Applications of IoT in the Mining Industry

Adoption of modern digital solutions is rapidly transforming the work processes across industries, thereby creating a ripple effect within the business community. Utility-based industries such as gas, oil, energy, construction and manufacturing sectors have successfully adopted IoT solutions for seamless workflows and cost reduction benefits. The mining industry has also started deploying IoT services and solutions for maintaining a convenient workflow in mining operations. According to a survey, almost 70% of mining organizations are considering IoT solution as a significant advantage in the business competition. The main focus is creating a ‘connected mine’ to counter frequent challenges including underground environment, work procedures, accidental flooding and so on.

Smart IoT Solutions to Solve Mining Challenges

The mining industry is already using modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and drones for convenient mining operations. IoT technology would help the industry to reduce operational costs and gain efficiency by creating connected mines.

  • IoT sensors connected with hardware equipments for mining operations monitoring would collect real – time data for processing.
  • Constant monitoring of heavy machineries using IoT devices would anticipate failures and prior maintenance.
  • An interconnected network of mining plants and equipments delivers a digital mining transformation of seamless connectivity and continuous workflow.
  • A smart mine provides efficient safety measures for workers by delivering information about environmental conditions and underground factors.

A smart solution consisting of a perfect combination of AI technology and IoT services significantly helps in higher production, quick decision making and gain competitive edge in the market. It also improves the safety level of workers involved in the mining process.

Benefits of Digital Mining Transformation with IoT Services

  • Cost Optimization – The process of mining involves multiple heavy engineering equipments for conducting day-to-day operations. Implementing IoT solutions results in optimizing cost involved in the mining process. By deploying IoT-powered sensors within mining hardware systems used for monitoring would collect big data which can be used for increasing efficiency and diminishing operational downtime for a better maintenance process.
  • Predictive Maintenance – Mining is a difficult process; involvement of hefty machines and strenuous working procedure along with a hostile underground environment creates a rather tough situation of maintenance. As a result, continuous observation of heavy equipments needs to be done otherwise one simple slip-off would result in machine failure. IoT sensors provide a smart solution by providing a digital method of equipment monitoring. Combined with AI technology and machine learning, IoT sensors significantly improve checking as every machine is connected to an integrated network.
  • Seamless Control – This is perhaps the biggest advantage of implementing IoT in the mining industry; gaining a seamless control of multiple mining equipments. As all machines are connected to a common network, IoT enables total control to administrators ranging from system monitoring to underground work. Wireless IoT sensors are also used for tracking critical parameters like pressure and temperature of underground mines for safety purposes. Administrators can easily detect system breakage or disturbance in performance so that appropriate measures can be taken quickly and conveniently.
  • Safe Environment – IoT powered sensors placed in underground mines are used to deliver data related to underground mines. Often times, mines become extremely unsupportive to the workers with unbearable heat and accidental flooding, thus creating a hostile environment. IoT sensors is used to gather surrounding data of a mine and then processed to identify any types of potential threats for safety precautions.

Digital networks and IoT devices deployed in underground mines have significantly improved productivity along with worker safety and allowed a full digital mining transformation. According to the survey, global market of smart mining will experience a CAGR of 16.3% by 2028. This growth signifies the firm adoption of advanced technological solutions within the mining industry, improving overall productivity and smooth workflow.

With the rapid development and implementation in the field of IoT, there is a high demand of an efficient service provider that has in-depth knowledge about modern technologies and resources. Alpha-Numero is a AS 9100D and ISO 9001certified organization that offers services about IoT, Big Data, BI & Analytics, Cloud Computing, Custom Software Development and many more. The Alpha-Numero group is one of the leading organizations capable of delivering IoT-based solutions such as IoT product design & testing, solution architecture, wireless protocol, IoT module manufacturing and IoT network development. Do visit the official website www.alpha-numero.com for further information related to IoT services and email at sales@alpha-numero.com in case of service assistance.