A New Era of Mining Emerging Post COVID-19

Increased talk of autonomous equipment in the mining industry

As the coronavirus emerged, mines around the world were no exception to the shutdowns imposed by the new normal. According to information furnished by GlobalData in an article on MiningTechnology.com, more than 1600 mines around the world were forced to shut down and halt operations. With every negative comes a positive as mining companies realize as a whole the necessity for automation in the industry. The world will still demand resources and minerals and everyone needs to work around the new normal.  

Safety of personnel at the mine sites is no new thing to the industry as many have grappled for years with the issue of dust storms and the dust control problems that come with it. There is strong opinion for the use of and investment of new technologies in the space to make room for automation. This would cut down on the need for human interaction in the field but of course would not affect the variables mother nature brings about.  

The mining industry is one of the most susceptible to outbreaks due to the proximity of working conditions. Many suggest using autonomous trucking and robotics for repetitive tasks for the long term operation of a mine. Self-driving haul trucks can be a wave of the future as mining companies will seek to find ways to not shut 24 hour operations of a gold or copper mine. Austmine, the leading industry body for mining, equipment and technology in Australia suggests such measures in order to fight any new conditions that come in a time of uncertainty.  

All information and data in this writing is credited to an article written on MiningTechnology.com.  Ref: https://www.mining-technology.com/news/mining-companies-to-spend-more-on-technology-covid-19-impact/