MineConnect & Advanced Mining Technologies - Uptime Logistics

Today on Uptime Logistics, Doug Draper meets with Paul Bradette - Executive Director of MineConnect - to discuss advanced mining technologies. In addition to important safety and productivity improvements, these newer technologies are also playing a role in green and sustainability initiatives. Listen to today’s show to learn more!

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are improving the uptime of operating underground. In addition to electrical charging, regenerative braking can help even further. Research & development is pursuing safer battery chemistry to further reduce risk in the prevention of fires. Paul sees more innovation and technology transfer happening - technologies that become developed for mining industry could also be very useful for above ground vehicles moving forward on the surface.

• Internet of things - the intelligent monitoring of people and equipment throughout the mine site can dramatically improve safety, efficiency, and insights into what piece might need planned maintenance or immediate replacement. These insights are helpful for maintaining operational uptime and improving the bottom line. CAP Logistics can reduce the time between failure and recovery, and you can learn more about Uptime Logistics here.

• Green initiatives are important in the mining industry, as it has been for many other industries. Through BEVs and other technologies, there’s been substantial progress on reducing energy usage and improving air quality. Lower costs on aspects like energy-intensive vehicles directly through operation - in addition to the fact that heat is reduced and less energy needs to be spent on air circulation. The advanced mining technologies also help the economics of accessing deeper deposits than would otherwise be possible. While the cost upfront will be more, the importance of safety and improved access to resources help drive the bottom line.

  Based out of Ontario, MineConnect is made up 190 companies collectively employing around 9,000 individuals and producing around $3.5 billion a year. Coming up soon, they are looking to open a location in Elko, NV to develop that bilateral relationship. MineConnect members’ expertise can help Nevada operators in transitioning from open pit methodology to under ground hard rock mining and Nevadans can help Canadians with open pit. Collaboration will help drive mutual success. As for future looking trends, Paul sees an increase in autonomous and telerobotic mining. There will be less need for people to be underground if they can control machines from the surface, or potentially from home through the internet.

https://www.caplogistics.com/cap-logistics/2020/12/21/mineconnect-advanced-mining-technologies-uptime-logistics