Mining must harness technology to “advance productivity, sustainability and safety,” PwC states. One critical technology in this equation is mobile computing, Michael Trafton* writes.
The mining technology ecosystem consists of computing, machinery, tools, wireless, IoT and more. Rugged mobile computing devices – laptops, tablets, and 2-in-1s – are essential to this mix. They connect miners, teams and data to central command centers. They are the lens with which miners can manage, control, update and repair machinery. They are tools to operate more productively and securely. And, unlike consumer-grade devices, they are engineered “rugged” to deliver optimum levels of heat, water, dust, dirt and drop resistance.
Whether an operator, technician, shift supervisor or a safety manager, mining professionals need a reliable computing companion to help overcome industry challenges in 2025 – and perform more productively.
Digitise monitoring, reporting and communication
Over the past few years, mining executives have pushed digital investments. These included connecting organisational functions, repositioning technology for growth and empowering the workforce. Digital investments were made to gather more information, make it easier to report and share information and speed up time to act on data. For example, boosting productivity and data gathering by running resource-intensive, CAD-based survey software applications. Engineers, geologists or planners are pushed information to give a direct view of data captured in the mine. That keeps people safter and allows mining operations to run smarter.
Core to this function are rugged mobile computing devices. They allow digital reporting from any location. They allow workers to view plans, drawings, or orders from any environment. They even provide a window for controlling and monitoring semi-autonomous or autonomous fleets, or drones, for example. The challenge is that computing demands – driven by the advancement of software and proliferation of data processing needs – are hard to meet. More data means more power requirements. To avoid breaking digital chains in the field, computing solutions must balance processing capabilities with reliability and longevity.
Optimise deployment, maintenance, and repair of vehicles and equipment
Vehicles are getting smarter. Machines are increasingly driven by chips. Diagnostic tools are as much software based as they are hardware. This makes the deployment, maintenance and repair of machinery in the field a harder proposition. It isn’t just a matter of reskilling or hiring new engineering talent. It’s making sure those individuals have the means to run diagnostics on site, view intricate blueprints and other software programs mid-repair, and, in some instances, run updates in real time. Unlike in an office or enclosed environment, mining sites aren’t conducive to running power outlets and cables and wires at the point of service. And it would be extremely costly and time-consuming to send every repair off-site or to a central dealer location.
The time and money savings of advancements to repair are unquestionable. Advancements in edge computing are helping remote workers and field service teams optimise deployment, maintenance and repair of vehicles. And, by keeping workers connected, managers have a holistic view into scheduling and resourcing in near real time. Time and productivity savings by optimising resource allocation and keeping machines and vehicles as close to mining sites as they can be, will prove an asset amid trying times.
Realise the value of AI and automation
It is hard to count the number of times a customer or prospect has asked about the value of AI and automation – and, ultimately, how it could help their mining operation. AI and automation are evolving, but making that promise a reality on the harsh, remote frontlines of mining isn’t easy.
Mining leaders are looking for AI to help speed up and augment data-intensive tasks and deliver quicker time to value on critical information. Programs running on rugged mobile computers track heavy machinery performance, measure yield and enable GPS-based mapping and surveying. Being able to process information on site and automatically flag or alert abnormalities in data will change the game for miners as the industry transforms.
For example, when machine performance, yield weight, or scheduled workflow falls outside a certain threshold, programs can automatically alert a supervisor or sound an alarm so people know where to direct attention. The same goes for measuring production cycle data against target plans, using predictive analytics to understand the likelihood of achieving goals and what assets need to be reallocated to make that work. Mining operations want to do more with data. Having the computing tools in the field can make that happen – saving time, money and protecting against costly downtime.
What you need from a partner
For businesses in the mining industry looking to digitise, the journey can be a tricky one. Balancing transformation while working around the clock to meet current demands is tough.
Mining leaders are asking: are our computing tools engineered to handle the rigor of frontline mining? What does service and support look like of these tools, from day one to years down the line? Are we positioning individuals and teams to make the most of data, both below and above ground?
In 2025, I expect to see organisations re-evaluate their computing fleet to maximise the impact of data to improve operations.
*Michael Trafton is Business Development Manager of Panasonic Connect North America