AusIMM hosts successful Technology Forum

In October, AusIMM hosted its first ever Technology Forum with leading METS organisations to explore the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of our industry.

The theme of the forum was ‘Innovations for a Sustainable Mining Industry’, and attendees heard from six industry speakers.

Fay Cranmer, Senior Managing Director at Accenture, delivered an insightful keynote presentation titled ‘Designing the digital future of mining: transforming legacy data into digital gold’.

Fay Cranmer. 

Following Fay’s keynote was a showcase of case studies from IMDEX, Ausenco and EDL. A summary of these case studies is shared below.

The case studies were followed by a panel discussion moderated by Aldo Souza, Managing Director, Accenture, where the themes from the day were further unpacked.

The Forum was a great success in showcasing the high-tech, sophisticated future of the resources sector. AusIMM would like to thank all presenters and attendees for making the event such an insightful discussion and is looking forward to hosting a similar event again soon.

Case study summaries

‘End-to-end automation for orebody knowledge: the application of machine learning and automation to unlock the value of geoscientific data and inform critical decisions in exploration and mining’

Presented by Michelle Carey, Chief of Strategy, IMDEX; and Brenton Crawford, Chief Geoscientist and Chief Technologist, Datarock 

Michelle Carey. 

As an industry, we have to make decisions across the find, define and mine stages that are based on understanding the geology.

Conventionally this is done using primarily visual observation supported by lab data. However, often we can’t have the lab data in sufficient time to influence the choice (e.g. calling end of hole in iron ore overdrill; where we drill the next hole; any data at all that can influence blast and onwards outcomes).

This practice has become increasingly problematic as we see a chronic skills shortage for geoscience. However, technology presents us with the opportunity to use sensors coupled with analytics (AI/ML) that can supplement how we make choices in real time.

This approach can be illustrated using the ‘BLASTDOG’ platform to predict top and bottom of ore surfaces in coal and iron ore applications, as well as providing blast hole physical data such as hole volume, which directly impacts explosive loading behaviour.

Datarock have provided two examples of this in practice, the first using core photography to automate geotechnical logging, and the second using photos of RC chips in iron ore coupled with other data sources to predict a variety of lithological and geometallurgical parameters.

IMDEX's focus is to develop technologies to support the mining industry. We focus on two main opportunities: products and data that optimise the drilling process; and sensors, data and AI/ML to solve real time orebody knowledge problems. We believe that these two areas are key to improving the effectiveness of our industry across the find, define and mine stages of the mining workflow.

‘Where data is king: How can mining operations maximise the use of their data to improve and evolve their operations?’

Presented by Jon Garnaut, Operations Manager (Asset Optimisation), Ausenco

Jon Garnaut.

The mining industry is rapidly evolving in response to internal and external pressures, including inflation, ESG regulations, energy costs, labour shortages, and supply chain challenges. These factors influence operational changes at all levels and highlights the importance of leveraging data to increase productivity, mitigate risks and improve operational budgets.

Data availability has surged in the last decade, with increased technology integration making operational insights more accessible. However, there is a risk of being overwhelmed by excessive information. Harnessing this data correctly is key to improved decision-making. 

As mines, investors and communities put more focus on meeting ESG targets, the need for better visibility into ESG metrics is critical, including understanding site emissions to meet sustainability targets. Ausenco is helping mine operators develop comprehensive emissions profiles – covering scopes 1, 2, and 3 – to model and forecast the impacts of mining activities and identify areas of focus. 

To optimise operations using data, it is necessary to use data to predict sub-optimal performance, plan and act for optimal performance, or gather and learn from other operational data points.

• For example, pipeline condition monitoring solutions, which are an adaptation of traditional sensing data, can react to and predict sub-optimal conditions, avoiding significant failures and operational downtime. 

• By employing data-driven behaviour models, mining operations can shift from basic variable control to advanced control systems, enhancing their ability to plan and achieve optimal performance. 

• Implementing systems that gather and learn from all operational data sources, including employee knowledge, ensures valuable insight is retained and used effectively. 

More examples of technology in action

On the recent Las Chispas project in Mexico, Ausenco used new technology – tailings filtration – to significantly reduce the project footprint and water consumption. Another example is employing preconcentration technologies like screening, bulk sorting, and SAG mill pebble rejection to eliminate coarse waste earlier to achieve water and energy savings.

Ausenco also worked closely with an Australian client to achieve a 30 percent reduction in energy and water consumption in their processing plant by using smarter, more sustainable technologies. We’ve also used coarse particle flotation technology to enable grind sizes to be coarsened from 150 to 350 μm without compromising recovery and reducing tailings. 

Overall, while there can be risks in leveraging data and technology, the opportunities can play a pivotal role in driving the mining industry's transition to more efficient and sustainable practices. 

Ausenco supports the industry by forming effective partnerships, encouraging and sharing technology best practices, effectively using operational data to inform decisions, and ultimately finding a better way towards more sustainable mining. 

‘Batteries – the backbone for renewable energy systems’

Presented by Aidan Davies, Senior Manager Project Development, EDL

Aidan Davies

Batteries are the backbone to renewable energy systems, particularly in off-grid mining applications. They provide several functions to ensure hybrid power systems with renewables can maintain stable and reliable power during network faults and to manage the intermittent variations in solar and wind generation.

This case study looked at the battery system at the Agnew Hybrid Renewable Power Station, which was able to hold up the entire mining and processing facility when a cascading gas engine event occurred. The battery system independently maintained healthy voltage and frequency to the operator for 20 minutes, which allowed personnel to clear the fault with the gas engines and bring the power station back online. 

The case study also demonstrated the ability for batteries to store excess energy generated by wind and solar during the day, and to export this energy later in the evening, which lowers the cost of energy over the lifetime of the power station. 

It is clear that greater planning and collaboration between Independant Power Producers (like EDL) and mining companies can realise significant value and lower the cost of energy.

One of the great opportunities in this space is renewable energy forecasting. EDL systems forecast the availability of wind and solar on a 14 day lookahead. On days where the wind and solar resource is lower, the mining customer is able to schedule electrical loads or production to turn down, which effectively reduces or mitigates the need to burn fossil fuels.