Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DINAMINE (Digital and innovative mine of the future)
Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-06-30
The DINAMINE project aims to radically transform and modernise the raw materials value chain by demonstrating technological solutions of the future for more selective, efficient, and sustainable mining practices. The project will demonstrate an integrated mine management approach that relies on data analytics tools for monitoring of the performance, risks, mine productivity and recovery rates, and new technologies for machine automation and robotisation. Near real-time data gathered by DINAMINE technologies will be analysed in a unique, modular software architecture that will enable mine operators to more accurately plan and manage mine production, predict ore grades and recovery rates, and optimise safety and maintenance requirements. The project will also identify best practices for carbon-neutral logistics and transportation, more energy-efficient processing, and sustainable handling and reuse of mining waste. The DINAMINE approach will be demonstrated at two small-medium scale European mining operations: an underground graphite mine in Senja, northern Norway and an open-pit pegmatite mine in Guarda region, northern Portugal, and in their associated processing plants. Skaland Graphite (Norway) is the most important producer of high-quality natural graphite in Europe, while Felmica Minerais Industriais (Portugal) produces lepidolite-rich pegmatite (lithium-feldspar) for the ceramic industries.
The DINAMINE project is developing a set of nine technology modules in support of a holistic mine management system. All modules are currently under development following the definition of requirements and design of the system architecture. Specifically, (i) required sensor technologies and middleware have been specified, acquired, and scheduled for installation at the pilot sites, (ii) a short-term and long-term analytics module, which will support near-future prediction of mine productivity, cut-off grades and emissions and performance monitoring, has been designed, (iii) near-mine geophysical exploration campaigns have been completed at both project pilot sites, (iv) a real-time updateable geomodelling algorithm has been developed and demonstrated using real mine data, (v) a mine information model, mineral processing model, tailing information model, and real-time safety and drill-and-blast sensor systems are all under development, (vi) a semi-automated drilling jumbo has been assembled and is being tested before deployment on site, (vii) processing plant (feed) and in-pit chemical analysers are being assembled and calibrated before deployment on site, (viii) waste rock and tailings have been characterised and analysed for valorisation potential, (ix) a life cycle inventory and life cycle analysis methodology have been developed based on historic data and databases, and (x) a market analysis has been completed involving primary source stakeholder interview data and secondary source data.
DINAMINE aims to set a new benchmark for emerging technologies and digitalisation in the mining industry by (i) demonstrating the potential of a modular mine management system by enabling digitalisation and automation through the sensor data (site geology, input feed scans, machinery conditions) and real-time data feeds from mining tools, (ii) through use of novel geophysical exploration methods that demonstrate applicability of the methods in deposits that present challenges for exploration, (iii) by improving recovery rates through more selective mining and optimisation of the value chain, enabling lower ore cutoff grades, (iv) by improving safety of mines using real-time monitoring, and (v) by recommending optimal low-emission transport solutions, thereby decreasing the environmental footprint. DINAMINE will enable European mine operators to take advantage of poor resources with low grade ores by making the mining more economically feasible, while fostering the attraction of further investments and stimulating an in-depth reshaping of the current practices, technologies, and approaches used in mining operations. This is achieved through improved productivity of mines and more selective mining. The DINAMINE approach will therefore also make currently active mines more resilient toward market fluctuation. Additionally, DINAMINE embeds circularity and sustainability aspects of the raw materials supply chain through waste and tailings monitoring and studying their valorisation potential.