Mine Automation

Smart is the new big. For the past 100 years or so, 'bigger was better' in mining. Trucks, shovels and pits grew because bigger was more productive, more efficient, cheaper. All that has changed with digital technology. Competitive edge is now derived from the capture and smart use of data. Whether its via greater insights into the current and future performance of the business or via the new, automated mining equipment and the operating models that data enables - digital is the key.

Digital technologies are changing how mining works by harnessing the flow of information to improve decision making and by enabling more centralised, mechanized operations. It's all about data (be it geo, production, people, equipment, environment, vehicles, product) and its use in areas such as automation, analysis for process and equipment optimisation, control of operations, prediction of future behaviour and compliance.

> Drivers for Automation

Increased exploration risk and cost
Reducing head grades
Human and machine variability
Disfunctional operational silos
Increased cost focus
Operating in high risk environments
Social and environmental compliance
Access to energy and water
Human resistance to change
Need to attract and retain talent
Current wave of technology innovation

> The benefits. Why do it.

Increased

Safety by removing people from danger
Accessible resources (lower risk profile)
Operating flexibility and responsiveness
Productivity of machines or systems
Asset utilisation
Asset reliability by operating within limits
Tasks and process standardisation
Energy Efficiency

Reduced

Variability within tasks and processes
Operating cost
Unplanned maintenance

> Where we can help

Achieving these benefits is complex in an environment where technology change is relentless, human resistance to change is ever-present, budgets are tight and where organisational maturity is typically low .

Automation strategies are not “one size fits all” and the benefits will only flow from the specific Critical Success Factors and KPI’s of each organisations.

BEDROCKmg helps clients tangibly align their Digitisation and Automation strategies with these measures to ensure that the way forward meets the organisations goals and capabilities.

Experienced team spanning the diverse aspects of automation

Our ability to bring a multi-dimensional, real-world perspective to mine automation in a rapidly evolving market gives our clients a head start in their move to a digital future. With an average of 20 years experience spanning bulk and metalliferous commodities, our team of mining engineers and consultants are equipped with insights across the mining business processes, OEM, ICT, organisational change, industrial networks and R&D aspects of the automation challenge. We understand how these factors are interrelated and how they are likely to change over time.

Comprehensive methodology to drive the transformation

One size does not fit all. We understand that automation adoption depends on an organisation’s maturity, competitive drivers and approach to innovation.

Our detailed adoption methodology covers all the critical aspects of change to create confidence in achieving the desired outcomes

Deep understanding of the current industry trends and emerging solutions

Our background and strong relationship with miners, OEMs and industry bodies allows us to stay abreast of emerging technologies, R&D and how solutions are adding value. Our Technology Readiness and Maturity Level (TRML) evaluation framework allows us to objectively assess solutions against Business Capability, Technology, Value delivered and Change Management factors.

What we do

Build clarity around how automation delivers value for a specific operating need
Identify impact of automation on current operating methods, people & technology
Address a clients scepticism around OEMs ability to deliver and support advanced technologies
Separate myth from reality in a market influenced by highly publicised strategies
Align automation with site and corporate technology strategy to avoid isolated, short term focused solutions with poor ownership
Expose the diverse and often hidden skills and capabilities needed for automation
Help define the safe and efficient operation of autonomous and manned equipment within a mine site
Identify the right solutions for a given operational need and assess the maturity of these solutions against a clients appetite for risk
Establish a site’s operational readiness for automation and assist with the required organisational change management
Define realistic and comprehensive implementation road-maps that meet organisational goals and constraints
Expose available pricing models for automation and define how clients can cost effectively deploy and support solutions
Define both the establishment costs and ongoing CAPEX and OPEX requirement to realise tangible benefits

Report abuse