Innovatia

THE GOLD MINE OF AUTOMATION AND DECARBONISATION Pursuing decarbonisation goals without also mapping a path to

Optimising energy use. It is hard to optimise the charging schedule for electric vehicles and equipment if they are NOT automated. The ef- ficiency and productivity of autonomous vehi- cles and equipment ensures they can optimise fuel use and/or battery recharging, and con- sume less energy. Selecting the most efficient energy sources. Energy demand management and selecting the most sustainable energy source with least emissions requires real-time automation of mining processes and, where possible, rede- sign of the most energy-intensive processes – comminution, for example – from scratch. Reducing waste. Automation technologies, including AI-driven decision making, allow for more precision in drilling and blasting, targeted resource extraction, improved process control, preventative maintenance and tailings man- agement, all of which leads to reduced carbon and water usage and better outcomes overall. Enhancing worker safety. Autonomous equipment and remote operations centres, reduce the need for a human presence in haz- ardous mining environments. This move to- wards “zero entry” through automation also progresses decarbonisation goals by reducing the need to transport people and materials to site, eliminating the carbon cost of flights and remote accommodation. Appealing to the workforce of the future. As demand for talent increases, forward-thinking employers are using automation to liberate workers from inflexible schedules and work lo- cations, whilst also creating more interesting, tech-based jobs. These employers are likely to attract the best candidates. The mining sector must reduce carbon emis-

sions to produce zero-carbon commodities and meet the rising demand for minerals essential for renewable energy technologies. While it is possible to advance a decarbonisation agenda without automation, the outcomes will be less effective – hence, it is important to combine de- carbonisation and automation goals. This con- vergence will help to redefine mining practices in a way that is fit for the world and workforce of the future. Dr Sue Keay FTSE is a Director of Future Work Group. Sue is a recognised leader in robotics, AI and automation who is passionate about help- ing emerging technology businesses, the com- panies adopting new technologies and their workforces. “The switch to electric and autonomous technology is key to addressing the majority of direct and indirect emissions.”

T he mining sector is embracing decarbon- isation, with companies charting paths towards zero emissions to achieve a re- duction of 1.5°C global temperature by 2050. Employees, regulators, investors and custom- ers are creating significant pressure to decar- bonise the industry which contributes 2-3% of global CO2 emissions. Mining companies are unable to obtain fa- vourable financing, let alone attract loyal em- ployees and regular customers, without low environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores. However, a narrow focus on achieving zero emissions that does not consider a move towards zero-entry (fully automated) mines ignores the increasing convergence between decarbonisation and automation goals. It also ignores the war for talent, where younger gen- erations increasingly want to work for compa- nies with proven sustainability credentials as achieve automation goals can waste resources, lead to implementation of suboptimal solutions and fails to consider the ambitions of the future workforce. By Dr Sue Keay FTSE

well as flexible, attractive working conditions. The majority of direct and indirect emissions can be addressed by moving to vehicles and equipment that are both electric and autono- mous, using renewable energy sources, rede- signing mine processes and infrastructure for carbon neutrality, and moving activities into remote operations centres. The role of automation in fast-tracking each of these pursuits is worth exploring in more detail. Electric vehicles and equipment are easier to automate. 58% of autonomous, light-duty vehicle retrofits and models are built over an electric powertrain, and a further 21 percent utilise a hybrid powertrain, according to Secur- ing America’s Future Energy (SAFE).

Video - Mining Industry - The Future is Automation

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