Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Mine.io (A Holistic Digital Mine 4.0 Ecosystem)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-01-01 bis 2024-06-30
The fourth industrial revolution has significantly changed the traditional way of managing supply chains. The applications of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Machine-to-Machine communication (M2M) and cloud computing, in different processes of supply chains have assisted companies to improve their performance. Entire industries are taking new forms.
For the raw material sector, Mining 4.0 offers new possibilities for increased productivity and at the same time could create stimulating workplaces in a good work environment, by advancing automation, autonomous processes and remote control in the mining and processing value chains. Industrial digitalization will offer the potential to deliver significant improvements by improving the quality and availability of data and information in mining operations, delivering significant productivity gains and economic performance.
On the other hand, much of society as well as investors are demanding greater transparency concerning the true social, economic, and environmental impact of the mining activities. In order to meet the increasing social and environmental concerns, a resource optimization and digital transformation framework for enabling specific circular economy and “low-impact mining” strategies is required. There is also a need to making energy a core focus of overall design and operational planning and execution, throughout the life of the mine and beyond. Energy innovations, including the transition to electric vehicles, will lead to socially conscious profit, while creating a safer and cleaner environment for front-line workers, including higher air quality for those working underground. In the context of industrialization, informatization and sustainable development of the mining sector, Mine.io solution will build a novel mining digital ecosystem and a systemic structure for the implementation of I4.0 in mining industrial environments. Mine.io solution will embrace the whole mining value chain from resources’ exploration, extraction, and processing to waste management and post mining activity.
In line with the above, our fundamental concept is the provision of a manufacturing system architecture, under cloud environment, to be applied in the digital twin (DT) mining “shop floor”. Mine.io envisions an innovative cloud services system and a novel mining ecosystem of sharing, interconnection, and open cooperation. For achieving this, Mine.io will establish a unified data infrastructure and collaborative platform ecosystem to promote the openness and sharing of data and improve the cooperation environment between mining enterprises. Mine.io aims the enhanced systematization of the basic processes of the mining industry, that involve asset and process equipment optimization, through embedded predictive analytics, and optimization procedures based on completely data-driven processes and the integrated cyber- virtual and cyber-physical systems, automation and robotization of mining exploration and production processes and sustainable mining and post mining management. Mine.io ecosystem will be validated in different demonstration sites, involving 4 operational mine facilities and 2 historic mine sites, in 5 EU countries.
For the raw material sector, Mining 4.0 offers new possibilities for increased productivity and at the same time could create stimulating workplaces in a good work environment, by advancing automation, autonomous processes and remote control in the mining and processing value chains. Industrial digitalization will offer the potential to deliver significant improvements by improving the quality and availability of data and information in mining operations, delivering significant productivity gains and economic performance.
On the other hand, much of society as well as investors are demanding greater transparency concerning the true social, economic, and environmental impact of the mining activities. In order to meet the increasing social and environmental concerns, a resource optimization and digital transformation framework for enabling specific circular economy and “low-impact mining” strategies is required. There is also a need to making energy a core focus of overall design and operational planning and execution, throughout the life of the mine and beyond. Energy innovations, including the transition to electric vehicles, will lead to socially conscious profit, while creating a safer and cleaner environment for front-line workers, including higher air quality for those working underground. In the context of industrialization, informatization and sustainable development of the mining sector, Mine.io solution will build a novel mining digital ecosystem and a systemic structure for the implementation of I4.0 in mining industrial environments. Mine.io solution will embrace the whole mining value chain from resources’ exploration, extraction, and processing to waste management and post mining activity.
In line with the above, our fundamental concept is the provision of a manufacturing system architecture, under cloud environment, to be applied in the digital twin (DT) mining “shop floor”. Mine.io envisions an innovative cloud services system and a novel mining ecosystem of sharing, interconnection, and open cooperation. For achieving this, Mine.io will establish a unified data infrastructure and collaborative platform ecosystem to promote the openness and sharing of data and improve the cooperation environment between mining enterprises. Mine.io aims the enhanced systematization of the basic processes of the mining industry, that involve asset and process equipment optimization, through embedded predictive analytics, and optimization procedures based on completely data-driven processes and the integrated cyber- virtual and cyber-physical systems, automation and robotization of mining exploration and production processes and sustainable mining and post mining management. Mine.io ecosystem will be validated in different demonstration sites, involving 4 operational mine facilities and 2 historic mine sites, in 5 EU countries.
By M18, significant progress has been made across multiple areas of the project. A big data platform concept and architecture has been designed, ensuring secure data management, efficient processing, and controlled access. In addition, blockchain technology and Business Process Management (BPM) have been initiated to digitize interactions within the mining supply chain. For underwater exploration, a muon telescope has been designed and constructed. This is supported by an underwater robot system featuring high-resolution 3D imaging and advanced mapping algorithms. A successful first test and data collection were conducted at a pilot site using a drone equipped with integrated sensors, laying the groundwork for detailed above-ground surveys. A truck has been retrofitted to test a dynamic charging system, and core components for an electric road system have been designed. Digital twin technology has also been initiated, utilizing new sensors to improve smelting processes. Work is ongoing to develop workload planners for both surface and underground tasks, aiming to optimize production and resource allocation. Efforts to control and optimize the froth flotation process are progressing through the implementation of novel sensors and control strategies. In terms of sustainability and waste management, a remote system for monitoring mine tailings facilities has been developed and tested in real environment at one of the pilot mines. Additionally, a conceptual framework was created to assess the social impacts of Mine.io's technological innovations.
The project is progressing in developing a digital ecosystem and a systemic structure for the implementation of Industry 4.0 in mining industrial environments. Key achievements include the operationalization of an underwater muon detector accompanied by an underwater vehicle, and a UAV with multiple integrated sensors for the creation of detailed 3D models using advanced mapping techniques and textural information, forming the base for comprehensive above-ground surveys. Additionally, the development of a Big Data Platform serves as the foundation for optimizing mining operations. The retrofitting of an existing truck and the creation of an electric road system with dynamic wireless charging aim to eliminate fossil fuel usage, thereby reducing environmental impact. A task planner mockup has also been developed to optimize workload and logistics management, leading to lower energy consumption. Furthermore, our efforts in integrating digital twin technology, optimizing sensor usage, and developing non-destructive drill core analysis techniques aim to reduce environmental impact and improve resource management. Together, these advancements contribute to more sustainable mining practices. To ensure further success, we will continue with research and demonstration practices, market analysis, partnerships, commercialization strategies, and international collaborations.