Mining Transformation Virtual Conference

Technology will always change faster than people, however, once shown to solve a problem, adoption is relatively quick.  Underestimating the internal organisational obstacles however is a perilous position.  This open forum will explore: 

• The changing nature of the work and workforce – modernisation with digital
• Understanding the difference between digital and automation
• Building capability within an organisation to accept digital and helping people transition
• Promoting tech as an enabler to create alternative opportunities to earn a livelihood
• Connecting the tech to the implementation
• The responsibility of the C-suite to educate and inform miners of their plans – leading a digital transformation ethically
• Using technology to develop new and better skills for our people and in doing so, building trust and a better future for the sector
• Execs vs workers – what keeps you up at night and expectations of each other 

• Be clear about goals and expectations
• Are your goals economically and physically possible?
• Ecosystem – am I or my suppliers even ready?
• Preparing and training a multi-disciplinary team

Digitalization for the environment & sustainability – Applying the social lens to digital transformation and some ideas on aligning the multiple forces.

• The 2 types of Sustainability
• How Bloomberg digitises your mine
• How Society listens and reacts to your digital storybook
• Is what they want reasonable? Is it useful?
• Can it help mining transformation and guide technology deployment?
• How can we align external drivers, internal processes and still run a business?
• How can we make sure we are not misunderstood, and they get behind us and not in front?

Under Kane’s guidance, in 2018 Newmont established the Process Control Operations Support Hub.  The Hub drives value-focused initiatives by streamlining process control systems, procedures and monitoring tools. Functioning as a centre for excellence, the Hub team works collaboratively with site teams to deliver real bottom line improvements in throughput, recovery and cost at processing facilities.

Whilst automation is not a new concept, it is far too common practice to see these advanced, high value controllers degrade and eventually be left in manual by the operators. Why is this?

This session explores:

• The significant benefits to be realised via process automation
• Deployment of advanced controllers in processing plants
• Tools and techniques available to ensure maximum value is realised
• Avoiding backwards slide

Many by their own admission, are not entirely sure what to do with the massive amounts of data that is collected via their new digital means.  Big changes are possible with only small efforts if data is used intelligently.

• Gathering data and consolidating data sets in a meaningful way to make sense of it
• Data integrity – trusting the data
• Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and its role in interpreting data
• Decision making and control via data driven planning
• Engage and trial different things you want to do – scenario modelling using data
• Data and its application for intelligent predictive maintenance

The introduction of new technology often focuses on the successful implementation of technical aspects. However, social, environmental and legislative aspects are critical factors that may limit the implementation of new technologies, despite the technical aspects being sound.

In-situ recovery, which is referred to as keyhole mining, is significantly different from conventional mining. It involves the injection of solution underground for dissolution of metal from value minerals within the orebody. This session explores:

• Technical challenges associated with the implementation of in-situ recovery to novel commodities
• Earning social licence to operate, which may pose a greater challenge than the technical component
• Understanding potential environmental impacts
• Navigating legislation for the implementation of new technology

By transformation we mean an unprecedented pace, scope and scale of change. To be transformed is to be unrecognisable from the original state. It cannot be achieved with business as usual.  We need to change how we work if the system is to change how it works.  Some of the topics for discussion:

• What can we expect next?
• Setting new standards through innovation
• What are the industry’s next big challenges to overcome?
• Collective goals vs separate entity activities – Collaboration for the greater good
• How does an organisation’s culture keep pace with the fast-changing landscape [ie. People move and so do their skill sets and IP]
• Success stories…?
• Mining robots
• A.I.
• Augmented reality
• Collaborate with an ecosystem of partners
• Training to support employees through the change
• Integrated data platforms to assist optimisation across multiple mining sites
• Remote expert guidance