Mining goes digital to meet modern demands
Rising demand and advances in technology are bringing rapid changes to mineral extraction industries. Mining has been slow to adapt to digitisation opportunities compared to downstream industries, but the Dig_IT project has developed several tools to foster technical development.
Innovative technologies
Project-developed technologies represent numerous innovations. Big data optimisation allowed for early prediction of slope failure in an open pit mine. Other innovations include a sustainable blockchain platform for managing mining data and a support system platform for managing mining decisions. The project also developed digital twins in the areas of geotechnical monitoring and fluid dynamics. A digital twin is a dynamic copy of a system or physical asset that can use data to replicate processes, thereby enabling predictions concerning the real-world twin. One of the project’s most significant innovations is a smart industrial Internet of things (IoT) platform to optimise mining performance, enhance safety and safeguard the environment. IoT components include a plethora of devices that collect data important to safety and developing predictive models.
Data collection on multiple levels
To create the IoT platform, Dig_IT gathered data on human, environmental and asset levels. On the human level, the project developed a smart garment (consisting of a wristband, vest and headset) that can be worn by mining personnel that will collect data relevant to the individual’s health. According to María García Camprubí, project coordinator: “The smart garment is capable of enduring the harsh conditions of the mines, with embedded miniaturised sensing devices assessing occupational health, safety and environment (OHSE) parameters (e.g. temperature, humidity, gases and noise), as well as measuring biometrics data (e.g. heart rate andbody temperature).” On the environmental level, Dig_IT developed sensors to be used in mines that monitor air and water quality. With respect to air quality, the sensors collected data on dust, diesel exhaust, temperature and humidity. Sensors also measured the turbidity, or relative clarity, of water. There are many types of machines among mining assets, and the IoT platform includes several monitoring devices. These devices measure such things as location, speed, fuel rate and coolant temperature. Data collected is used to develop predictive maintenance models for optimising performance.
Next steps and use cases
All of the technologies developed by Dig_IT are ready for deployment. They will be tested in five use case mines located in Finland, Italy, Norway and Spain to raise the technology readiness level of the IoT platform. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war between Russia and Ukraine presented challenges to the project. Travel bans during the pandemic made it difficult to coordinate with the use case mines. One use case mine was closed due to its reliance on natural gas, and activities had to be moved to another mine. A second use case was lost due to a subcontract termination, but fortunately a very similar mine was found to replace it. When the testing stage is completed, Dig_IT will focus on disseminating results. The project’s innovations are driven by societal needs, and these go far beyond a straightforward demand for extracted minerals. Dig_IT delivers smart solutions that address the health and well-being of humans and the environment while simultaneously optimising the economic contributions of mining industries.
Keywords
Dig_IT, mining, Internet of things, mining industries, digital twin, data-driven, innovative technologies, smart garment, health and safety, sustainable mining
