Australia’s mining industry has propped up the national economy for decades. It has been on the frontlines of Australia’s technological explorations and a cradle for many world-famous corporations. New digital technologies are turning mining inside out.
Tiny, odd patches of mineral resources are disappearing. That era has already begun thanks to Australian mining equipment companies, which have set new standards in efficiency, safety, and environmental friendliness. Today, we look at seven cutting-edge mining technology companies in Australia that are reshaping the industry’s parameters and taking them into the future.
Autonomous Haulage Systems
If you hang around the Australian mining industry long enough, you will hear of another innovation destined to become a legend. One such innovation is the autonomous haulage system (AHS), which promises a more efficient and safer future.
Autonomous Haulage Systems feature a major departure from the traditional mode of mining operation: a whole fleet of driverless trucks operating out of a central control centre. Utilising high-tech gear like GPS, sensors, and artificial intelligence, these systems can navigate mines, haul away ore, and, most importantly, find the shortest path between the two. AHS has benefits that include higher productivity, better safety, and lower running costs simply by eliminating the need for drivers.
How AHS is Changing the Mining Landscape in Australia
The use of autonomous haulage systems in Australian mines has already brought significant operational efficiency and safety benefits. These systems have transformed mining by delivering reduced downtime, reliably enhanced efficiency, and a lower risk of accidents. AHS can optimise truck movements using real-time data and analytics, predict when maintenance may be required, adjust to changing conditions, and provide a more flexible and responsive mining operation.
In addition, autonomous haulage systems have proven to be a key force in safety improvements in the mining industry. By operating 24/7 without human intervention, AHS reduces the risk of human error and fatigue-related incidents. These systems strictly adhere to safety procedures and principles. Consequently, they have dramatically cut both the frequency and severity of accidents on mining sites, thus providing workers with an invaluable guarantee of safety and security.
Virtual Reality Training Simulators
This kind of training simulator, which uses virtual reality, is catching on in the mining industry because it lets people train as if doing a real job and gives them feedback inside their headset while they’re ‘working’. They can operate industrial mining equipment and respond to emergencies, and nothing beats a virtual mine to help workers get the feel of mine sites themselves. This sheds light on both skills and safety among mining staff.
Machine Learning and AI
By analysing large amounts of data and detecting patterns, machine learning and AI are enabling mining equipment companies to make fact-based decisions or choices about refitting one of these vessels with engines.
Drones and UAVs
As drone technology becomes more common, and with the rapid development of uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAVs) technology, mine sites can increasingly be surveyed through remote sensing. Geophysical data collection using drones and UAVs can increase efficiency and accuracy. In the meantime, the mining company obtains information of its choosing right away. In short, drones and uncrewed a
