours a day – they do not require breaks or sleep, only periodic preventative maintenance. This increases output and prof itability, improving stakeholder relations. It also allows workers to transition from hazardous roles to the task of monitoring the automated processes and operating machinery at a distance using VR, which can also be used for simulation training to enhance skills development. However, there are numerous challenges when it comes to making the move to automation, robotics and AI. Overcoming the hurdles One of the most significant challenges for mines is that of infrastructure. Because mines are

37

MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 1 | 2023