We all know the future is digital but so far that hasn’t meant as much for miners. That’s about to change.
A new Australian report called Staying Ahead of the Game says advanced analytics and robotics in the resources sector will add $74B to the economy by 2030 and create 80,000 new jobs.
The study shows how Australia’s mining sector-working with government, educators and the technology supply chain-could make mines up to 60% more efficient and environmentally sustainable.
Digital innovation will occur across three broad categories the report says-operational hardware, connected workers, and AI and connected ecosystems.
But there are big challenges. It warns the industry could lose out on around $32B of the estimated value and 265,000 jobs if a globally competitive domestic supply chain isn’t created.
They recommend a Road Map. We’re already doing it. ICAA’s Board has recently agreed to undertake a Zero Emissions Road Map with Sydney University’s Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering.
The new study will evaluate what needs to take place to create the copper mine of the future. In particular the Warren Centre will formulate a general design concept for a completely underground copper mine site that has minimal environmental impact using the latest-or emerging-technologies.
It may sound like science fiction but the copper industry has been advancing the idea for a while. For instance a similar concept was presented by Anglo American at the June 2019 South Australia “Copper to the World” Conference.
Similar concepts have also been advanced by BHP, Newcrest, OZ Minerals, ICA, the Aurus Venture Fund and of course ICAA. These will all be incorporated into the new Road Map alongside the very latest ideas & technologies from around the world.
We’re excited about the Road Map and the future of mining. We hope you are too.
Staying Ahead of the Game (Pdf): https://www.metsignited.org/Attachment?Action=Download&Attachment_id=279
Cheers, John Fennell