TECHNOLOGY

Automation primed for "explosive growth"

Demand for mining automation in the upcoming years will rise, according to research group

Staff reporter
Autonomous Komtasu trucks at a mine site

Autonomous Komtasu trucks at a mine site

A new research report has revealed that the demand for mining automation in the upcoming years will rise, especially underground, due to the 'coming trends' of autonomous systems, increased mine operations digitisation and the evolution of smart connected mines.

In the report compiled by Transparency Market Research, which used multiple research methods including interviews, surveys and analysts’ observations, the group noted that safety of mine workers is of paramount importance worldwide, including robotics technology. Increased productivity and decreased operational costs also play a role, according to the report.

One major restraint to the adoption of automation, however, is the large number of working population that, in some areas such as developing countries, is low-cost. To that note, it also outlined a lack of skilled workers to operate the automated equipment as an obstacle to adoption in the near future, and also cited the depletion of natural resources.

Transparency Market Research’s work took a global view, and also segmented its findings into workflow, type and region.

“In terms of technique, the mining automation market has been bifurcated into surface mining technique and underground mining technique,” it said. “The underground mining technique segment is expected to expand at a significant growth rate in the near future.”

Some major vendors mentioned by the research group: Atlas Copco, Caterpillar, Hexagon, Komatsu, Sandvik Group, Autonomous Solutions, Hitachi Construction Machinery, RPMGlobal, Trimble, Fluidmesh Networks, Mine Site Technologies, Symboticware and Schneider Electric, which it said all provide a product and services considered in its work including communications systems, software and ecosystem comprises system integrators, equipment, and distribution facility.

It defined automation to include driverless haulage trucks, on-board video systems, environmental monitoring systems for various applications to increase the efficiency of automation processes such as improved performance and reduced downtime, enhanced safety from hazardous work environment, and better cost effectiveness.

A sample of the group’s report can be viewed here.

Want to gain deeper insight and engage with leaders on topics like this? Join us at the Future of Mining conference in Sydney 14-15th May 2018. Click here to learn more

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

editions

ESG Mining Company Index: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The ESG Mining Company Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies. Using a robust framework, it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2024 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies, highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Digitalisation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations that use digitalisation technology to drive improvements across all areas of mining production