Digitalization of underground mining is a process that seeks to use the most modern technologies to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of mining. This digital transformation is driven by several factors, such as the rising energy cost, labor shortage, increasing demand for minerals, and marginal deposits that rely on optimal processes to be profitable. 

Benefits of Underground Mining Digitization 

Improved Efficiency 

One of the main advantages of the digitalization of underground mining is improved efficiency. Digital technologies can help mines automate tasks, enhance communication and collaboration among workers, and make more informed decisions in real-time and objectively. This can lead to reduced costs, increased production, and improved safety. 

Improved Safety 

Another benefit of the digitalization of underground mining is improved safety. Digital technologies can help mines identify and mitigate risks, improve worker tracking, and provide real-time information about the state of the mine. This can lead to a reduction in accidents and injuries. 

Improve Sustainability 

Finally, the digitalization of underground mining can help improve sustainability. Digital technologies can help mines reduce their energy consumption, improve waste management, and increase process efficiency. This can lead to a reduction in the environmental impact of mining. 

However, the digitalization of underground mining also presents some challenges.  

Challenges of Underground Mining Digitalization 

Managing the Technology 

One of the main challenges is the ability to lead, implement, and manage the applied technology to generate the planned value for the mining operation. The lack of management and governance capacity during the first months of implementation can lead to the technology being forgotten. 

Cost of Investments in the Technology 

Another major challenge is the cost of investments in digital technologies. Implementing new technologies can be expensive, and mines must be prepared to bear these costs. 

Training the Workers 

Another challenge is the need for worker training. Workers must be trained to use new technologies, and mines must provide them with the appropriate training. 

Loss of Jobs 

Finally, the digitalization of underground mining can lead to job losses. New technologies can automate some tasks, leading to job losses for workers who perform those tasks or opening further, more technologically advanced positions to support the correct use of technology. 

Despite the challenges, the digitalization of underground mining offers several opportunities to improve mining efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Mines that adapt to digital transformation can compete in an increasingly competitive global market. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the digitalization of underground mining, and how does it differ from traditional mining practices? 

The mining digitization field has grown significantly in recent years and continues to advance and adapt to meet the demands of mining companies worldwide. 

Digitalization in underground mining is the introduction of automation and real-time information systems. This has seen miners being relocated from the machine cab to automation centers where they can control, monitor and track their machines with all the same functions from the comfort and safety of an ergonomic chair situated safely away from the mine. 

The difference with traditional mining practices is moving from paper-based reporting at the end of the shift or days later to mining focused on real-time digitization for process improvement in productivity, efficiency, and safety. 

Digitization has completely transformed the mining industry as a whole and has seen companies being able to achieve positive results in key areas. 

 

2. What are the main benefits of implementing digitalization in underground mining operations? 

Mining digitization has many advantages, mainly improving performance, efficiency, safety, and real-time decision-making processes. 

An entirely digitized mine minimizes downtime throughout the operation, improving the mining cycle. 

 

3. How does digitalization improve safety and reduce risks for underground miners? 

Digitalization greatly impacts safety, giving miners a clearer view of the entire operation and monitoring miners' position and critical factors such as air quality and blast gases in the mine. An optimized mine, especially one with the best connectivity, can bring miners those crucial seconds that can save lives. 

 

4. What types of technologies are commonly used in the digitalization of underground mining? 

The technology in underground mining has yet to develop fully.  

Fleet Management Systems 

However, there are projects in Fleet Management Systems (FMS) providing follow-up in the loading, hauling, drilling, and blasting processes, improving performance and reporting for decision-making in real-time.  

Inertial Navigation Systems 

On the other hand, Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) in lamps and equipment provide a real position in underground mines with no GPS. 

Network Connectivity 

Finally, network connectivity is one of the most important technologies in underground mines because all sensors and systems installed in mine sites won’t be able to share and integrate their information with decision-makers. 

 

5. Can you explain how data analytics and AI optimize underground mining processes? 

Mining processes in loading, hauling, drilling, blasting, and services generate huge amounts of data, and it is necessary to analyze them to visualize opportunities for improvement in mine management indicators. Miners use data analytics to add value to the mining process, increasing productivity or reducing cost, looking for bottlenecks in different mining processes. 

Technologies related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) have the potential to offer tangible benefits in underground mining processes, replacing training operator's processes with virtual reality and elaborating some reports automatically and customizable without coding and advanced programming skills. 

 

6. How do IoT devices enhance communication and monitoring in underground mining sites? 

It is an improvement in connectivity in all devices, equipment, and tools with people, supervision in this case. This helps us to better control underground mining operations by obtaining real-time data to optimize productivity. 

 

7. What role does automation play in digitalized underground mining, and how does it impact productivity? 

Automation in underground mining plays a vital role in mining since it implies the conversion of a process, procedure, or equipment to an operation carried out without human intervention, which allows obtaining a product in the desired safety, quantity, and quality in an efficient way. 

Studies show that the productivity of a mining company can grow considerably if it efficiently adopts this transformation, optimizing processes and reducing downtime. 

 

8. Are there any challenges associated with the digitalization of underground mining, and how can they be overcome? 

There are a lot of challenges to overcome during the digitalization revolution. First, the board of directors and managers must adopt new technologies into a long-term strategic plan.  

The next one refers to calculating and proving the value of new technology and digitalization to add to the mining industry. 

Finally, the sustainability challenge is significant to continue value-adding with new technologies and updating any of them. 

 

9. How does digitalization contribute to more sustainable and environmentally friendly mining practices? 

The environment is looking for greener and more sustainable processes. As a result, various technologies have been developed in this area, such as those used in water optimization, dust management, reduction of energy consumption, or blasting processes.