Tag Archives: International Mining and Resources Conference

Haultrax to emphasise effective change management strategies at IMARC 2023

IoT, Mining events, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , ,

Haultrax, a mining consulting company and a software provider of fleet management systems (FMS) and mining productivity technologies, is set to highlight the potential of effective change management, emphasising how proper implementation of technology can lead to remarkable advancements in mining operations, at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) 2023, in Sydney, Australia.

By highlighting the significance of aligning people, processes and technology, Haultrax says it aims to emphasise the crucial role played by each element in achieving optimal outcomes.

Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to delve into the common pitfalls that lead to technology project failures and the key strategies to mitigate them and embark on successful digital transformation journeys, the company says.

“At Haultrax, we understand the mining business, operations, its people and processes to implement technology for the end user and make sure it’s delivering value for that company,” Shyamal Sharma, Managing Director at Haultrax (pictured), said. “We bring specialisation at a strategic level but also dirt-underneath-the-fingernails experience to ensure our solutions will work for our clients. All our solutions or proposals on how to implement technology work because of that understanding.

“Our participation at IMARC 2023 provides us with an exceptional platform to showcase how digital solutions and mining technology can be integrated into a business and implemented with the people at the frontline.”

Haultrax says it is committed to leveraging technology and innovation to make the lives of individuals easier, safer and more productive, and its participation at IMARC 2023 reflects its dedication to supporting mining companies’ decision making and business outcomes.

“We look forward to engaging with industry peers, customers and stakeholders at IMARC 2023 and sharing our vision for the future of mining,” Sharma added. “Our team is excited to explore collaborative opportunities and demonstrate how Haultrax’s solutions can drive positive change within the mining ecosystem.”

International Mining is a media sponsor of IMARC 2023, taking place on October 31-November 2, in Sydney, Australia

How artificial intelligence is revolutionising the mining industry

Automation, IoT, Mineral exploration, Mining events, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , ,

The mining industry has always been at the forefront of technological progress. From the steam engine enabling coal mining to be profitable, to advanced drilling techniques, innovation has played a pivotal role in improving productivity and efficiency, the organisers of IMARC 2023 say.

In recent years, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a gamechanger for mining, allowing for more efficient exploration, taking automation to new levels, generating greater yields, dramatically improving safety, and maximising extraction, maintenance and operational performance.

Improving mine site efficiency

AI-powered systems are being rolled out across mining operations to enhance resource estimation accuracy. By examining geological data patterns and incorporating historical mining data, AI algorithms can provide more precise estimates of mineral reserves. This helps mining companies make informed decisions regarding investment, production planning and resource allocation, ultimately maximising the economic potential of mining projects.

Mark O’Brien, General Manager for Digital Technology & Innovation at CITIC Pacific Mining, notes that AI is already having a sizeable impact within the mining industry.

“In South Australia, mining companies already have access to a massive library of core samples, which are literally centuries of data,” he said. “Using AI-enabled algorithms, we’re now finding resources that were originally missed. The process is relatively similar to the advancement in DNA technology that has allowed criminologists to review and solve old cases.”

Farzi Yusufali, co-Founder of Stratum AI, a company which provides bespoke, AI-driven solutions to help mine sites increase their yields with lower risk, says: “One of our clients noted that their yield predictions in terms of what was pulled out would swing 30% each way on quarter-on-quarter. If you are processing millions of tonnes of copper, that’s a problem. Now with the application of our AI system we found there has been 58% accuracy increase in predictions quarter-on-quarter for the last couple of years.”

AI also offers immense potential in streamlining mining operations and optimising asset management. Through the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors, real-time data collection becomes feasible, enabling mining companies to monitor equipment performance, evaluate operational metrics and identify potential bottlenecks. AI algorithms can then process this data, generating valuable insights and predictive models that enhance decision making and prevent unplanned downtime.

Furthermore, AI-powered automation systems can significantly improve efficiency and safety in mining operations. Autonomous vehicles and machinery equipped with AI algorithms can navigate complex terrains, optimise routes and execute tasks with precision. This minimises human error, reduces the risk of accidents and enhances worker safety. Additionally, AI-driven predictive maintenance systems can monitor equipment health, detect anomalies and schedule maintenance activities proactively, maximising uptime and extending the lifespan of mining assets.

AI technology also holds promise in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability in the mining industry. For instance, AI algorithms can optimise the mine planning process, considering environmental factors such as land reclamation and habitat preservation.

Alex de Jager, the Managing Director of Conundrum Australia, says: “Our technologies focus specifically on creating efficiencies in operations and production, the absolute benefit of all that is not only in the profitability, but it’s in making the mines greener. If you’ve been able to extract more material from what you have mined, you can dramatically lower your electricity and water usage thanks to AI systems.”

de Jager says sensors and remote sensing technologies, combined with AI algorithms, enable continuous monitoring of air and water quality, allowing rapid identification and response to any environmental disturbances. Such monitoring systems help ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainable resource extraction practices.

Bridging the skills gap

Gavin Lind, CEO of the Australian Minerals & Energy Skills Alliance (AUSMESA), says the rapid advancement of AI presents unparalleled opportunities for the nation’s industries, including mining. For example, he says AI presents opportunities to transform how the most basic tasks are undertaken to make them quicker, safer and more efficient.

“The core function of a mechanic, which is to fix and repair a vehicle, does not change with the adoption of AI,” he said. “With AI, however, a mechanic may not be needed in a garage on a mine site, but can be stationed at a remote operations centre thousands of kilometres away.”

Encouragingly, the mining industry in Australia has already taken some steps to develop digital skills and Lind says AI is also helping address one of the industry’s biggest challenges: attracting the workforce needed to meet global demand. He says mining is at a disadvantage compared with typical city-based employers, as potential recruits can’t just go down to their local mine to see what it’s like firsthand.

He said: “In countries where mining operations are remote, AI can allow us to tell that story from capital cities with the assistance of virtual reality to attract a new generation of workers to the industry.”

Is excessive risk aversion stalling progress?

There is no doubt the industry is inherently hazardous, and risk management is a priority to safeguard both people and the environment.

However, de Jager believes being excessively risk-averse can hinder progress and impede opportunities for growth. In this context, he says, countries with more progressive attitudes towards embracing innovation have surged ahead in AI adoption, gaining a competitive edge in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Conundrum Australia creates machine-learning software for the digital transformation of the metals and mining industry and de Jager believes Australia’s reputation for rigorous regulation means it can be a big challenge for a new innovator coming into the Australian market. Conundrum will be presenting at the 2023 International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney later this year.

de Jager says: “The upside to this risk averseness is that no matter what industry you point to in Australia, the laws that govern that industry are incredibly tight and well thought out, well designed and well developed. Australia is a very innovative country, but it is also incredibly risk averse, and this can be a hurdle to market.”

He believes that by maintaining a low threshold to risk, Australia risks falling behind in the global race towards AI-driven mining solutions. Without embracing new technologies, mining companies in the country may face challenges in accurately estimating resources, optimising extraction processes and mitigating environmental impacts. Moreover, they may fail to capitalise on AI’s potential to create safer and more sustainable mining practices.

Trends in AI

When it comes to trends in AI, one of the most significant applications in mining lies in exploration and resource estimation. Traditional exploration methods can be time-consuming and costly, often yielding limited results. However, as Yusufali says, AI-driven technologies such as machine-learning algorithms and data analytics have transformed the exploration process.

She says there is a range of tools now available to analyse vast volumes of geological data, including historical drilling records, satellite imagery and sensor data, to identify promising areas for mineral deposits.

“With AI, geologists can optimise their decision-making by rapidly identifying potential mining sites, reducing the risk of exploratory failures, and saving valuable time and resources,” she says.

“AI in the exploration process can help mining companies find minerals and resources faster and more efficiently, by identifying patterns and anomalies in the data that might otherwise be missed by human geologists.”

International Mining is a media sponsor of IMARC 2023

Ampcontrol highlights latest DC Electrical Vehicle Charger at IMARC

Environmental, Mining events, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , ,

Ampcontrol used the backdrop of this week’s International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney, New South Wales, to showcase its electrification solutions, including the launch of a mine specification DC Electric Vehicle Charger.

Recognising there is a growing demand for low emissions technology, Ampcontrol says it is collaborating with industry leaders to develop and deliver innovative solutions to mining customers that support a net-zero carbon environment.

The various DC chargers and DRIFTEX, Ampcontrol’s mine site personnel carrier Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), are evidence of the company’s future and vision for the industry, it says. These solutions work together to support emission reductions and increase personnel safety by removing diesel particulate matter and reducing noise underground.

With a focus on decarbonisation and enabling net zero emissions, Ampcontrol recently joined the Electric Mine Consortium (EMC), established to drive real-world solutions of decarbonisation in the mining industry.

On top of this charger, Ampcontrol’s off-grid and stand-alone power systems (SPS) provide a self-sufficient, continuous and reliable power supply to isolated consumption sources, using an array of technology including solar PV panels, inverters and battery storage, the company explained.

Taking the next step with its SPS technology, Ampcontrol is adapting the award-winning Solar Qube SPS into a Green Hydrogen SPS system, a first of its kind in Australia.

These electrification and energy solutions, along with H3RO Ampcontrol’s harsh environment reticulated optics solution, developed in collaboration with HUBER+SUHNER, were showcased by Ampcontrol at IMARC.

BHP pursuing ‘radical transparency and systematic collaboration’ policy, Agar says

Mining events, Mining industry recognition, , , ,

James Agar, BHP’s Group Procurement Officer, has called for systematic collaboration and radical transparency within the mining sector when he addressed the main session at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), in Australia, this morning.

Agar said the industry needs to reflect on the experience of COVID-19 and use it to strengthen the industry’s resilience from supply chain constraints.

“As a result of COVID, global demand vanished almost overnight,” he said. “What we learnt is that we can’t do it alone, we need to work collaborative and we need to be more transparent with our partners.”

Despite coming out the other side after the worst of COVID lockdowns, the global economic outlook has not improved, Agar mentioned.

“Labour markets are tight globally, with no sign of easing soon,” he said. “The energy crisis in Europe is profound and will continue to drive volatility in energy markets.”

As a result, BHP is pursuing a policy of “radical transparency and systematic collaboration” to ease pressures facing Australia’s largest miner.

Agar explained that this means building relationships with all stakeholders that support BHP’s operations, no matter the size of the partner.

“At BHP, we know we haven’t always been perfect in this regard,” he said.

International Mining is a media sponsor of IMARC, which runs from November 2-4 in Sydney, Australia

IMARC welcomes IWIMRA as First Nations partner

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In what it says is an Australian first, the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) has welcomed the Indigenous Women in Mining and Resources Australia (IWIMRA) as its First Nations Partner.

The partnership will foster stronger connections between First Nations communities and the minerals and resources sector, as well as continue to raise the profile of First Nations people working in the industry globally, IMARC says.

IMARC, which is due to take place in Melbourne, both in-person and online from October 25-27, is partnering with IWIMRA to promote the importance of inclusiveness of First Nation women and men in the industry and the IMARC program, it said.

IWIMRA was founded in 2017 to create a stronger connection amongst Indigenous women in Australia’s mining and resource sector. Through lived experiences, and the narrative of Indigenous intersectionality, it is its priority to ensure the visibility, voice, and quality participation across the spectrum of the mining and minerals sector, the IWIMRA says.

IMARC takes place on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nations. IMARC says it wishes to acknowledge them as the traditional owners of the lands and waterways and pay their respects to their elders, past and present, and emerging.

As the first resources event in Australia to have a First Nations Partner, IMARC Managing Director, Anita Richards, said that IMARC is committed to improving Indigenous presence at the event and across broader industry.

“This partnership enhances our commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across all areas of the mining and resources industry as part of our Balance for Better Program where diversity and inclusion are a key focus of the conference and associated events,” Richards said.

She said that IMARC will also highlight the impact and achievements of women in mining while reflecting the strides being made industry-wide to be more gender balanced and showcase the industry-wide benefits of diversity and inclusion.

In practical terms, the partnership between IMARC and IWIMRA will see additional Indigenous speakers and dedicated sessions across the conference program, additional Indigenous women delegates in attendance at the event as well as including an “exciting welcome” to country at the start of the conference, IMARC said.

“This is just the first of what we see as many opportunities to partner with IWIMRA as our values and objectives are very much aligned,” Richards said.

IWIMRA Co-Founder and CEO, Florence Drummond (pictured), said that the partnership with IMARC is a great fit, as IWIMRA aspires to lead with clarity and purpose and to work with industry to build solutions-driven, cross-culture influential relationships that will continue to contribute towards our sustainable future.

“We are so excited to be formalising this partnership with IMARC and it’s only now that we are starting to recognise how truly impactful it will be,” Drummond said. “There are the obvious benefits of participating at IMARC, such as IWIMRA having a physical presence with an exhibition booth, hosting panel sessions and speaking as part of the conference, however there is so much more to be gained beyond the transaction.

“This partnership, which has been progressing over the past three years, is truly transformational for IWIMRA. It means that we have action and commitment from a major global resources conference and that we have recognition, reconciliation and a real seat at the table.”

IWIMRA will be bringing 30 women from mining operations across Australia to IMARC to provide them with the kind of global mining exposure that will enable them to return to their own sites and continue to influence meaningful changes.

“From our history of compounded disadvantage and continued systemic challenges, it is understandable that many of our people are fatigued and frustrated at yet another mechanism for change,” Drummond said. “However, we have worked hard to agree on what shared value is in this context and to deliver this significant opportunity for all stakeholders. Based on trust, we plan for our 30 delegates to be a part of the conversation and to ask the hard questions so that they can be the spark or the catalyst for change back in their home communities. It is our priority to ensure this is a safe space for this.”

Drummond will further discuss this First Nations Partnership on Day 2 of IMARC, as part of the plenary conference program, before later interviewing the Development Partner Institute’s Executive Director, Wendy Tyrrell, about Indigenous engagement and how the industry can better attune with indigenous participation across the supply chain.

The day will conclude with an all IWIMRA line up within the METS Arena for a panel discussion on ‘The intersectionality of Indigenous women in the mining and resources sector, further explore our perspective of where we fit in a decarbonising industry’ before the AusIMM Diversity & Inclusion Networking Reception, where all 30 women will be in attendance to meet with attendees at the event.

International Mining is a media partner of IMARC

Miners still need social licence for their autonomous vehicles, Wilson says

Automation, Environmental, Mining events, Mining services, Sustainable mining, , , , , ,

Mining companies embracing automation and technological innovation must be also be aware of the possible implications for their social licence to operate, according to a social performance specialist.

Dr Ceit Wilson, who has more than eight years of professional experience in addressing the social and development challenges of the extractive resources industry, says there are risks around the future of technology and employment, especially from a social perspective.

Dr Wilson will address the issue in a presentation at this year’s International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Melbourne in October – Australia’s largest mining event.

Issues around social licence to operate and sustainable mining principles will be a key focus for the three-day conference with a dedicated workshop and two conference sessions covering the topic.

Environmental health and safety, social licence, sustainability, staff retention and skills development are also among the topics set to be discussed in the free to attend Collaboration Theatre, one of five concurrent conferences at IMARC.

“I intend to use my presentation at IMARC to bring attention to the fact that the while the mining industry is positively benefiting from automation and technology innovation, we need to address the question of how technological change will impact the host communities in which they operate,” Dr Wilson said.

“This is somewhat of a paradox given that gaining and maintaining a ‘social licence to operate’ is one of the key challenges currently facing the sector.

“We know it is no longer enough for mining companies to simply meet the formal obligations of an ‘environmental licence’ to extract resources.

“They are increasingly expected to behave responsibly and make a positive contribution to the communities in which they operate.

“One of the main ways mining companies seek to deliver this social value to regional communities is through the provision of local employment and business development opportunities.

“The concern is that automation technology may disrupt this positive trend. We are already seeing major mine operations in Western Australia and Queensland replacing human operators with autonomous trucks and robotics, and shifting control centres to the capital cities, miles away from where actual mining takes place.

“And yet industry has been silent on the potential risks that these future technologies may pose for communities and broader stakeholders.

“Disregarding these risks may leave companies ill equipped to respond to social impacts when they occur, with potential consequences for their relationship and trust with communities.

“Any company that is genuinely committed to protecting their social licence to operate will need to carefully consider and reassess how their projects will continue to deliver social value to the regional communities in which they operate if, as a result of automation, local employment and procurement opportunities are no longer as readily available.

“Maintaining a social licence will require balance and attention to alternative ways in which social value can be delivered.

“This may include a consideration of alternative livelihood or benefit sharing models, or a greater focus on the transfer and sharing of industry’s knowledge of technology through training and education programs.”

IMARC will be held from October 29-31 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

International Mining is a media sponsor of IMARC

Clean and future energy strategies on the IMARC agenda

Mining events, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , ,

Industry experts will discuss how they are managing energy changes and gaining insights on Australia’s critical mineral supply as a part of this year’s International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), in Melbourne, Australia, later this month.

Clean and future energy strategies and Australia’s critical minerals supply are key topics for IMARC’s 2019 conference, providing attendees with the opportunity to learn from industry leaders.

As rising energy costs and changing perspectives on sustainability and the environment impact on global mining operations continue to have an effect, particularly those within Australia, discussions on the future of clean energy are essential for all industry professionals, IMARC organisers say.

There has been support from mining, METS, government and industry associations collaborating on ways to manage and overcome issues surrounding Australia’s energy mix.

New partnerships are being developed that focus on clean and alternative energy solutions, coupled with strong government backing for exploration, growth and investment in areas such as renewables and the energy mix.

At this year’s conference, attendees can learn how large-scale hybrid systems are affecting mining operations and overall energy efficient goals in a presentation by juwi Renewable Energy’s Global Head of Hybrid, David Manning, as a part of the energy session. SIMEC Energy Australia Chief Executive, Marc Barrington (pictured), will discuss the company’s renewable focuses for 2020 and beyond.

“The price of energy is a critical input cost in the development of the mining and resources sector in Australia,” Barrington said.

“The National Electricity Market (NEM) is transitioning from fossil-fuel dominated supply to one of renewables backed with storage technologies and is daily dealing with the ‘energy trilemma’ – delivering emissions and price reductions as well as improving reliability.

“This transition is creating input cost uncertainty.

“Mining and resource sector companies can play a critical role in the NEM transition through partnering with businesses such as SIMEC and applying a strategic focus on electricity procurement to access better input cost solutions.

“SIMEC is seeking to create ‘win-win’ customer outcomes and is keen to work closely with all of our customers to achieve this and to enable crucial demand-side response capabilities.

“Securing demand response can reduce the price of electricity as well as improve NEM reliability.”

Barrington remains confident strategic procurement “can secure energy price outcomes at globally competitive prices for Australian businesses trying to compete on the world stage”.

The Energy session will enable professionals to gain insights on what funding and investments are going into the development and deployment of clean energy solutions as well as benefit from government and industry insights into the supply of critical minerals in Australia.

IMARC, developed in collaboration with its founding partners the Victorian State Government of Australia, Austmine, AusIMM and Mines and Money, is where global mining leaders connect with technology, finance and the future. For more information, please visit https://imarcmelbourne.com/

International Mining is a media sponsor of the IMARC event

Future-proofing mineral processing plants

Automation, Comminution of minerals, IoT, Mineral processing, Mining events, Mining services, Mining software, Water management, , , , , , , , , , ,

As minerals processing, digital plants and effective plant operations become more important for mining companies, Australia’s largest mining event is set to examine the challenges of processing plants of the future.

Finding intelligent solutions, future-proofing grinding circuits and embracing the opportunities of digitisation will be discussed at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Melbourne next month (October 29-31).

Ahead of the conference, Sandvik Lifecycle Development Manager, Simon Adams; CRC ORE Chief Executive and Managing Director, Ben Adair; and Weir Minerals Global HPGR Product Specialist, Bjorn Dierx, discussed the issues in a special IMARC webinar.

All agreed mining companies faced increased challenges as ore stocks depleted, forcing them to move to more remote locations and dig deeper in a bid to maintain recovery rates of past years.

Dierx, who will deliver an IMARC presentation on dry air classification technology to remove the need for water, said: “Our customers are under immense pressure to reduce energy consumption, use less water and reduce carbon emissions.

“Overall, as commodities are depleting, companies are making large investments in new plants to dig deeper, crush more ore and at remote locations with limited access to power and water to achieve the same recovery rates as the past 20 years.”

He said about 3% of global energy consumption was attributed to crushing rock so greater efficiencies in comminution would make a big contribution to reduced emissions.

For Adair, efficiencies are available now in existing operations.

“It’s important to optimise and run your equipment to the best of its ability,” he said. “Most sites I visit that’s simply not the case. We are a little bit delusional if we think we are there at the moment in a digital sense in optimising various grinding circuits.”

He agreed limited access to water was a critical element.

“It’s interesting water was mentioned. That is one of the major challenges for the industry. It simply won’t have access to potable water and it will have to head rapidly to a closed-loop situation otherwise the costs will be extraordinarily prohibitive,” he said.

“Most of our work is done in the sorting space. . . It’s patently ridiculous and it has been for the past 15 to 20 years that we mine something and stick it through various expensive process plants when in fact 99% of it has no value whatsoever.

“If you are looking at the mine of the future, it is going to be about exploiting heterogeneity at the mine face as opposed to deliberately destroying heterogeneity and looking for homogenous feeds for downstream processing plants.”

The digital transformation at the plant and processing level offered opportunities for miners, with Adams saying the ability to collect and analyse data was crucial.

“If you can have digitisation and automation that moves towards cognitive behaviour, once you get those algorithms down you can have far more efficient plants operating through that process,” he said.

“We have to turn data into knowledge; looking at power consumption and efficiencies and getting to the cognitive stage where we can foresee failures or predicted failures and we can capture them early and shut down in an organised fashion.”

Dierx said digital transformation presented a big opportunity for the industry to attract new people from traditional software programmers and those in the gaming industry to work in the mining industry.

“The big iron ore miners, if those autonomous devices need to be switched off, they use Xbox controllers to correct them. That’s good news for children of today,” he said.

“From an education perspective, there is still some work to be done. Universities need restructuring to ensure we not only educate traditional operators, metallurgists and process engineers but ensure that understanding algorithms and working with digital tools become standard practice.”

IMARC, developed in collaboration with its founding partners the Victorian State Government of Australia, Austmine, AusIMM and Mines and Money, is where global mining leaders connect with technology, finance and the future. For more information, please visit https://imarcmelbourne.com/

International Mining is a media sponsor of the IMARC event