Mining is an industry that has taken our civilization into prosperity. Due to its importance in meeting the needs of the ever-rising population and its contribution to the GDP, the mining industry is constantly undergoing changes. In such attempts to derive the best results, underground hard-rock mining for base metals has been proven to be effective.
Compared to the open-pit technique of mining, underground mining is more complex, more targeted, and more expensive as well. Yet, with trends emerging through the research conducted, underground hard-rock mining for essential base metals shows improvement in productivity and cost-efficiency. Here are four major trends that are slowly taking over the underground mining industry.
- Smart Mining
Like everything else in today’s world, mining is getting a digital transformation. While including smart technology and Artificial Intelligence in the process of mining can create an upheaval in the initial days, the increase in cost efficiency and performance is exponential.
With the help of digital processes and AI-controlled systems, an underground mine can become completely automated and integrated with zero entry. This means that the fatalities that result due to underground mining are avoided. Even if there are human workers present deep down in the mine, with digitalization, they can remain connected to the outside world.
- Transforming Mining Technology
Mining machinery has been subjected to innovations since its inception. From the simple chisel and hammer, the human race has brought mining equipment to the juncture it is at now. Electrification, automation, and including robotics in equipment is the next step in the journey.
In fact, many of these innovative designs are being incorporated into the latest models by trailblazing companies like the GME. The combination of smart technology and creative mining technology can take underground mining to new heights with better energy efficiency and lower costs.
- Driven by Sustainability
Increasing awareness to address the environmental impacts of mining pressurizes the industry to become more conscious in its ventures. Since the resources available are rapidly depleting and the demand for base metals skyrockets with the population, mining technology has to become sustainable.
The primary aim of most mining companies is to bring concepts such as green mining to reality. Another concept that has caught the interest of the sector is zero-waste mining.
Through these concepts, companies strive to find ways to reduce the waste produced while extracting, processing, and transporting minerals. With the help of AI and smart mining machinery, this is not a far-fetched idea. Besides, automating the mines can allow for abandoned mines to be reopened and mined again more effectively.
- Exploring the Deep Sea
With the help of the latest technology, it is not impossible to reach out to new frontiers for meeting our need for metals and minerals. The seafloor is an excellent source of metals like nickel, cobalt, and copper. Since only about five percent of the vast ocean is explored, it is hard to predict how much more opportunities await humans there.
Even though there are questions about mining in the already fragile oceanic ecosystem, the opportunity is too good to pass up. With AI navigating the mining operations in true sci-fi fashion, extracting rare earth metals from the seafloor marks the beginning of a new era.
Summing It Up
The underground hard-rock mining industry is never short of challenges. From ensuring miner’s safety to extracting metals without compromising the environment, the industry has to remain on its toes to address all the issues. Thanks to the latest advancements in science and technology, the mining industry continues to find creative solutions to concerns, even looking to extract metals from space!
