Periodic Reporting for period 2 - illuMINEation (illuMINEation --- Bright concepts for a safe and sustainable digital mining future)
Reporting period: 2022-03-01 to 2024-02-29
Europe urgently needs to reduce its dependency on imports of raw materials. To achieve this, Europe’s mining industry sector must completely redesign the process of traditional mining via the adoption of pioneering innovations, leveraging data analytics and advanced Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems. illuMINEation highlights the pivotal role of digitalization in mining to enhance safety, foster environmental protection and economic performance. Through comprehensive digitalization of important mining aspects such as the mineral deposit, rock mass stability, equipment condition monitoring, safety of mining personnel as well as the working environment, the primary goal of illuMINEation was to address all of the three key factors that influence the sustainability and profitability of mining operations: (1) Occupational Health & Safety performance (incl. health & safety aspects of the nearby community), (2) environmental impacts and (3) efficient resource extraction and economic operation. The project has established a robust multi-level distributed IIoT platform integrating cloud computing and distributed data-management, supported by large sensor networks with wireless communication capabilities. Advanced user interfaces and dashboards optimize information flow, while stringent cybersecurity measures safeguard data security and integrity. illuMINEation substantially contributes to reshaping the mining industry through its innovative digitalization approaches. The results of the project promise not only to revolutionize mining, but also to promote sustainability, safety and technological progress.
The illuMINEation IIoT platform manages data distribution across edge, fog, and cloud layers. Sensors installed throughout the mining infrastructure capture data, transmitting wirelessly to the diverse nodes within the IIoT ecosystem. Via cutting-edge algorithms as services, the platform facilitates robust and intelligent data management, enhancing the safety and efficiency of mining operations. Data analysis is performed at multiple levels: at individual mine sites (edge node), across single-mine operations (fog node), and spanning multiple mines (cloud level), all orchestrated in a cohesive and logical sequence. A variety of low-cost sensors suitable for mining applications have been identified and utilized to create environmental and geotechnical monitoring solutions. As a result, rock bolts can now be fitted with sensors that monitor their deformation and integrity. These rock bolts are also equipped with low-cost environmental sensor combinations that measure parameters such as ambient temperature, pressure and humidity. They feature wireless communication capabilities for seamless data transfer to the IIoT platform. The application of advanced data filtering and processing has significantly improved data acquisition techniques during drilling operations. First major steps have been taken towards developing an automated sampling system capable of carrying out geochemical analyses in underground drilling application in near-real-time. Artificial Intelligence was deployed for rock model generation, and new tools for predicting rock mass fragmentation through numerical modelling have been developed. These innovations enhance blast design, optimize explosives loading, and streamline blast result evaluations. Numerous machine components underwent assessment for their suitability for Additive Manufacturing (AM). Those selected were printed and subsequently tested in real mining environment. Advanced data analytics for predictive maintenance (PM) of mining equipment were developed, enabling mining companies to anticipate potential equipment failures before they occur. Additionally, new algorithms for continuous battery monitoring (BM) support lifecycle management and alerts for anomalies that could jeopardize safety. By integrating AM, PM, and BM, costly downtime in mine production can be reduced or prevented, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency. Utilizing autonomous drones in underground mining presents unique challenges. In this project, the drones' functionality has been significantly enhanced by integrating specialized sensor suites. These sensors are designed to minimize weight, optimize flight time, and ensure precise navigation and collision avoidance. The drones can autonomously navigate to remote areas within the mine for inspection tasks. Moreover, they can extract important data from mining equipment and wirelessly transmit this information back to the control room. illuMINEation has a portfolio of 23 innovations, issued 55 scientific publications and more than 50 presentations were given at international conferences and events.
The achievements and results of illuMINEation significantly support the digital transformation of the mining sector in many ways. The project’s impact is multi-faceted, encompassing safety improvements, environmental sustainability, talent attraction and industry collaboration. The mining industry is embracing the age of automation and digitalization, and illuMINEation is paving the way for a future where mining is not only efficient and environmentally sustainable, but also technologically advanced and socially accepted. One of the key achievements of the project lies in its potential to support the implementation of digitalization initiatives in the mining sector. By utilizing IIoT technologies, illuMINEation provides a framework for the efficient management of mining activities to increase operational efficiency. The project focused on the development of low TRL solutions that, among other things, help to reduce human involvement in hazardous mining operations. Consequently, the project addresses safety concerns by minimizing the risks associated with mining activities, playing a crucial role in reducing accident rates and contributing to a safer working environment. This change not only makes mining safer for workers, but also increases the overall reliability and credibility of the industry. It is expected that the incorporation of IIoT into mining operations will lead to a significant reduction in negative environmental impacts. By optimizing processes and mineral resource extraction, illuMINEation promotes a more sustainable mining industry. The resulting increase in efficiency not only benefits the environment, but also has an economic impact and positions the mining sector as a responsible steward of natural resources. The project has successfully contributed to increasing the level of automation in mining, thereby promoting radical innovation in this traditional industry. By integrating IIoT technologies, important steps towards a future where mining becomes a fully automated digital domain were taken. This transformation not only increases efficiency, but also positions the mining sector in line with the progressive nature of other industries and makes it more attractive to stakeholders and investors. The innovative use of advanced technologies is likely to attract new talent to the mining sector. By shedding its traditional image and adapting to modern industries through digitalization, mining will become an appealing field for people with expertise in information technology. The potential for collaboration with IT companies is significant as the sector opens its doors to technological integration and mutually beneficial partnerships.