March 20199 PETRA Data Science is transforming mining as we know it. Through PETRA's team of data scientists and engineers, they have enabled resources companies to turn their data into actionable insights and operational improvements. For example, their digital twin (digital replica of physical assets) simulation at PanAust's Ban Houayxai Gold-Silver operation was able to identify areas for problematic gold recovery, optimise drill and blast of certain rock types, find ideal mill settings and provide analysis of `what if' situations for the end-user. Brisbane-based Insitu Pacific are also making waves in the mining space. A subsidiary of Boeing, they have leveraged their expertise from defence and aviation in remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and unattended ground sensors (UGS) to bring value to mining customers. Through embracing the next level of mining automation, high quality data can be safely and efficiently collected and utilised to drive productivity. Insitu's RPAS photogrammetric and LiDAR survey have been able to generate high-resolution imagery utilised for mapping and design, remote monitoring and asset inspection. Traditional METS companies have also quickened the tide of industry change. Davies Wear Plates have been a long-term fixture in the Australian mining industry for providing safe wear plate installation and change out systems. The business has undergone a transformation over the last decade, to provide additional information and monitoring for clients, and their innovative WearSense product was released in 2018. WearSense is a completely wireless plug and play wear liner monitoring system, that enables real time condition based wear management and intelligence that improves productivity, safety and profitability.Customers of WearSense have seen up to 80% less downtime and 60% less labour used. Control Systems Technology (CST) have long led the way in reliable belt weighing equipment required by bulk handling industries, especially mining. Founded in 1984, CST have developed a competitive advantage through the development of technology, and this is highlighted with the release of their IntelliRoll system. This is a wireless `weigher in a roller' that can be placed directly into an idler frame. It looks like a standard roller, but is actually a `microbot,' containing all the usual belt weigher electronics, load cells, a highly efficient energy harvesting generator and a battery so it can still work when the belt is not running. The IntelliRoll calculates flow rates and tonnes, stores the data and provides it to clients in an easy to digest mobile application, available in the app store. With changes also come a raft of challenges. Issues around interoperability, or lack of, abound and like other industries mining is facing a severe skills shortage of the talent which is needed for the mines of tomorrow.The rapid changes and challenges faced call for an industry wide response. Australia is making a concerted effort to overcome these challenges and leverage the best of what we have to offer through a number of government and industry development programs, technology projects and collaboration initiatives. As the digital wave continues to advance, Australian METS and miners must strive to coordinate technology efforts to ensure they are solving fundamental operational challenges. While there has been progress in this space recently and new avenues for dialogue haveopened through industry workshops and problem-solving challenges, mining has traditionally been averse to communicating operational issues to provide greater understanding of their needs to suppliers. Austmine is actively advocating for greater transparency within the industry, as without it, mining will continue to find point solutions, rather than transformative digital changes brought on through collaborative solution development. While the focus remains on how mining companies can drive shareholder value while achieving safety, environmental and community outcomes, Australian METS are the silent sector in the background truly changing the face of the industry.
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