The mining industry hasn’t exactly been renowned for environmentally-friendly or efficient processes, however technology has been disrupting and improving the industry for years. Miners are putting themselves in a lot of danger, particularly when working on sites below the earth’s surface. As a result, technological innovations such as mining machines and 3D imaging have made it much easier to carry out processes safely.  Here, we’re looking at some of the best technologies disrupting and improving the industry today.

1. Real-Time Data & Analytical Engines

Working on-site as a miner can be a struggle, particularly if you aren’t fully aware of the conditions around you or whether the machines that you have will be able to penetrate the earth safely. However, real time data and better analytical engines are making this possible, as they’re able to schedule and process decisions that will make specific equipment and yields much easier to use and navigate. For example, when operating in a mine pit, the smart, analytical algorithms are able to optimise machine movement to ensure that the process is as efficient and risk-free as possible.

2. Automation

Automation is undeniably one of the most talked-about topics of 2018, but it’s making especially huge improvements to the mining industry. Autonomous trucks in particular are being seen in use across many more mining organisations, and while they’re slowly making their way into mining processes, it’s expected that they’ll completely dominate in the future. Mines with no miners are suddenly becoming a reality, as driverless trucks and robots are quickly proving efficient enough to conduct the work themselves.

3. X-Ray Diffraction

We associate the majority of mining work with hardware; however, it isn’t just this that will be disrupting the operation of mining organisations in 2018. Instead, mining software is making a massive breakthrough in the industry, with x-ray diffraction being one of the hot topics currently. Software such as x-ray diffraction makes mining ‘smarter’, as it can analyse samples in order to check important elements such as property densities, saving companies a considerable amount of time and money.

4. Underground Excavators

When it comes to mining underground, the safety of workers is a top priority for all mining organisations. Before technological innovations, this was a difficulty, however thanks to underground excavators, it’s easier than ever. Atlas Copco released a new line of Underground Mobile Miners recently that are specifically tailored to work well in hard-rock mines. Simply, this technology will circumvent the more dangerous drill and blast method that has been previously used in underground mines, not only keeping miners safe but also preventing the need to evacuate workers on-site.

5. 3D & 4D Printing

Before embarking on a mining project, each worker will need a sufficient understanding of the conditions around them and whether it’s safe to begin mining. Both 3D and 4D printing are able to help with that, as they are able to analyse surrounding areas and determine the types of terrain and material that miners will be working with. Alternatively, companies with such advanced technologies are able to take advantage of spare-part replacement, and this type of printing can eradicate the need to procure spare parts from a distance.

People may view disruption within an industry negatively, however it’s undeniable that technological disruptions have done nothing but improve efficiency within the mining industry. With safer processes and more seamless machine operation, we can only wait and see how much more advanced technology in mining will get.