Artificial Intelligence (AI) is well positioned to become a powerful enabler of unmanned equipment and machinery and accelerate the transformation of mining operations. The industry is already well versed in extracting smart data from sensors and leveraging interconnected technologies to boost operational safety and efficiency.
Dr Heinrich Jantzen, Business Development Specialist at engineering and architecture company, GIBB, says it is a matter of how mining can leverage these developments, both across the broader industry and within individual mining operations. “The key question is how such advances are applied in the mining space as the industry strives to become safer and more sustainable. I think the future bodes well for AI.”
“Integration is critical, which refers to finding common ground from logistics to process optimisation and ultimately the engineering services provided,” adds Jantzen.
The current focus of unlocking value in mining by means of technology looks at how workers interface with machines themselves. Jantzen believes that digital transformation continues to drive this process across the entire industry. “Mining is pushing the envelope in terms of the remote operation of heavy equipment.
“The questions that need to be answered are how much can be done remotely, what capabilities exist to monitor such remote operations, and how is the automation of fixed heavy assets achieved. This is the ideal outcome for mining in terms of what technology can achieve,” says Jantzen.
He notes that mines face a complex range of operational challenges, making operations highly risk averse. “The solution lies in addressing various factors – safety-first culture, cost failure fears, resistance to change, and concerns about autonomy (fear regarding the “black-box” nature of AI) – and increasing the focus on the collaborative adoption of technological solutions. For example, sensors are critical to generating data and providing early warning of any risks, but it is AI that will ensure robust, reliable and actionable data.”
Jantzen says the industry’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals are propelling it on a path to carbon neutrality, with a range of commitments and initiatives already in place in this regard. “Challenges related to the successful integration of AI into such scenarios include legacy system integration, data quality and silos, operational disruption and resistance, hidden costs of ownership and fallacy (isolated pockets of excellence rather than enterprise-wide transformation). However, AI can easily be deployed to reap lower-hanging fruit.”
An example of how technology can enhance ESG outcomes is the ongoing development of collision avoidance systems, particularly for underground use. These systems have evolved from basic radio frequency to high-resolution laser-based technologies which offer significantly greater precision. Laser systems are especially effective in complex indoor environments, enabling reliable detection of both personnel and machinery, improving safety performance and reducing operational risk.
Jantzen adds that technology must build capacity and reliability into mining. “If these aspects are not balanced, it becomes extremely challenging. While many advances in mining space have been exponential, they have often resulted in isolated pockets of excellence within a general sea of persistent challenges.
“We really need to collaborate – standing shoulder to shoulder – so we can learn and grow together. Technology is evolving rapidly, and it is easy to fall behind. We will always face challenges and make mistakes and there will always be risks associated with adopting new technologies. That said, by continuously improving ourselves and striving to become better, we will attract more talent into the mining space,” concludes Jantzen.
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About GIBB
The GIBB Group of companies is one of South Africa’s leading black-owned multi-disciplinary engineering and architectural entities, with a wide footprint on the African continent. GIBB delivers integrated solutions across key infrastructure markets in Water, Transport, Energy, Mining, Property, Petrochemicals as well as project development services by investing in early-stage development. With decades of experience operating in complex and diverse environments, GIBB combines deep technical expertise with local insight to design, develop and deliver infrastructure that supports economic growth, environmental sustainability and social progress. Guided by our core values of People, Expertise and Excellence, GIBB is committed to creating lasting value for its clients and partners as well as the communities and economies it serves. From planning and design through to implementation and advisory services, GIBB brings clarity to complexity and engineering that makes a meaningful difference.
