Technological advancements can be seen no matter where you look. In certain areas, those advancements have paid huge dividends. Underground mining technology in particular has made the entire process of mining not only safer but more efficient.
As time and technology improves, there are greater benefits to be had in underground mining operations. There are four major benefits to be had right now, which improve productivity, environmental protection, and safety.
1. Better Material Handling
Perhaps the most important thing about underground mining is the handling of materials. When the handling of those materials is most effective, so too is the overall productivity of the mining itself. They go hand in hand. Without proper technological solutions available, the loading, handling, and transportation of those mining materials won’t be anywhere near as smooth or efficient.
Generally speaking, the loading, handling, and transporting of those mining materials are all handled using loaders, haulers, and other machinery. But with technological advancements, a flawless and continuous system for haulage and loading can be implemented.
The greater the size of haulers and loaders for material handling can also increase risks of injury. But with using more advanced technology, mining companies everywhere can use sensors to help with location detection, obstacle detection, automated controls, communication tools, and anything else that can make the handling of these materials a lot safer and more efficient.
2. Cutting Down on Injuries
One of the biggest risks for mining companies is the risk of injury. But with the right underground mining technology, companies are able to cut down on those workplace accidents. That’s not to say that they can eliminate them – stuff happens, especially when visibility is limited – but being able to cut down on those accidents can have huge benefits for a company.
By using the right technology, mining evaluations can be performed to find the situations and circumstances that lead to injury most often. With greater technological advancements, it means greater safety on the jobsite.
With improved safety measures, it means not only curbing the potential risks of workers getting injured but also preventing potential fatalities as well. The goal is to help reduce the risks associated with underground mining and make the entire endeavour all the safer.
Not to mention the savings that come with cutting down on accidents. Less workers compensation payouts, less potential for lawsuits, and cutting down on all of the costs that come with workplace accidents.
3. 24-Hour Assessment
Part of an effective technological rollout is being able to assess data, focus on weak points, and remedy them to make them better. Part of having the right technology means having access to all of the relevant data that it produces.
By having better data accessibility, it leads to better overall operations for underground mining. With the integration of AI, it means real-time monitoring around the clock of both minerals and metals as well as any processing plants that are involved.
This can help with tracking material needs, worker accident history, production schedules, and so much more. Having access to that data is important, but the right technology also helps your business to utilize it in the best way possible. All for more streamlined processes and a smoother production level than ever before.
4. Eco-Friendly
Reducing our carbon footprint is one of the most important things that companies around the globe can do these days. Finding ways to do so has also been benefitted by the aforementioned advancements in technology.
Not to mention the fact that there are potential tax credits to be had by meeting certain environmental preservation standards. If for no other reason, getting a huge chunk of money back can be reason enough to invest in the proper mining technology.
With the advancement of mining technology, that means an advancement in the use of renewable materials. The less waste created by using renewable materials means less waste for the planet. Using things such as solar energy means cutting down on fossil fuels as well.
The mining sector as a whole is making the move to more sustainable and renewable materials and energy sources. With the proper mining technology, managing waste can be more efficient than ever.