Technology revolution set to change the mining industry

The mining industry around the world is on the verge of a major technological overhaul. While older techniques and mining equipment are still being used in almost every mining site today, new technologies are coming to the forefront.

These new technologies are set to make the process of mining, from exploring possible new sources to rejuvenating the area after mining is completed, easier. This technology revolution is set to change the mining industry forever.

Advanced Imaging and Sensory Technologies

Exploration is a big part of the mining process. In fact, the search for new sources of oil, gas, minerals, and other mineable materials is considered 50% of the process. Many mining companies have spent plenty of resources on exploration and the research behind the process. Soon, exploration will be so much easier thanks to advanced imaging and sensory technologies.

A new generation of seismic and advanced sensors are set to make the search for oil reserves more cost-efficient. These sensors can provide a stream of data on pressure, temperature, and fluid build-up without the need for initial drilling and other costly investment.

Surface-level scanners are also much more advanced with better depth-mapping capabilities. These scanners are particularly handy when trying to determine the best spot from which to drill for oil and gas, or when planning the best way to mine for raw materials.

The new generation of sensors is already being implemented and this is helping mining companies to be more efficient. These sensors are more affordable in terms of initial investment, so they also help lower the entry barrier into the industry.

Streamlined Mining Operations

Taking mined minerals from one end of the mine to the containers prepared for them is often done manually. However, fluentconveyors.com offers automated conveyor systems that can streamline this process, eliminating the need for manual labor. Instead of manually loading freshly mined minerals onto a crate and taking it to the surface using elevators or rails, the minerals can be transported using a conveyor system. The minerals can then be automatically loaded onto vehicles that will take them to the processing facility, usually a nearby smelter.

Today, mining facilities can be even more efficient in their operations with the help of heavy-duty conveyor systems. These systems are designed to be rugged while offering immense benefits. Conveyor belts for mining from top names such as MES International are also helping speed up the mining process, which in turn reduces overheads.

Real-Time Monitoring

One of the biggest challenges in the mining industry is the monitoring of external factors. You see this challenge on offshore rigs and deep mining facilities alike. It is not always possible to monitor pressure build-up and gas leaks in real-time, mainly due to the lack of reliable tools.

Internet of Things or IoT and the new generation of sensors are here to change that. Soon, real-time monitoring will be an easy task to accomplish. It is even possible to do remote monitoring and centralized reporting based on data from mines in different parts of the world, using nothing but a working internet connection to deliver critical data.

It will be interesting to see the way these new technologies are implemented as a way to replace or improve older technologies.