The mining industry is experiencing a sweeping change as the new autonomous technologies and advanced connectivity solutions are being fully integrated into the industry. With autonomous trucks now hauling ore directly from mining sites to processing facilities, their operations become safe, efficient, and waste-reducing. At the same time, autonomous trains make it cheaper and easier to move those finished products to ports, crossing hundreds of kilometers with little or no human involvement. Environmental justice considerations are a major reason this shift represents a turning point for the mining industry. From this crucible, the adoption of advanced technologies will help reshape the future of work in this essential production sector.
Industry experts cautioned that the potential of these technologies will far outweigh their impact. They believe that this power will continue to grow in the years ahead. Due to a challenging labor market, many mining companies are looking to boost productivity even further. Faster, more reliable infrastructure solutions such as 5G interoperable connectivity are building a new age of automation. The construction sector continues to face recruitment and retention challenges in a skilled workforce. An alarming 86% of mining executives report difficulty in filling such roles.
Advancements in Autonomous Transportation
Autonomous trucks are already among the game-changers in mining operations. These powerful vehicles are capable of traversing challenging landscapes and carrying ore quickly from where it’s mined to where it’s processed. By reducing the number of human drivers they have to employ, companies can increase safety as well as their profit margins.
These trucks capabilities are supercharged through better connectivity, especially 5G technology. The higher the connectivity level on a mine site, the range of operation for autonomous trucks grows exponentially. This allows for real-time adaptations to changing logistics conditions, keeping mining companies optimized to deliver resources on time and prevent costly downtime.
Along with trucks, autonomous trains are taking on an essential role in moving finished products. These trains are able to travel long distances, often hundreds of miles to the nearest port, making the movement of minerals and resources economical. This, in turn, accelerates operational efficiency. Along with greatly improving the quality of life for neighboring communities, it benefits our fragile supply chain by moving products to their destinations faster.
The Role of Connectivity in Automation
Connectivity, both on surface and underground, is the backbone of truly successful automation in the mining sector. 5G technology has completely changed the way data is transmitted. Now, with autonomous vehicles able to communicate back to control systems in real time. It creates an unprecedented level of connectivity that provides effective real-time monitoring and management to mining operations.
With 5G networks, mining companies have the ability to deploy much more advanced sensors and devices. Collectively these tools provide useful, high quality information on equipment performance and environmental conditions. By adopting a data-driven approach, operators can focus on the right areas, allocate resources effectively, and reduce risks to operations.
Additionally, improved connectivity enables more effective coordination among different autonomous systems. For example, autonomous trucks could coordinate with autonomous trains to create more efficient loading and unloading processes. This singular, modernized integrated approach improves overall efficiency and helps keep kinks out of the supply chain.
Addressing Workforce Challenges
And yet, for all the progress that automation has ushered in, the mining industry is in the throes of a serious workforce crisis. A recent MEMA member survey found that 86% of mining executives have a tough time recruiting and retaining skilled personnel. This issue represents a huge liability around the industry’s capacity to capitalize on the promise of new technologies.
Behind the scenes, as automation becomes a mainstream topic, there is a growing need for a target workforce’s skill sets to change. Mining companies must adapt their training programs to equip employees with the necessary expertise to operate and maintain advanced technologies. That requires training in new fields, from robotics and data analysis to remote monitoring systems.
Places really need to improve the work culture to become a more desirable workplace that draws in new recruits. This could mean providing higher wages, remote work options, and clear pathways for job growth. By meeting these challenges head on, mining companies can create a diverse workforce able to leverage the opportunities the future of work will bring.