100% found this document useful (1 vote)
206 views66 pages

The Digital Mine - 2022

Digital mining

Uploaded by

majid
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
100% found this document useful (1 vote)
206 views66 pages

The Digital Mine - 2022

Digital mining

Uploaded by

majid
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 66

the

digital mine
A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem

The evolution _ The innovators _ The technologies _


Productivity, safety and The innovation ecosystem Advanced and emerging
sustainability are driving includes Australia’s miners, technologies are being used
the unprecedented rate of original equipment suppliers, across the lifecycle of a
technological change across university-led research and mine and throughout the
the mining industry. government agencies. mining value chain.
PAGE 10 PAGE 16 PAGE 28
Warning Please be aware this guide
may contain the names or images of
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
people who may now be deceased.

Minerals Council of Australia

All rights reserved. Apart from any


use permitted under the Copyright Act
1968, no part of this publication may
be reproduced, stored or transmitted in Minerals Council of Australia
any form without the written permission Ph. + 61 2 6233 0600
of the publisher and copyright holders. E. [email protected]
minerals.org.au
September 2022
the
digital
CONTENTS

Foreword 06
Recommendations 08

mine
The evolution_
The digital evolution 10
The raw material challenge 12
What drives mining innovation? 14

The innovators_
Who are the mining innovators? 16
Miners 16
Mining workforce 18
METS sector 20

Original equipment manufacturers and technology suppliers 21


University-led mining research 22
Cooperative Research Centres 22
CSIRO-led research collaborations 23
Strengthening the innovation ecosystem 24

The technologies_
Artificial Intelligence 28
Augmented and virtual reality 30
Big data analysis 32
Blockchain technology 34
Digital twins 36
Hydrogen energy 38
Integrated automation 40
Integrated operations centres 42
Internet of Things 44
Kinetic braking 46
Liquefied natural gas 48
Mine site electrification 50
Solar photovoltaics 52
Wearable technology 54

The ecosystem_
The mining innovation system directory 57
Academic institutions 58
Cooperative Research Centres 63
Government agencies 65

Endnotes 66
the
digital mine
The unrivalled success
of Australia’s mining industry
has long relied on technology
and innovation to improve safety,
drive greater productivity
and deliver better sustainable
development.
The mining industry has also become an
increasingly critical driver of broader industry
development and innovation.1

However, this innovation imperative can


deliver more with a cooperative focus and a
policy framework that encourages creativity
and application. This publication, The Digital
Mine, addresses that goal.

Australia’s minerals industry is essential


for modern life and will contribute the raw
materials needed for the global transition
to a net zero economy. Building solar
photovoltaic plants, wind farms and electric
vehicles is more minerals-intensive than
their hydrocarbon equivalents. Traditional
commodities continue the quest to reduce
emissions in extraction and use.

the
6 digital mine
FOREWORD BY TANIA CONSTABLE _

Technology is removing people from A catalytic and external benefit of the STEM workforces, industry-orientated
potentially hazardous situations, helping technology transformation is a highly research and innovation, and regulatory
predict and model operational changes skilled workforce. Australia’s minerals settings to support technology pilots and
that improve safety and enhancing industry has invested significantly in drive the innovation performance to the
training so that the workforce is better training and reskilling the workforce to top of the rankings.
equipped to perform work safely. fully utilise new technologies in mining.
Australia’s mining industry is
Productivity enhancing technology not The MCA has played a leading role embracing technology-led innovation
only assists in discovering new resources in identifying the future skills challenge. at an unprecedented rate, but this
but has the capacity to make existing Australia’s miners and OEMs are rising to transformation cannot be taken for
resources more economic with the same the challenge to develop this workforce granted. It requires coordinated action
level of inputs. Improved data and artificial of the future. and a shared commitment by industry
intelligence are also making operations and government to develop and maximise
more efficient. While some roles will be replaced,
the substantial opportunities that exist
many new highly skilled, highly paid
to reaffirm Australian mining’s position
At a site-by-site level, electrification roles are being created and other roles
as a global leader.
and fuel switching are reducing emissions are being enhanced by technology. This
in support of the industry’s ambition to technologically advanced workforce is
achieve net zero emissions by 2050. building new capabilities for Australia.
These technology-driven improvements The success is tangible.
are occurring through the mining lifecycle
from exploration, development and Since 2005, Australia’s mining
operations to closure and rehabilitation. industry has invested more than Tania Constable
Technology is even enhancing commodity $30 billion in research and development, Chief Executive Officer
marketing and trading by improving sitting in the top four (occasionally top Minerals Council of Australia
integrity in transactions and supply chains. two) of all industries. Australia is a top
three jurisdiction for mining patent
The innovators driving this transformation
filings and four Australian universities
include miners, the mining workforce,
are in the top five world rankings for
the Mining Equipment, Technology
mining engineering.
and Services (METS) sector, original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Utilising international benchmarks,
university-led mining research institutions, The Digital Mine reviews the mining
Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) and innovation ecosystem and makes a
CSIRO-led research collaboration. number of recommendations to improve

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 7


Recommendations

1
Improve collaboration
2
Identify and formalise
3
Maintain and grow
4
Prioritise the
to boost women in new skills in digital support for industry- recognition of new
STEM transformation for orientated research occupations by the
the existing mining and innovation Australian Bureau
The challenge
workforce of Statistics
Based on the 10-year trend, The challenge
it will take until 2099 to The challenge International innovation The challenge
achieve a gender balance in rankings identify Australia
Formally recognising the Delays in recognising emerging
university science, technology, has a weakness in university-
skills and knowledge acquired occupations is impeding
engineering and mathematics industry R&D collaboration.
through training on proprietary comprehensive workforce
(STEM) programs.
equipment. The recommendation planning.
The recommendation
The recommendation The Australian government The recommendation
Government, industry and should support next
Government should work The Australian government
universities should work generation university-industry
with industry to identify new should work with industry
together on a comprehensive R&D collaboration initiatives
skills acquired by existing to recognise emerging
range of new initiatives to such as the Trailblazer
workforces as part of the occupations more quickly.
boost enrolments of women in initiative, which better
digital transformation of An annual process would
STEM courses. In recognition integrates research between
mining and allied industries. be appropriate given the
of the growing role of digital universities and industry. This
The new skills should be dynamic nature of occupation
skills in the Australian is in addition to maintaining
recognised by a formal changes through the digital
workforce and that a key support for industry-
qualification that supports transformation of Australian
objective is to improve diversity orientated research initiatives
transferability and deepen industries.
in the workforce, action is such as the university-led
the skills in Australia’s
needed to improve diversity in mining research institutes, Priority initiatives
labour force. Priority allied
critical education pathways. CRCs and CSIRO-led initiatives.  Annual program to update
industries should include civil
Priority initiatives construction, manufacturing, the occupations list
Priority initiatives
agriculture and defence  Incorporate new
 Expand successful  Support the Curtin
industries. occupations in a
programs such as James University-led Resources
Cook University’s program Priority initiatives comprehensive national
Technology and Critical
to improve STEM outcomes workforce plan.
 Develop a skills passport so Minerals Trailblazer hub
through diagnostic tests to that people have a secure  Continue to support
determine missing elements and central repository of CRCs that focus on
of curriculum concepts their qualifications improving industry
 Work with state and  Fund programs to formally safety, productivity
territory governments on recognise skills acquired and sustainability
initiatives to boost teacher through on the job training  Develop initiatives to
quality - a key determinate to enhance portability progress new technologies
to STEM student outcomes
 Support micro-credential through the readiness levels.
 Support initiatives to course development in
inspire the next generation, emerging skill sets.
such as the International
Mathematical Olympiad
which Australia is hosting
in 2025.

the
8 digital mine
RECOMMENDATIONS _

5
Leverage strength of
6
Sustainable safeguard
7
Establish regulatory
the tertiary education mechanism reform sandboxes for mining
sector to guarantee innovation
The challenge
a pipeline of mining
Substantial efforts and The challenge
engineers progress is being made to Regulatory processes are
develop and deploy technology delaying the deployment of
The challenge
to reduce emissions at new technologies, especially
International innovation industrial facilities. in the pilot phase.
rankings identify Australia
has a weakness in engineering The recommendation The recommendation Collaboration
graduates as a proportion of The Australian government Governments should establish between industry
total university graduates. should provide certainty regulatory sandboxes for and government is
and stability through the the mining industry so that needed to strengthen
The recommendation
transition to net zero by 2050 innovative concepts can be
Government and industry the mining innovation
by ensuring reform of the tested at a reduced scale, on
should work collaboratively safeguard mechanism is done ecosystem, which will
a time-limited basis and with
to promote careers in in close consultation with be critical to meeting
appropriate safeguards. This
engineering and leverage the those industries and facilities the raw material
would assist the evolution of
benefit of Australia’s globally affected. Reform should game-changing technologies challenge.
recognised strengths in ensure tailored treatment that are being developed.
university education. Given for emissions-intensive
the critical role of mining trade exposed and affected Priority initiatives
engineers in the industry industries. This should be  Create a regulatory
workforce, the acute shortage based on the principle of sandbox to trial expanded
of mining engineers and the comparative impact, ensuring use of drones
exceptionally high ranking of that exporters remain
Australian universities that  Create a regulatory
competitive.
teach mining engineering, sandbox to trial new
priority must be given to Priority initiatives electrified equipment
supporting a future pipeline  Work with industry on the  Provide government
of mining engineers. design of the safeguard technology offices with a
Priority initiatives mechanism to provide case management function
clarity and certainty to support regulatory
 Allocate at least 2500
reform to support new
of the 20,000 promised  Increase funding for CCUS
technology development technology and innovation.
new university places to
engineering disciplines to reduce emissions in
electricity generation and
 Promote engineering
manufacturing
qualifications as critical
for innovation  Maintain the Research and
Development Tax Incentive.
 Expand successful
programs, such as James
Cook University’s program
and the Australian
Indigenous Engineering
School, to improve STEM
outcomes and diversity
in the STEM pipeline.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 9


THE EVOLUTION _

The digital evolution


To appreciate the digital evolution and The purpose of mineral exploration is to At the end of a mine’s economic life,
innovation ecosystem of the Australian discover mineral deposits amenable to activities such as mine closure and site
minerals and mining industry requires economic extractive operations now or in rehabilitation come to the forefront.
an understanding of the diversity of future. Mineral exploration is a high risk Ores that are mined generally go through
the sector. activity; the risk of failure is great and the initial processing or beneficiation at
Mining involves the extraction of a cost is high.3 The typical lead time from the mine site. These initial processes
diverse range of mineral commodities. exploration through to mine development include comminution (crushing and
Deposits are distributed unevenly in terms is 12 to 15 years or more. grinding), sizing (screening or classifying),
of geography and grades and require Mining a mineral or metal deposit separation (physical or chemical),
a variety of extraction and processing requires long-term planning to optimise dewatering (thickening, filtration, or
techniques.2 production. Mining operations often drying), and hydrometallurgical or
incorporate transportation facilities, chemical processing.
Figure 1 provides a simplified overview
of the mining value chain. It begins including trucks, trains, conveyor belts The processing of mined ores produce a
with exploration, continues through or other means, to deliver the minerals more concentrated material that is then
development and production, and ends or ores for processing or shipping to transformed into a final metal or mineral
with closure and post-mining land use. downstream locations. product through metallurgical processes.

FIGURE 1

An overview of the mining value chain

Prospecting Resource estimation Mine planning Mine development Extraction

»»»
Exploration Mine operation

the
10 digital mine
Autonomous mines
Rio Tinto’s Gudai-Darri
iron ore mine in the Pilbara
is among the world’s most
technologically advanced.
Officially opened in June
2022, Gudai-Darri boasts
autonomous trucks, trains
and drills, as well as the
world’s first autonomous
water trucks, and a robotic
ore sampling laboratory.
It also features a 34 MW
solar farm - another step
towards Rio Tinto’s ambition
of developing 1 GW of
renewable energy by 2030.

 The world’s first autonomous water trucks at Rio Tinto’s Gudai-Darri iron ore mine in the Pilbara.

Ore processing Transportation Mine closure Metallurgy Refining

»»»
Minerals production

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 11


The raw material challenge
More metals and minerals are required Road transport and power generation manganese, cobalt, graphite and rare
to help the global economy transition alone will fuel a huge increase in demand earth minerals.7
to net zero emissions. Electrification for metals and minerals. A battery EV When it comes to renewable energy
will drive increased demand for copper, produces 60 per cent less emissions generation, a four-fold increase in
nickel, cobalt and lithium needed for on a CO2 equivalent per kilometre basis metals is required to generate the same
battery electric vehicles (EVs), neodymium but requires nearly twice the metals
megawatts from wind and solar energy
for permanent magnets and steel for and minerals of a car with an internal
generation as a coal or gas-fired power
critical infrastructure. combustion engine.5
station.8 Demand for electricity is
Leading analysts have forecast that Excluding steel and aluminium, an projected to triple by 2050 as sectors
demand for some raw materials, such internal combustion engine car requires electrify and hydrogen and hydrogen-
as rare earth metals, could increase 33.9 kg of minerals but an EV requires based fuels become more available as the
by a volume of ten times or more the 207 kg of minerals.6 This will increase economy decarbonises.9 Again, this will
current market size.4 demand for copper, lithium, nickel, increase demand for metals and minerals.

FIGURE 2

Minerals used in electric vehicles


Kg per vehicle
Source: International Energy Agency Electric vehicle Conventional vehicle

53.2 kg | 22.3 kg
Copper

66.3 kg | 0 kg 39.9 kg | 0 kg
Graphite Nickel

24.5 kg | 11.2 kg
Manganese

8.9 kg | 0 kg
Lithium

13.3 kg | 0 kg
Cobalt

0.5 kg | 0 kg
Rare earths

0.1 kg | 0.1 kg 0.3 kg | 0.3 kg


Zinc Others

the
12 digital mine
There may be changes in the actual metals These circumstances provide both a Over 400 tonnes of
and minerals demanded based on different challenge and an opportunity for Australia coking coal is needed
and emerging technologies, but overall and its world-class mining industry - how to produce the steel in
more raw materials will be required to to become safer, more productive and
a 5 MW wind turbine.*
meet global demand, not less.10 more sustainable while meeting this
Meeting this demand will be essential booming raw material demand.
in keeping emerging technologies cost Whole-of-industry technological
competitive. If mining globally cannot innovation and application is one way that
supply competitively priced metals and Australia’s mining industry can retain its
minerals, substitutions will be made. The status as a resource superpower.
most obvious substitution is energy-
intensive recovering and recycling of
existing materials.

FIGURE 3

Minerals used in electricity generation


Kg per MW
Onshore wind turbines
Source: International Energy Agency**

5500 kg
Zinc

2900 kg
Solar PV

3948 kg Copper

1.3 kg
Silicon

2822 kg Nickel
780 kg
Manganese

470 kg
Copper

Chromium

403.5 kg
Nickel

30 kg 99 kg
Zinc Molybdenum

32 kg 14 kg
Rare earths
Others

Generation type
(Kg per MW) Copper Chromium Cobalt Manganese Molybdenum Nickel Rare earths Zinc Others
Offshore wind 8000 525 0.0 790 109 240 239 5500 6
Nuclear 1473 2190 0.0 147.69 70.8 1297.4 0.5 0.0 94.28
Coal 1150 307.5 201.46 4.63 66.25 721.04 0.0 0.0 33.9
Natural gas 1100 48.34 1.8 0.0 0.0 15.75 0.0 0.0 0.0
* Calculation based on 120-180 tons of steel per MW (Arcelor Mittal), and 770 kg of coal to make 1 tonne of steel (BHP).
** Steel and aluminium not included. Offshore and onshore wind are based on the direct-drive permanent magnet synchronous generator system (including array cables) and
the doubly-fed induction generator system respectively. The values for coal and natural gas are based on ultra-supercritical plants and combined-cycle gas turbines.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 13


What drives mining innovation?
Australia’s mining sector is diverse. It Productivity Safety
covers many minerals and geographies,
but also activities that occur adjacent In the production of mineral commodities Mining fundamentally takes place in a
to and in parallel with mining, such as globally, high grade minerals that can harsh and often hostile environment.
exploration and ore processing. What be extracted most cost effectively are Miners work in conditions that are
virtually all subsectors of the industry generally extracted first. Over time, as hazardous, sometimes in confined spaces
have in common is that they operate in mineral reserves closer to the surface are and often in remote locations. Across all
an intensely competitive environment depleted, remaining deposits tend to be of mining activities, hazards are posed by
in which minerals commodities are a lower grade, in more remote locations, machinery, gases, dusts, chemicals and
supplied and traded globally. deeper in the ground, mixed with more noise in the work environment, as well as
impurities, or subject to other factors that from working in extreme temperatures.
Broader trends relevant to the Australian
make extraction more difficult and costly.
mining industry include: As processing technologies move toward
This trend has also been confirmed finer and finer particle sizes, the health
 Shifting demand for certain mineral in Australia, including for the production effects on workers of these particles (but
commodities as countries around the
of coal, uranium, iron ore, manganese, also resulting environmental concerns)
world raise their living standards and
bauxite, mineral sands, copper, gold, lead- are becoming increasingly important.
move to low carbon sources of energy
zinc-silver, nickel and diamonds.11 Additional health hazards arise from
 Access to minerals that are gradually Declining and more complex ore bodies chemicals used in mining or in the
becoming less accessible over time processing of ores.
have significant implications for the
 A far greater emphasis on the health productivity of a mining operation, since
and wellbeing of the mining workforce productivity growth must overcome these
including a continuous improvement adverse effects before making any
culture when it comes to safety real progress.12

 Concerns about the impact of Ore bodies that become more difficult
mining on natural resources such as to mine over time also complicate the
water and the local environment, as comparisons of mining productivity across
well as the carbon footprint of the industries or countries, since underlying
mining sector. productivity trends may be masked by
These competitive pressures and deteriorating mining conditions.
constraints set the framework for the
spectrum of innovations that the mining
industry has generated and continues
to generate, in order to improve its
productivity and remain competitive
while at the same time meeting higher
expectations for worker safety and
environmental sustainability.

the
14 digital mine
Renewable energy
BHP is forging ahead
with its first large scale
off-grid renewable energy
project that will help power
its Nickel West mining and
concentration operations
in Western Australia. More
than 71,000 solar panels
will be installed at Leinster
and Mt Keith, along with
a battery energy storage
system, as part of the
Northern Goldfields
Solar Project.

 The first solar panels installed at BHP’s Leinster nickel operation in Western Australia.

Sustainability
The framework’s guiding principles and pressures on countries and businesses to
Potentially adverse environmental impacts
protocols cover three core areas: reduce carbon emissions. As established
of many types of mining operations are
in the raw material challenge, Australian
well known and have led to significant  Communities and people, including
changes in how the industry operates and health and safety, Indigenous and mining will play a critical role in supplying
is regulated. Australian mining is a global community relationships the metals and minerals to achieve net
leader in terms of meeting and exceeding zero emissions by 2050.
 Environmental stewardship, including
high environmental standards. biodiversity, tailings management and However, mineral resource extraction
The MCA announced the adoption of water management and processing are energy intensive
Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) in and a significant source of greenhouse
 Climate change, an area where the gas emissions. Australia’s minerals
2021, an award-winning accountability focus of mining businesses has
framework which helps mining companies industry supports a measured transition
increasingly turned in recent years. to a low emissions global economy via a
evaluate, manage and communicate their
sustainability performance. Established Adopting the independently verified combination of short, medium and long-
by the Mining Association of Canada TSM system will reinforce the sector’s term market-based policy measures, and
in 2004, TSM provides sustainability commitment to continuous improvement through the adoption of the MCA’s
tools and indicators to help companies in safety, environmental and social Climate Action Plan.
responsibly manage environmental, social governance.
and governance performance and record Another area where significant challenges
and drive performance. to the mining industry arise is the growing

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 15


THE INNOVATORS _

Who are the mining innovators?


Innovation occurs across the mining value Miners
chain within what can be called the mining
innovation ‘ecosystem’.13 The mining Australian mining businesses are at $300 million in March 2016, while new
innovation ecosystem includes mining firms the forefront of advanced and advancing deposit expenditure was more than
and other stakeholders contributing to technologies. Innovative mining firms tend $300 million in December 2021 compared
mining innovations such as: to be larger and produce a high proportion to less than $90 million in March 2016.18
of their own processing technologies,
 Businesses providing mining equipment, However, using R&D as a sole indicator
such as those at Rio Tinto’s new Gudai-
technology and services (METS sector) of innovative mining industry activity is
Darri iron ore project in the Pilbara.
problematic for a number of reasons:
 International suppliers of specialised Rio Tinto opened its most technologically
mining equipment  R&D expenditure fails to consider
advanced mine in June 2022. Gudai-Darri
broader innovation efforts that mining
 Publicly-funded universities and features an unprecedented deployment
businesses typically engage in, such
research organisations, such as the of industry-leading technology, including
as engineering development and plant
CSIRO, as well as CRCs and other the use of robotics in the ore sampling
experimentation to optimise processes
government-funded agencies. laboratory as well as autonomous trucks,
trains and drills, now standard across  R&D measures, such as direct
As the case studies throughout this report
many Rio Tinto mines in the Pilbara.14 expenditures, ignore the R&D which
demonstrate, collaborations are the norm
is embodied in capital goods and
rather than the exception when it comes Gudai-Darri also features a full digital
intermediate inputs, including the
to enabling mining sector innovation. processing plant replica which allows
contribution of new technology from
teams to monitor and respond to data
other industries to the mining industry
collected from the plant, and provides
a rich, interactive 3D environment for  R&D expenditure does not include
virtual reality training.15 exploration expenditures, which
involves extensive use of high-tech
R&D expenditure trends equipment and often innovative
A leading investor in research and approaches.
development, Australia’s mining industry
R&D investment figures may also not
has invested more than $30 billion in
capture the true extent of investment
R&D since 2005.16
occurring on behalf of the mining industry
R&D expenditures by the mining sector in Australia, as this investment is often
have varied significantly over the years, made by, or in collaboration, with:
from a high of around $4.3 billion in 2008-
 Firms in the METS sector, which play
09 to around $900 million in 2019-20.
a key role in innovating across all
Whereas the mining sector was ranked
aspects of exploration, mining and
second behind manufacturing in 2008-09,
minerals processing
it is now ranked fourth behind financial
and insurance services, and professional,  Leading technology suppliers such
scientific and technical services.17 as Caterpillar, Komatsu, Epiroc,
Hastings Deering and Sandvik who
Around 40 per cent of mining R&D relates
develop new equipment in close
to exploration and other support services.
coordination with their mining
Exploration expenditures positively
customers, focusing particularly
correlate to the commodity cycle and the
on automation and electromobility
discovery of new deposits. Exploration
expenditure reached $950 million in  Research agencies such as CRCs,
December 2021 compared to less than universities and crucially, the CSIRO.

the
16 digital mine
FIGURE 4

Mining patent registrations by country


1990 - 2015 (Share %)
Source: World Intellectual Property Organisation

18

16

14

12 1 1 Chile
IL E 2 South Africa
CH
10 R ICA 2 3 Australia
H AF
SO
UT 4 Canada

8
5 Russian Fed.
6 China
7 United States
6
L IA 3 8 Brazil
AU STR A
9 France
4
10 Rep. of Korea

0
1991-95 1996-2000 2001-2005 2006-2010 2011-2015

Patent trends
FIGURE 5
There has been a global surge in new from 1990-2015 in relation to environmental
technology patent applications across services.20 These patents have focused Patent filings by technology
the mining sector over the last 10 years.19 on the treatment of waste water or soil, 1997- 2017
While patent data gives an overview waste disposal, or on land reclamation, Source: World Intellectual Property Organisation
of technological developments related with 2446 patents registered.21
to the mining industry, it also has some Australia’s top three mining patent filers Mining operation
limitations. For instance, not all mining - Rio Tinto, BHP and CSIRO - contributed Mining 1195
innovation is patented and trade secrets 15 per cent of total mining sector filings, Processing 202
and tacit knowledge are an important around 60 per cent of which related
part of mining innovation. Blasting 76
to metal refining technology.22 Figure
Nonetheless, the share of patents 5 shows a breakdown of patents by Support services
originating from the Australian mining components.
Environmental 394
sector is high (Figure 4). Australia has  Mining operation technologies account
Transport 172
increased its share of patents across for 45 per cent of all patents filed
all elements of the mining value chain Automation 2
 Metal production account for 21 per
from exploration, blasting, mining and cent of all patents filed
Metal production
processing to refining, metallurgy
 Exploration technologies account for Refining 690
and transportation.
18 per cent of all patents filed
Australia’s mining industry has also sought Metallurgy 10
 Support services account for 17 per
to improve sustainability outcomes through
cent of all patents filed. Exploration technology
innovation. Australian mining is ranked
Exploration 570
sixth globally in terms of patents issued

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 17


THE INNOVATORS _

Mining workforce
Australia’s mining and minerals workforce port controllers and autonomous mine Training of this nature ensures that
is responsible for driving innovation and systems controllers. employees are able to use the equipment
making the nation a global resources safely in their current role, as well as
This digital transformation provides
powerhouse. The workforce continues provides a transferable skill that can be
workforce opportunities and challenges.
to go from strength to strength - it has used to obtain future roles. The challenge
trebled since 2005 and more than 70 per New and changing occupations are for governments is ensuring that this
cent of employees hold a qualification.23 becoming more accessible to more people. upskilling is appropriately recognised
The barriers of fly-in, fly-out work are through accredited qualifications.
Technology is changing the nature of
being reduced and centralised operation
work and the workforce is responding. In addition to recognising new skills
centres allow people in metropolitan areas
In 2018, the MCA commissioned a first- through formal qualifications, the system
to support operations in remote parts of
of-its-kind report into the changing role to recognise new occupations must be
of working in mining as a result of digital the country. This is helping the mining more responsive.
technology. The report found that 77 per workforce improve its diversity with more
An example of the inertia of the current
cent of mining jobs have been enhanced roles becoming more accessible to women
occupation recognition system was
or redesigned by technology, delivering and people with a disability.
that in 2019 the Australian government
better health and safety outcomes as Digital transformation also provides the announced that data scientists would be
well as higher productivity.24 opportunity for existing workforces to classified as ‘information and organisation
New roles commensurate with the transition into higher skilled roles. People professionals NEC’ - a group that also
continued evolution of the sector are with experience in mining are highly valued includes electoral officers and lobbyists
also emerging, such as automation and as plant and equipment is replaced, - because this emerging and in-demand
engineers, integrated remote operating original equipment manufacturers deliver occupation was not previously classified
centre controllers, remote operations onsite upskilling for experienced workers. by ANZSCO.25

FIGURE 6

Domestic STEM students by gender


2001 - 2020
Source: Department of Education

Female Male

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

the
18 digital mine
Investing in skills
Rio Tinto launched
Australia’s first accredited
automation qualification
in partnership with South
Metropolitan TAFE and the
WA government in 2019.
The Certificate II looks at
data driven processes in
an autonomous workplace
and the human-machine
interface. Technology is
transforming mining skills
with traditional mining trades
increasingly incorporating
elements of computing, and
new career paths, such as
mechatronics alongside
virtual reality, advancing the
digital ambitions of mining
companies.

 Rio Tinto launched Australia’s first accredited automation qualification in 2019.

Formal recognition of new and emerging double the growth rate for all jobs in the
occupations is required to: Australian economy.26

 Enable accurate labour market data Ensuring a diversity of tech professionals


essential for workforce planning working in Australia’s mining industry
It will take until
is just as significant as ensuring the
2099 to achieve a
 Promote career pathways
workforce keeps pace with future demand. gender balance in
 Ensure skills and training package the STEM university
development and qualification The Australian mining industry is taking
pipeline based on
recognition action to achieve a gender balance across
the workforce. A risk to achieving this
the current rate
 Ensure that skilled migration pathways, of growth.27
which are occupation rather than goal is the current diversity trends within
skills based, are included. education pathways.

While the pace of digital transformation Although enrolment growth is stronger


across the mining sector is unprecedented, in university STEM programs for women,
other industries are also undergoing a gender imbalances inherent to the current
similar transformation. This is increasing pipeline remain. Based on a 10-year
competition for technology professionals compound annual growth rate to 2020, it
in all industries. Tech sector jobs have will take until 2099 to achieve a gender
grown by 66 per cent since 2005 - almost balance in the STEM university pipeline.27

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 19


THE INNOVATORS _

METS sector
Australia is recognised globally as BHP’s Supplier Innovation Program and broader range of unique and innovative
the market leader in mining equipment, CORE Innovation Hub are examples of solutions. It also makes it easier for the
technology and services (METS) across the role the METS sector plays in terms METS sector to access opportunities for
many different technology platforms of generating innovations. ongoing work with BHP while retaining their
and commodity segments. intellectual property. To date, 10 Supplier
Supplier Innovation Program
According to METS Ignited (part of the Innovation Program Challenges have been
BHP crowd-sources solutions to technical launched, with pilot solutions running
Australian Government’s Industry Growth
challenges through its Supplier Innovation at BHP’s coal mining operations, at its
Centres), the METS sector contributes
Program Challenges. Its November 2021 Western Australian iron ore operations,
$92 billion in gross value to the Australian
Challenges were launched in collaboration
economy and employs around 500,000 and at Olympic Dam in South Australia.
with Austmine (the METS sector industry
people directly.28
association).31 Suppliers were asked: CORE Innovation Hub
A key driver and enabler of innovation
 How visibility can be improved on In 2021, CORE Innovation Hub and
in mineral resources, METS organisations
tyre handling machines BHP announced the launch of the first
accounted for around 75 per cent of all
centre of excellence in Newman, Western
patents filed in the Australian mining  How the jacks used with dozers
in maintenance workshops can be Australia. CORE Innovation Hub facilitates
sector between 1994 and 2011.29
modernised to make the process of growth for resources and energy-based
The METS sector is expected to play start-ups and SMEs.
raising the 100+ tonne machines
three important roles in the mining sector
safer and more efficient The METS specialist hub, co-working
in the context of the industry’s future
 How diesel-powered haul truck fleets and education space will support the
digital transformation:
(which account for around 80 per cent surrounding region and be powered by
 A driver developing and bringing new of a mine’s total emissions) can be BHP. The initial 12-month project aims to
innovations to the mining sector increase the viability and access to local
electrified in a sustainable and efficient
 A translator converting scientific way. This challenge resulted in eight businesses along the METS supply chain,
and technological breakthroughs into winning concepts from countries helping diversify the regional economy.
operational-ready solutions including Australia, Switzerland, Japan, The Newman hub will also aim to stimulate
Denmark, the UK and North America. employment opportunities and facilitate
 An integrator bringing disparate
technologies together and making them Differing from traditional tender methods, the sharing of innovative ideas to grow
work in a unique or novel way.30 this approach gives BHP access to a the METS industry capabilities.32

FIGURE 7

Regional impact of METS and mining


Source: METS Ignited

$38 B $18 B $15 B


Pilbara Region Bowen-Surat Region Hunter Region
Western Australia Queensland New South Wales
Representing 88% of total Representing 63% of total Representing 34% of total
regional economic activity. regional economic activity. regional economic activity.

the
20 digital mine
EV batteries
Glencore has signed a multi-
year agreement to supply
General Motors (GM) with
cobalt from Glencore’s Murrin
Murrin operation in Western
Australia. Cobalt is a critical
metal for the production of
most EV batteries. The cobalt
processed from Australia
will be used in GM’s Ultium
battery cathodes to power
EVs such as the Chevrolet
Silverado EV, GMC HUMMER
EV and Cadillac LYRIQ.

 Glencore’s Murrin Murrin operation will supply General Motors with cobalt for battery cathodes.

Original equipment manufacturers and technology suppliers


Technologies developed by third parties The collaboration will help shape the truck concept for a haulage vehicle
are another way the mining industry processes, technology and infrastructure that can run on a variety of power sources,
innovates, hence the historical importance required to support zero emissions including battery power and hydrogen.
of specialist suppliers, especially machinery machines and the mine sites of the future. Another notable example of a recent
and equipment suppliers, in mining nations Another critical element of the collaboration local collaboration involving equipment
such as Australia, Canada and the USA.33 will be to extend the parties’ efforts to suppliers and mining businesses is the
support a more inclusive mining industry Electric Mine Consortium. Established by
Collaboration can take different forms
through the development of machines that 14 companies, including Sandvik Mining
- outsourcing, open source, alliances,
can be operated and serviced by a broader and Rock Solutions, South32, OZ Minerals,
and joint ventures - depending on the
range of the workforce. IGO, Gold Fields, Barminco and led by
type of technology to be developed, the
development timeframe, as well as the Rio Tinto’s alliance with Komatsu is another State of Play, the consortium aims to find
underlying incentives for development. partnership fast tracking the development solutions to help reduce scope 1 and 2
and implementation of zero emissions emissions in line with global objectives.34, 35
BHP’s long-term alliance with Caterpillar,
mining haulage solutions, including haul Electrification is considered to be a
for example, is a partnership to develop
trucks. Rio Tinto will conduct a pre- gamechanger for the mining industry as it
and deploy zero emissions mining trucks to
production trial of the new equipment at drastically reduces emissions and exposure
reduce operational emissions. To support
a Rio Tinto site and have the option to to diesel particulates underground, as well
progress towards its goal, BHP will have
purchase some of the first trucks from as being a key technical foundation for the
early access to zero emissions equipment
Komatsu once they are commercially viable. automation of mining equipment.
developed by Caterpillar and Caterpillar will
facilitate hands-on learning opportunities Rio Tinto has also joined Komatsu’s newly
to ensure successful deployment of the launched Greenhouse Gas Alliance, which
trucks at BHP sites. aims to advance Komatsu’s power agnostic

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 21


THE INNOVATORS _

University-led research  Mining Research Centre (MRC) and the There are currently four CRCs directly
Centre for Infrastructure and Mining related to mining and a further two
The university research sector supports Safety (CIPMS) at the University of indirectly related CRCs including:
Australian mining industry innovation by Wollongong, which are focused on the
educating the next generation of mining  Transformations in Mining Economies
coal mining industry (TiME) CRC, which aims to develop
engineers and scientists, undertaking
 Sydney Centre in Geomechanics innovative solutions to mine closure
scientific research in fields such as geology
and Mining Materials (SciGEM) at and post-mine economic transitions
and chemistry, as well as more targeted
the University of Sydney, which
industry-facing research to address  The CRC for Optimising Resource
undertakes world-leading research Extraction (CRCORE), which ended
specific engineering problems.
in geomechanics, geotechnical its government-funded term in June
Such research efforts are jointly funded by engineering and granular mechanics 2021. CRCORE’s research program
the Australian government, which awards
 University of Tasmania’s Centre focused on productivity, energy and
grants to universities, and the mining firms
for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences water use in mining has continued
themselves. The level of collaboration
(CODES), which focuses on locating under the Future Research Program in
between mining and universities is very
ore deposits, geo-metallurgy, tectonics collaboration with the CSIRO
high and involves not only direct funding
and volcanic processes, and its
but on-site collaborative research, use of  Mineral Exploration CRC (MinEx),
Transforming the Mining Value Chain which is focused on innovation
machines, equipment and computing power,
(TMVC), which has a focus on the in drilling, including locations and
and training for early career academics.
efficient discovery of new ore zones definitions of mineral deposits
Australian universities dominate global around current mine infrastructure.
rankings for mining-related disciplines.  Heavy Industry Low Carbon Transition
Curtin University, the University of New (HILT) CRC, which is focused on ‘green’
South Wales (UNSW), the University of Cooperative Research minerals processing (e.g. green iron
Western Australia (UWA) and the University Centres (CRCs) products from magnetite) and utilising
of Queensland (UQ) are ranked in the top low carbon energy sources such as
five universities for mining engineering The Cooperative Research Centre hydrogen, solar thermal and biomass.
and are similarly highly ranked for mining Program is an integral part of the
The two CRCs indirectly related to mining
research.36 This report has identified 24 Australian industrial research and
research and innovation are:
university-led mining research institutions innovation landscape. CRCs are designed
in Australia. The largest include: to support Australian industrial innovation  Future Fuels CRC, which is focused
by connecting academic research on the demonstration and optimisation
 Newcastle Institute for Energy and institutions to industry, drawing on of low carbon fuel technologies for
Resources (NIER) at the University of both private and public funding and Australian conditions
Newcastle, which hosts 19 research sharing intellectual property, insights,
centres, collaborates with 173 industry  The CRC for Reliable Affordable
experience and best practice. Clean Energy (Race for 2030), which
partners and supports 257 PhD
Established in the early 1990s, the CRC is focused on decarbonisation of
students
Program has grown over two decades to industrial processes and maximising
 Sustainable Minerals Institute average $167 million per year in nominal energy productivity for industrial use.
(SMI) at the UQ, which houses terms. Commonwealth funding for the
seven research centres and one Program in 2021-22 was $189 million.
commercialisation entity
CRCs generally have a limited lifespan
 Institute for Geoscience Research of seven to 10 years, after which many
(TIGeR), which houses five research transform into privately funded research
groups, and the Western Australia entities or commercial spin-offs.
School of Mines based at Curtin
University

 Australian Critical Minerals Research


Centre at the University of Adelaide,
which hosts three programs related
to discovery, mineral chemistry and
mineral processing

the
22 digital mine
CSIRO’s In-situ
Resource Utilisation
(ISRU) Facility
The ISRU Facility is shared
with mining, automation
and AI experts and includes
a mission control room, a
sealed area that houses a
reconfigurable landscape,
significant amounts of
lunar regolith simulant, and
dedicated areas for payload
and subsystem testing.

CSIRO-led research
collaborations
CSIRO is the Commonwealth
Government’s principle scientific and
industrial research organisation. More
than four decades old, the CSIRO has
made a significant contribution to mining
research and innovation.
CSIRO partners with other Australian
and international research institutions and
mining firms. Total CSIRO funding in 2020-
21 was $961 million, and it is estimated that
up to $100 million per year is invested in
mining-related research.
At any given time, CSIRO is actively
involved in hundreds of industrial research
projects, and while many do not achieve
stated objectives, or only have marginal
benefit, some projects transition to highly
successful commercial ventures.

FIGURE 8

Successful CSIRO mining research projects


Source: CSIRO

Drill core research Laser analysis NextOre Longwall automation


CSIRO developed a $7 million Laser Induced Breakdown NextOre’s ore sorter is able to CSIRO’s longwall shearer
unique drill core lab to facilitate Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a rapid detect the magnetic resonance automation, which was
multiple disciplinary techniques chemical analysis tool used signatures of many minerals, developed from early space
for visualising and classifying to detect and characterise including the most common industry technologies, has been
geochemical data from drill holes materials. CSIRO, in partnership economically significant iron and adapted and is now being used
and cores. The only facility of with Australian gold producer copper-bearing minerals. It also in underground coal mines
its kind in Australia, the lab will Northern Star Resources, will use has the ability to detect arsenic- around the world. The research
help unlock Australia’s critical the LIBS technology to generate bearing minerals that are often improved underground longwall
minerals by extracting more highly detailed, accurate mineral positively correlated with gold in coal mine productivity by
data from drill core analyses. maps from core sample data. sulphide ore deposits. around 5 per cent.37

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 23


THE INNOVATORS _

Strengthening the innovation ecosystem


If Australian mining is to maintain its and indicators highlighting the relative Economic Forum’s executive survey)
position as a global innovation leader, ease of starting a business
 Shrinking research talent in business
a supportive innovation ecosystem is
 Government funding as a percentage in terms of researchers engaged in
required. In the same way technology
of gross domestic product for the conception or creation of new
rapidly develops, so too should the
secondary schools knowledge, products, processes,
innovation ecosystem.
 Strong QS World University rankings methods and systems in firms.
Since 2007, the World Intellectual
Property Organisation has compiled the  Market sophistication with a strong Mining engineers
Global Innovation Index (GII). Using 81 performance on ease of access to The other area of concern for the
indicators across seven categories, the credit and trade tariff reform. innovation ecosystem, and the industry
GII ranks the innovation ecosystem in A number of indicators highlight several more broadly, is the shortage of mining
132 countries and provides comparative weaknesses in Australia’s innovation engineers. Mining engineers plan and
analysis of countries with a similar ecosystem. Australia is ranked: manage all engineering aspects of locating
income standard.38 and extracting metals and minerals
 88th in pipeline of university graduates
According to the GII, global innovation in science and engineering from the earth.
leaders in 2021 were Switzerland, Sweden, The National Skills Commission Skills
and the United States. Australia ranked  87th in labour productivity growth
Priority List 2021 found mining engineers
26th globally, 25th compared to other  66th in infrastructure, with low scores
were in national shortage and forecast
high income countries and 6th in the for capital formation as a percentage
strong future demand.39 Around 300
Indo-Pacific region. of gross domestic product
graduate mining engineers are required
Nevertheless, Australia’s performance  77th in ecological sustainability, each year to sustain the industry,
was considered above expectations with low gross domestic product for according to estimates.40 Demand for
for our level of development. Some of energy use. mining engineers will increase by 21 per
the strengths of Australia’s innovation Relative to other high income countries, cent from 3900 in 2020 to 4732 in 2040.41
ecosystem are: Australia’s other weaknesses include: There has been a significant downward
 Institutions with high scores  Lack of university-industry R&D trend in graduates since 2016, with only
 A competitive regulatory environment collaboration (based on the World 87 graduating in 2021.42

FIGURE 9

Mining engineer graduates by university


2009 - 2021
Source: Professor Peter Knights, School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, University of Queensland

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
University of WA 14 18 23 22 32 46 51 40 29 10 13 16 19
Monash University 11 10 12 8 6 10 6
Federation University 4 9 18 6 3 2 0
University of Wollongong 16 27 23 34 49 24 35 31 30 29 12 12 6
Curtin University 61 43 69 61 71 52 56 53 36 26 22 20 27
University of Queensland 45 57 50 44 46 73 65 53 40 22 14 18 12
University of NSW 50 53 50 54 52 50 78 68 86 58 32 21 14
University of Adelaide 36 34 39 47 42 33 33 26 19 7 3 3

the
24 digital mine
Cathode pilot plant
FBICRC pilot plant key step The Future Battery Industries
Cooperative Research
in Australia capturing battery Centre (FBICRC) launched
opportunity its Cathode Precursor
Production Pilot Plant in
Image: Trevor Collens, The West Australian

2022. An Australian first, the


pilot plant will establish the
technology and capabilities
to design and build cathode
precursor manufacturing
facilities on a commercial
and industrial scale. Working
with industry, research
and government partners,
FBICRC is working to expand
Australia’s presence in the
global battery value chain.

 Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre Chief Executive Shannon O’Rourke.

FIGURE 10

Australian mining engineer graduates


2009 - 2021
Source: Professor Peter Knights, School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, University of Queensland

350 333 There has


297 297 been a significant
300 287
270 downward trend
249 254 in graduates since
250 234
2016, with only
200 186
87 graduating
179
in 2021.42
150

111
104
100 87

50

0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 25


electric haul trucks
Electric trucks are replacing diesel
trucks on some mine sites. Miners
are also researching hydrogen
drones powered haul trucks.

Drones are used to survey,


monitor and inspect mine
3d imaging operations and rehabilitation,
3D imaging is used to target providing real time data.
exploration efforts for
greater efficiency.

autonomous machines
From trucks to trains to drills,
autonomous machines can be
operated remotely, removing
humans from harms way.

integrated operations centres


IOCs monitor and analyse data from
across an operation to provide
real time actionable intel.

ore sorting sensors


Sensor-based ore sorting
reduces waste and improves
efficiencies, maximising
mineral recovery.

wearable tech
From health diagnostics to
maps and schematics, smart
helmets, glasses and other
wearable tech is improving
safety and productivity.

the
26
digital mine
precision mining
GPS technology informs every
aspect of an operation from
pit to port, for greater safety,
effiency and productivity.

Virtual reality
From skills development to
remote maintenance, virtual and
augmented reality is used to
keep workers safe and machinery
functioning efficiently.

blockchain
Blockchain provides
product assurance and
provenance documentation
for customers.
predictive maintenance
Maintenance schedules are
optimised from data collected
from a complex network of
equipment sensors.

3d printing
3D printing and laser scanning
can be used to produce spare
alternative energy parts on remote mine sites,
Miners are turning to wind saving time and money.
and solar energy, as well battery
storage, to reduce emissions and
power off-grid operations.

logistics
Blockchain along with AI
and machine learning support
commodity and financial markets,
facilitating faster transactions
and more informed decisions.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 27


artificial
intelligence
AI technology is embedded across the mining industry, integrating real-time data and
analytics to improve worker safety, enhance decision-making and optimise processes.

ARTIFICiAL INTELLIGENCE
Applications Advanced algorithms and improvements By creating new geological models, discovering
in mining: in computing power make it possible for AI new deposits, and optimising new exploration
machines to learn from experience and perform activity in the most prospective areas, AI
human-like tasks.43 There are three ways in technology is a critical component in ensuring
which AI machines learn: that historical data is analysed in the most
productive way. Perhaps most significantly, all
 Unsupervised Learning whereby the
program looks for patterns in data of these operations can be completed without
a single new drill hole being dug.
CE
PR

D  Supervised Learning whereby a person


N
E

IC A
TIV EN Asset optimisation is also greatly enhanced
E M AIN T trains the AI to understand and optimise
it’s environment by using AI to analyse data from machines,
enhancing productivity and sustainability and
 Reinforcement Learning whereby the eliminating inefficient operations. For example,
AI trains itself.44 Rio Tinto has an ore crusher at an iron ore
This technology opens up new possibilities processing plant that can talk to trucks and
to analyse big data sets to solve problems let them know when it needs more ore.
S
EX

IC

L and optimise operations. It has a range of


P

O
RA H
Y AI is also an important tool improving mine
T IO N G E O P
applications in the mining industry, from safety, analysing real time data from sensors
analysing geological and exploration data, and other analytics to better understand when
performance data from machinery, safety data changes in factors such as temperature or
and production process data. AI is making mining vibrations can lead to danger. Warnings can be
safer, more productive and more sustainable. issued in advance to machine operators and
The ability to reanalyse decades and decades drivers, thus preventing accidents and injuries.
TS
PR

EN
OD

of exploration data has significant potential in


M

C
U

TI E
V IT
Y ENHA
NC terms of improving the industry’s productivity,
profitability and sustainability.

the
28 digital mine
E
A

C
T

R
IF N
IC E
IA L IG
IN T E L L

BHP partners with AI explorer KoBold Metals


BHP has partnered with Silicon Valley Deploying new technologies to analyse
based minerals explorer KoBold Metals to existing data is helping explorers discover
find the next wave of minerals critical for previously overlooked mineral deposits.
the manufacture of EVs and renewable As shallow resources have been mined,
energy, such as copper and nickel. AI is particularly important to discover
Kobold Metals is using machine learning remaining resources deeper underground.
and AI to analyse historical exploration KoBold Metals’ billionaire investors include
data drawn from an area greater than Microsoft’s Bill Gates, Bloomberg’s Michael
500,000 km² in Western Australia. Bloomberg and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos.

BHP and KoBold Metals have teamed up to unearth battery minerals in Western Australia.

ARTIFICiAL INTELLIGENCE

Rio Tinto wields AI


like a Jedi master
Rio Tinto is one of Australia’s most
innovative miners and is leading the way
in the utilisation of AI to make better
and faster decisions. Mine controllers
at integrated operations centres use AI
insights to better manage and maintain
all manner of equipment often located on
mine sites thousands of kilometres away.
Rio Tinto’s AI system is so advanced it
provides insights into what may happen
up to 45 minutes in the future by merging
real time data with historical data across
20 systems. In a 12-hour shift, more than
6 million data points can be analysed. The
system’s predictive modelling capabilities
can simulate 400 decisions and resulting
impacts in just 60 seconds, and select the
most likely outcome in 300 milliseconds -
a third of the time it takes to blink.
AI is not replacing human controllers
but instead provides a tool to enhance
decision making while removing the burden
of undertaking low-value repetitive tasks.

 AI helps controllers at Rio Tinto make decisions, sometimes thousands of kilometres from the mine site.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 29


augmented &
virtual reality
Augmented and virtual reality technologies enhance the physical world by superimposing
digital data like sounds, images and text on the real world.

Augmented & virtual reality


Applications Augmented and virtual reality technologies  Deployed in the cabins of machinery
in mining: offer an immersive digital experience which through heads up displays or smart glasses
replaces the real world with a simulated one. The to optimise operator performance.
first AR head-mounted display was developed
When integrated with other advanced
in 1968 by Harvard computer scientist Ivan
technologies, operational data can be extracted
Sutherland. Since then the technology has
from these systems and analysed to improve
been advanced by universities, companies and
safety, productivity and performance.
government agencies for applications ranging
S
AF G from aviation, military and industrial purposes, VR is frequently used to train people in tasks that
N
ETY NI
TR AI involve hazardous or remote environments. Mining
as well as mining.
companies use VR simulators to train machine
Humans have five senses but the way in which
operators from the safety and comfort of high
information is processed from these senses is
tech consoles, often in metropolitan areas.
completely different. Sight is perhaps the most
significant sense in terms of information access A key enabler of deploying VR for real world
by humans. An estimated 80 to 90 per cent of training is Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)
the information humans receive is accessed technology that uses a pulsed laser to collect
N

K
S

IL O
LS TI measurement. From these measurements virtual
& EDUCA through sight. AR is a powerful support tool to
enhance and enable these processes. models can be made. LiDAR technology can be
deployed on drones to survey large areas quickly
The mining industry is increasingly utilising
and relatively cheaply.
AR and VR technology in many forms:

 Schematics which can be delivered as


interactive 3D holograms, guiding people
through complicated tasks
E
R

M
E

OT N
A
E M A N TEN
I

the
30 digital mine
TY
V IR

LI
TU

A
A

E
L R
& D
AU
GMEN TE

Advanced simulators guide new employees


New employees at New Hope’s Bengalla Large touch-screens allow trainees to do
coal mine in the Hunter Valley clock hours a virtual ‘walk-around’ of their machines,
in an advanced VR simulator before they looking for maintenance and other issues
climb into the driver’s seat of a 500 tonne, and learning the difference between worn
seven metre high Hitachi dump truck. and damaged parts.
Mine site roads, stop signs and other Employee training in Australian mining is
infrastructure are programmed into the world-leading, with immersive technologies
simulator to provide a highly realistic, safe, used by many mining companies to ensure
modern and effective training platform. workforce safety and efficiency.

Bengalla safety trainers help new employees learn the ropes in an advanced VR simulator.

augmented & virtual reality

Komatsu uses AR
to improve safety
Leading original equipment manufacturer
Komatsu has deployed semi-automated
teleoperation equipment capabilities to
reduce cycle times and combat operator
fatigue. The system displays real time
feedback on movements by the machine
based on the production plan.
Using the machine’s on-board sensors,
each load moved is calculated and data
is collected to provide insights on how to
improve productivity, safety and reduce
operating costs. The system also provides
360 degree views to improve visibility
of objects and potential hazards.
Data collected through the system is
used for online real time coaching as
well as offline coaching. To complement
the technology, an operator guidance
and coaching function is also under
development leveraging AR technology.
Komatsu’s semi-automated teleoperation
is an example of technology enhancing
existing roles rather than replacing them.

 Komatsu’s real time teleoperated excavator in action.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 31


big data
analysis
Big data analysis helps mining companies make good use of the vast amounts of data
collected from equipment and machinery daily to optimise safety, supply and productivity.

big data analysis


Applications Big data goes beyond the collection of lots One of the most impactful applications of big
in mining: of data. It is about the value that can be data in the mining industry is in the exploratory
extracted from data, the way data is harvested phase of minerals extraction. By combining
from different sources, and the way new large databases that include mineral evolution
and innovative analyses can be applied to data, geospatial information, mineral occurrence
existing data in order to better understand the frequency, as well as historical datasets and
information that has been collected. modelling on exhausted deposits, data scientists
There is an abundance of sensors, instruments and geologists are able to generate models
N
TA

R
IO

G
ET A T
and processes that make up modern life. Big to predict mineral occurrence with greater
ED EXPL OR
data is working in the background analysing this accuracy and certainty.
constant stream of data to inform a myriad of Much like AI, big data has the potential to
decisions impacting every aspect of our lives. significantly improve the productivity, efficiency
Whether its data about the physical world, and sustainability of exploratory operations, while
commodities, financial markets, social media also minimising disruptive exploratory practices
or historical data, big data systems are able to in and around potential minerals deposits.
identify trends and help predict the future.
Y
IM

P
C

RO N
VE IE
D E F F IC
When applied to mining, big data has the ability
to facilitate faster and more informed business
decisions enhanced by predictive analytics.
Virtually no part of the mining value chain cannot
be enhanced by big data systems. It leverages
and amplifies the benefits of AI, machine
learning, IoT and sophisticated sensors.
N
O

TI
TI
P

M
IS E UC
D P ROD

the
32 digital mine
BI S
G
DA SI
T A A N A LY

Data science reshaping career pathways


Big data is driving new occupations and energy sector. Data analysis and data
skills development across the mining and digital literacy are two of the fastest
industry. Employees at South32’s silver growing mining skill sets.
and lead Cannington mine in Queensland
Mining companies will recruit thousands
are helping develop the next generation of
of data scientists over the next decade
scientists, engineers and coders.
to support mining’s digital transformation.
The STEM4Schoolkids workshop at Data scientists will work alongside
St Laurence’s College in Brisbane provides geotechnical engineers, mining engineers,
hands-on activities to demonstrate the geologists, metallurgists and process
role STEM plays in the minerals and technicians in the future workforce.

Technology is reshaping traditional mining careers.

big data analysis

Data analytics making


mining more productive
Geoscience Australia has released a
magnetotellurics (MT) model that uses
electrical conductivity to analyse mineral
compositions from tens to hundreds of
kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface.
The model is part of the $225 million
Exploring for the Future program which
could uncover future critical minerals
deposits, such as copper, nickel and
rare earth elements.
The model produced from newly
collected data covers more than one
million square kilometres of northern
Australia and reveals distinguishing
electrical conductivity features that
can be used to indicate previously
undiscovered mineral deposits.
New models and better data analytics
are making mining more productive by
increasing the resource identification
per metre drilled. This also means less
disturbance to the environment, land
holders and local communities.
For more information: eftf.ga.gov.au
 Geoscience Australia’s Dr Wenping Jiang deploying MT instrumentation.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 33


Blockchain
technology
Blockchain is an open, decentralised digital public ledger that can record transactions
between two parties in a verifiable and permanent way.45

blockchain technology
Applications Blockchain guarantees digital transactions are Adoption of TSM may allow for accreditation
in mining: authentic and unaltered, and is increasingly under international standards. Mining companies
finding favour in the mining industry to support are also using blockchain to ensure the origin of
efforts to demonstrate the provenance of inputs such as energy are authenticated and in
sustainably mined minerals. line with corporate commitments.
Blockchain works by storing data in blocks, The business of mining involves a significant
connected through cryptography. New data number of transactions, both international and
CE
CO

forms a new block, and is subsequently chained domestic. While many of these transactions are
N

P
R

O A
RA
TE G OV E R
N to the previous block, leaving a permanent still paper based, such as commodity shipping,
record that cannot be deleted. blockchain can enable the digital exchange of
While blockchain’s applications are not yet data which improves efficiency and accuracy.
widespread, its applicability and future impact In some circumstances, blockchain can also be
has the potential to completely redefine the used to automate transactions.
transaction process.46 Current applications for The former federal government invested
blockchain in mining include mineral provenance, $3 million in a pilot program in the 2021-22
Y
EN

IT

A
H

IL

N
CE A
B as well as business input sources and improved Budget to increase competition, simplify
D S U S TA IN
transactions. processes and reduce costs to support the
The ability to trace the origin of metals and critical minerals sector in Australia.47 Queensland
company Everledger was supported to research
minerals is important for ESG certification,
how blockchain technology can provide a digital
particularly as more and more companies make
certification for critical minerals across the
commitments to responsible sourcing. Australian
supply chain.
mining has recently adopted the award winning
CY
GR

Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) accountability


N

AT
E

E
ER R
T R A N SPA framework which helps minerals companies
evaluate, manage and communicate their
sustainability performance.

the
34 digital mine
Y
BL

G
O
C

O
KC L
HA NO
IN T E C H

Tracing emissions from nickel used in EVs


In a recent pilot, BHP traced a nickel This initiative will help support traceability
shipment from its Nickel West mine in and sustainability for end customers
Western Australia to Tesla’s Gigafactory across the battery supply chain.
in Shanghai. Blockchain technology was
As well as a more ethical supply chain,
used to confirm the provenance and
miners are increasingly looking to
quality of the nickel.
blockchain technology to mitigate supply
BHP’s Nickel West asset has one of issues, improve transparency, accuracy
the world’s lowest operational carbon and efficiency of transactions, as well
emissions intensities for nickel mining. as support decarbonisation initiatives.

BHP’s Nickel West mine has one of the world’s lowest operational emissions intensities.

Blockchain technology

From mine to market it


starts with blockchain
Rio Tinto has set a new standard in
transparency and traceability with the
launch of blockchain platform START,
a ‘nutrition label’ for the transparent and
responsible production of aluminium.
START will help customers meet consumer
demand for greater transparency on
where and how the aluminium products
they purchase are made. The START
sustainability label is now available for
aluminium purchased from Rio Tinto
managed operations globally.
Customers receive a digital sustainability
label - similar to a nutrition label found
on food and drink packaging - containing
key information about the site where the
aluminium was responsibly produced,
including carbon footprint, water use,
energy sources and recycled content.
START helps end-users differentiate
between end products based on their ESG
credentials, enabling them to contribute
to a more sustainable future.

 Rio Tinto’s Yarwun alumina refinery in Central Queensland.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 35


digital
twins
A digital twin is a virtual copy of an object or system that is updated with real-time data
and uses powerful simulations and machine learning to enhance decision making.

digital twins
Applications Digital twin technology was pioneered in Bottlenecks are able to be identified and
in mining: the 1970s by NASA, and first utilised during removed, and the impact of potentially unsafe
the Apollo 13 Program. At the time, engineers or inefficient scenarios can be tested in a virtual
in mission control needed to be able to analyse world without any disruption to operations.
and simulate impacts on the spacecraft from
Digital twins also enable greater collaboration
the extreme conditions in space. This was
between people right across a company. There is
done using a combination of physical and
no tyranny of distance in the digital world, which
mathematical models.
makes this technology a major gamechanger for
S
PR

O
CE IO
SS S AT Today, with the aid of drones, big data, an industry that operates in remote regions.
IM UL
sophisticated sensors, 4D visualisation, AI,
machine learning and IoT, a digital render
can be produced with precision and updated
as real time data is continually added.
In the mining industry, digital twins are used to
improve productivity and safety on mine sites, as
G
E

well as ensuring operations are fully integrated


N

H I
N

AN LL
CED MODE
from pit to port and working efficiently with
minerals processing facilities.
Similar to automation, digital twins do not
replace the critical decision making role of
people; instead it is tool to facilitate improved
decision-making by people. Decisions are
informed by virtual simulations which in the
N

M
E

IS I
SI CT
ONS
R EDU past could have increased the risk of damage
to production processes.

the
36 digital mine
DI S
GIT
A L T W IN

Digital tools to meet the raw material challenge


Maptek has partnered with PETRA to metallurgy and process control to optimise
develop digital twin ore bodies to optimise resource recovery. Machine learning
mine design and resource recovery. The is also used to conduct mathematical
technology provides miners with a new optimisation to identify which factors lead
planning tool where petrographic and to the best resource recovery rate.
geochemical studies are not definitive.
This technology is making previously
Digital twin simulations enable engineers uneconomic deposits more economically
to virtually adjust ‘levers’ showing future viable and will help Australian miners to
scenarios around mine planning, blasting, meet the global raw material challenge.

Maptek and PETRA are optimising mine design and resource recovery.

digital twins
Digital twin improves
productivity at Telfer
Newcrest has deployed digital twin
technology to improve productivity at its
Telfer mine in the Great Sandy Desert.
The virtual copy of the copper flotation
circuit allows for simulations to occur in
parallel without impacting operations.
Operating a copper flotation circuit is
traditionally a complicated task. Not only
is performance measured in grade, but
also recovery objectives. This involves
many pieces of equipment and hundreds
of data sensors that require constant
management. Once calibrated, the digital
twin supports constant monitoring by
alerting operators to deviations.
Copper is a key mineral for electrification
and making copper mining and processing
more productive is critical to meet the
raw material challenge.
Newcrest is also constructing a digital
replica of its Cadia gold, copper, silver
and molybdenum mine near Orange in
New South Wales using real-time data
from sensors to help plan changes
and maintenance.
 Digital twin technology is boosting productivity at Newcrest.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 37


Hydrogen
energy
Hydrogen has the potential to support the decarbonisation of mining operations by
storing renewable energy to generate electricity and power mine vehicles and trucks.

hydrogen energy
Applications Hydrogen is an energy carrier which, when Hydrogen use today is dominated by industry,
in mining: consumed in a fuel cell, produces only water and is mainly used for oil refining, ammonia
and warm air. Hydrogen can be produced from production, methanol production and steel
energy sources such as gasified coal, natural production. Hydrogen also has the potential to
gas, nuclear energy, gasified biomass and replace coal or coke in steel manufacturing to
renewable electricity. Hydrogen can also be create ‘green steel’.
generated through electrolytic processes, solar
Significant research is also underway to help
driven processes and biological processes.
H
decarbonise the steel industry by using hydrogen
S

Y
DR CK The benefit of hydrogen is its near zero as an energy carrier and reducing agent.
OGEN TRU
greenhouse gas emission output when paired
The Australian government has already
with abated energy sources like carbon capture
identified seven priority prospective hydrogen
and storage for gasified coal, natural gas or
hubs: Bell Bay (Tasmania), Pilbara (Western
gasified biomass. Fuel switching from diesel to
Australia), Gladstone (Queensland), La Trobe
hydrogen in equipment, light vehicles and trucks
Valley (Victoria), Eyre Peninsula (South
can significantly reduce emissions in mining.
Australia), Hunter Valley (New South Wales)
H
YD N
S Anglo American launched a prototype of and Darwin (Northern Territory). These hubs
RO AI
GEN TR
the world’s largest hydrogen powered mine are a mix of existing manufacturing regions
haul truck in May 2022. The 2 MW hydrogen- and new manufacturing areas, offering renewal
battery hybrid truck generates more power than and new economic opportunities, like jobs for
its diesel predecessor and is capable of carrying regional communities.
a 290 tonne payload.
Hydrogen provides an opportunity for Australia
Part of Anglo American’s nuGen™ Zero Emission to develop a new export industry, as well as
H
Haulage Solution, nuGen™ provides a fully decarbonise fuel sources for operations and
YD PS
R O G E N S HI integrated green hydrogen system, consisting manufacturing processes.
of production, fuelling and haulage, with green
hydrogen to be produced at the mine site.

the
38 digital mine
H Y
YD
RO RG
GEN ENE

H2-powered freight trains on horizon for QLD


Anglo American and Australia’s largest operations. If successful, the agreement
rail freight operator Aurizon are working could be extended to further phases of
together to assess the introduction of collaboration, which could include detailed
hydrogen-powered trains for bulk freight engineering and development of a hydrogen
in Queensland. -fuelled heavy haul locomotive prototype.
A feasibility study will explore Anglo American has taken a global lead
the application of Anglo American’s in the development of green hydrogen
proprietary hydrogen fuel cell and battery solutions as part of its commitment to
hybrid power units in heavy haul freight carbon neutral mines by 2040.

Anglo American and Aurizon are assessing the viability of hydrogen-powered heavy haul trains.

hydrogen energy

Collaboration in action
on hydrogen future
Hatch, Anglo American, BHP, and
Fortescue have formed a Green Hydrogen
Consortium to investigate ways of using
low emission hydrogen to help decarbonise
their operations. The collaboration
includes undertaking research, technology
and supply chain development, as well as
piloting green hydrogen technologies to
de-risk and accelerate their update.
Hydrogen has traditionally been carbon-
intensive to produce, either because of
the emissions associated with steam
methane reformation or from the
electricity required to split the water
molecule into hydrogen and oxygen
through electrolysis. Green hydrogen is
produced using electrolysis powered by
renewable energy, hence there are no
associated operational emissions.
The Consortium has been established for
a term of three years and the members
review progress every six months. A
detailed scope of work and a roadmap of
initiatives will be developed.

 Anglo American unveiled a prototype of the world’s largest hydrogen-powered haul truck in May 2022.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 39


integrated
automation
Automation refers to machines which are able to mimic human tasks and repeat
set actions which have been defined as a part of the machine’s ruleset.48

integrated Automation
Applications Integrated automation maximises productivity physically demanding manual tasks outside and
in mining: and efficiency by enabling humans to undertake when operating, around the clock.
more high value, high skilled tasks and roles
Today with autonomous drill systems, a single
while machines undertake mundane, routine
operator in a climate controlled room can
and repetitive tasks.
control multiple drills from a single console. That
There are many phases of automation, console could be proximate to the drill rig or
from partly automated to locally automated, thousands of kilometres away. Autonomous drill
connected and optimised; collaborative and systems allow for increased safety, accuracy
S

U
A

TO L
IL
NO
M O US D
R mobile automation through to autonomous and consistency - all while delivering significant
and economic optimisation. The later stages productivity gains.
of these automated technologies embed other
Autonomous trucks and trains that can be
technological inputs such as the Internet of
remotely controlled and monitored have also
Things, as well as big data, to control and
removed humans from potentially hazardous
coordinate automated machinery.
situations. The performance and operations
While automated drills, haul trucks and trains are of haul trucks can be more easily optimised
S

U
A

used across the mining industry, the technology using machines, alongside AI and digital twins.
K

TO C
NO
MOUS T RU
is also used for corporate functions like By reducing maintenance and fuel costs, these
accounting. The result of this technologically- operations are more efficient and sustainable,
embedded approach to innovation means that while also being much safer for the operators.
safety, production, predictive maintenance and
Some mining companies have reported
environmental monitoring are all enhanced.
productivity gains of up to 30 per cent following
Drilling is an essential part of mining operations. the introduction of automated technology across
In the past, teams of workers were needed to some or most parts of their operations.49
S

U
A

TO IN
NO R A
M OU S T operate a single drilling rig. From exploration
holes to production drilling to plant explosives,
workers were often required to perform

the
40 digital mine
N
IN

IO
E

T
G
RA AT
TE D A UTOM

From pit to port with autonomous trains


Rio Tinto launched the world’s largest Once the train controller sets the route,
robot in 2019. AutoHaul is the first fully a network of computers make decisions
autonomous, long distance, heavy haul about safe speeds and collision avoidance
rail network in the world. to ensure safe, efficient haulage to port.
The 2.4 km long trains are remotely The trains have safely travelled more
monitored by operators at Rio Tinto’s than 4.5 million kilometres autonomously
integrated operations centre in Perth and since they were first deployed in 2019,
travel across a vast network of 1700 km delivering iron ore from 16 mines to ports
of track in outback Western Australia. in Dampier and Cape Lambert.

Rio Tinto’s autonomous heavy haul network launched in June 2019.

integrated automation

Autonomous haul truck


fleet at Boddington
Newmont’s Boddington operation became
the world’s first open pit gold mine with an
autonomous truck fleet in 2021. Newmont
invested $150 million in its Autonomous
Haulage System (AHS) to improve safety
and productivity and extend mine life.
The autonomous haulage fleet of
36 trucks - 29 new Cat 793F haul trucks
and the conversion of another seven
793F vehicles already operating at the
site - reduces fuel usage and associated
emissions by using lower and more
constant revs. Caterpillar reports these
trucks have hauled close to 68 million
kilometres without a lost-time injury
and in some cases boosted overall mine
productivity by close to 30 per cent.
Newmont operations, maintenance and
support systems personnel are learning
new skills to support adoption of the
AHS technology at the nearby WesTrac
Technology Training Centre in Collie and
the WesTrac Institute in South Guildford.

 Autonomous haul trucks at Newmont’s Boddington gold mine in Western Australia.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 41


integrated
operations centre
Integrated operations centres are centralised control hubs, often located in metropolitan
areas, able to oversee and control all aspects of a mining operation remotely.

integrated operations centre


Applications Integrated operations centres come in the form An integrated operations centre in Perth, for
in mining: of remote operating centres, integrated remote example, may be able to monitor operations in
operating centres, unified operating centres or a cyclone zone or ensure continuity of a site’s
even processing excellence centres. operational capacity which otherwise would have
There is enormous value in having the ability to resulted in an interruption to site operations
monitor and control operations that normally because of unavoidable workforce absenteeism.
span vast distances. It allows for a consolidation Importantly, integrated operations centres
IM
of subject matter experts who can provide input also provide opportunities for more diverse
Y
PR T
OVE D SAFE into multiple operations from the same location, workforces by breaking down barriers of working
increasing capability and collaboration. in remote locations on fly-in fly-out rosters. To
Cross function teams are also able to be reduce time away from family and friends, many
deployed more effectively, seamlessly combining people with onsite experience transition to roles
onsite and centrally-located team members. in integrated operations centres.
Better collaboration and team performance with A diversity of workplace options enables intra-
system wide data integration also enhances organisational workplace mobility, ensuring
decision making and productivity. that employees with onsite experience and
Y

R
G

EA IT
T ER RS
DI V E
Integrated operations centres do not replace expertise are not lost to other industries and
the need to have people onsite. However, the instead are able to transition to integrated
centralised location of employees can be in less operations centres. Diverse workplace locations
hazardous zones. Integrated operations centres also reduces the impact on social services and
have been shown to result in better emergency infrastructure in remote locations.
and incident response. Additionally, they provide
a redundancy in case of remote outages or
T

E
C

N H
TR IG
AL OV ERS health hazards that impact people onsite
(such as COVID-19).

the
42 digital mine
RE
INT

NT
EG

E
A

C
TE S
DO N
P E R AT I O

Remote operations centres drive productivity


BHP established an Integrated Remote improved safety, reduced costs and
Operations Centre (IROC) in Brisbane in boosted productivity, making Australian
2016 following the success of its state- mining more competitive.
of-the-art IROC in Perth. The Brisbane
New occupations have also been created
facility oversees multiple aspects of
through the development of integrated
remote operations from an advanced
operations centres, such as automation
control room that operates 24 hours a
engineers and mine and port control
day, seven days a week.
operators. These new roles make a career
By optimising supply chains and in mining more accessible for more people,
centralising expertise, IROCs have contributing to a more diverse workforce.

BHP’s Brisbane Integrated Remote Operations Centre.

integrated operations centre


End-to-end integration
the goal for Newmont
Newmont is working with Caterpillar to
deliver a fully connected, automated, zero
carbon emitting, end-to-end mining system.
The goal is a safer and more productive
operation that supports Newmont’s 2030
goal of more than 30 per cent emissions
reductions. Newmont’s ultimate goal is
net zero emissions by 2050.
Under the partnership, Caterpillar
will develop its first battery electric
zero emissions underground truck to
be deployed at Tanami by 2026. The
deployment includes a fleet of up to 10
battery electric underground haul trucks,
including first-of-its-kind battery electric
haulage technology for underground
mining in 2024, and the introduction of
battery autonomous technology in 2025.
Newmont’s surface and underground
mining fleets are responsible for around
40 per cent of the company’s carbon
emissions. This collaboration will help
make Newmont’s mines safer and more
productive while also assisting the
company reach its greenhouse gas
reduction targets for 2030 and 2050.
 Newmont’s Tanami mill in the Northern Territory.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 43


internet
of things
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the connection of various devices to the internet
and then the interconnection of those devices to each other.

internet of things
Applications Although it has been around for a couple The result is the rise of the ‘connected mine’
in mining: of decades, the power of IoT continues to where performance of plant and machinery is
be amplified by technological innovation, monitored, remote diagnostics is enabled and
such as more sophisticated sensors, better predictive maintenance reduces unplanned
data capture, storage and analysis and down time.
integrated systems.
It’s not just the plant and machines that can
IoT devices range from household appliances be connected. The wearable technology used by
to entire transportation systems and industrial workers can be used to monitor the environmental
S
IN

T
M

EG
RA TE processes, like mineral and metal extraction. factors like temperature, humidity and noise as
T ED SYS

Devices and processes which were previously well as health metrics of the worker.
unable to communicate with each other or The connectivity created through IoT makes
report key metrics are today able to work in mine sites far safer by removing workers from
tandem and provide users with all the necessary close proximity to operating machinery, which
information in a streamlined way. is a major onsite hazard.
For example, advances in the development
S

E
R

I
C

M T
OT
E D IA G N OS of sophisticated sensors built into critical mining
equipment and other machines, and supported by
big data, digital twins and AI, has the potential to
improve automation, eliminate waste and extract
maximum production from existing systems.
N
O

TI
TI
P

M
IS E UC
D P ROD

the
44 digital mine
N

S
I
TE G
RN IN
E T OF TH

Sensors generate more data than Apollo 11


From pit to port, mining operations have For comparison the guidance computer
never been more interconnected thanks to on Apollo 11 had 2048 words of memory
the power of IoT. An autonomous haulage Random Access Memory. Each word
truck, for example, collects data from comprised 16 binary digits (bits), with a bit
around 180 sensing points. being a zero or a one. This means that the
Data is collected every five seconds, Apollo computer had 32,768 bits of RAM
generating an enormous amount of memory or 0.000004096 gigabytes.
information. One autonomous haulage The science of analysing big data is
truck, for example, collects around 2500 becoming an increasingly important area
gigabytes of data every day. in the digital mines of the future.

An autonomous haulage truck generates around 2500 gigabytes of data per day.

internet of things

Underground drone a
world first at Cannington
Drones are widely used in mining to
provide comprehensive visual and spatial
data quickly and efficiently. But drones are
usually sent skyward - not underground.
In a world first, South32 partnered
with a research team at CSIRO to
successfully test an autonomous drone
underground at its Cannington mine
in Queensland. Some of the technical
challenges that had to be overcome
included navigating small spaces, lack
of GPS capabilities, dust and moisture.
Together, South32 and CSIRO developed
the ‘Hovermap System’ using LiDAR laser
and on-board auto pilot computer.
LiDAR is a remote surveying method that
measures light pulses reflected from a
target with a sensor to measure distances.
The underground drone produces 3D
maps and images that are not only more
accurate but also reduce the need to
expose workers to potentially hazardous
enclosed spaces.

 South32 and CSIRO partnered to expand the application of drone technology underground.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 45


kinetic
braking
Harnessing the power of kinetic energy from a process of regenerative braking
will enable haul trucks to store and reuse energy extracted during braking.

kinetic braking
Applications Mining is home to the world’s largest electric of electric vehicles. Mining companies are
in mining: vehicles. From electrified four wheel drive working collaboratively with original equipment
passenger vehicles to the large dump trucks manufacturers to develop this technology.
with payloads of more than 300 tonnes and even
This involves prototypes, testing and pre-
locomotives that haul 28,000 tons of iron ore,
production trials before the trucks are used
powering these machines means upgrades to
in operations.
existing energy systems.
On some machinery, kinetic braking systems are
One of the natural advantages of some mine
N

M expected to provide a 45 per cent decrease in


E

IS I
SI
ONS CT sites are the declines into the pit or mine
R EDU fuel use, reduce carbon emissions by 35 per cent
shaft. Regenerative braking involves complex
and total operation costs by 10 to 15 per cent.50
mechanics that turns the electric motors that Improving efficiency improves productivity and
make the wheels spin under acceleration into environmental outcomes.
generators under braking.
Kinetic energy from this regenerative braking
is then stored in the battery, ready to provide
Y
EN

IT

A
H

IL

N
CE A
B energy for acceleration. Capturing this energy
D S U S TA IN
reduces the need for external energy while also
improving productivity through faster cycle
times.
It’s not only battery electric vehicles that
benefit from this technology. Regenerative
braking systems can be paired with hydrogen
fuel cells to extend the otherwise limited range
Y
IM

P
C

RO N
VE IE
D E F F IC

the
46 digital mine
KI
NE NG
T IC B R A KI

Regenerative braking on show at Komatsu


Komatsu’s WE series of hybrid wheel This means that the loader has the
loaders have delivered the mining industry potential to deliver fuel savings of up to
several technological advancements since 45 per cent, as well as a considerable
its first loader was unveiled in 2021. reduction in carbon emissions per tonne
The Switched Reluctance Hybrid Drive - 35 per cent fewer emissions compared
system is fully regenerative which means to conventional mechanical loaders or
that during braking, electrical motors hydraulic excavator machines.
become generators and feed power back The WE series also features real-time data
into the electrical system. monitoring and a feedback system.

Komatsu’s WE series allows for less fuel consumption and reduces carbon emissions.

kinetic braking
A train that doesn’t
need charging
Fortescue is developing a world-first
regenerating battery electric iron ore train
called the Infinity Train.
The Infinity Train concept will harness the
gravitational energy generated on downhill
sections of Fortescue’s rail network to
charge its battery electric system without
any additional charging requirements.
The train, jointly developed with Williams
Advanced Engineering, has the potential
to be the most efficient battery electric
train in the world.
Once operational, the Infinity Train will
eliminate diesel and emissions from
Fortescue’s iron ore trains, resulting
in lower operating costs and reduced
maintenance. The Infinity Train builds on
Fortescue’s announcement earlier this
year to purchase two battery electric
locomotives from Progress Rail, with the
first scheduled for delivery in 2023.
A number of other mining companies are
commissioning non-regenerating battery
electric trains, including BHP, Rio Tinto
and Hancock.
 Fortescue’s Infinity Train project has the potential to be the world’s most efficient battery electric train.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 47


liquefied
natural gas
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is providing mining companies committed to
decarbonisation a medium-term solution to reduce costs and cut carbon emissions.

liquefied natural gas


Applications LNG is natural gas in a liquid form. It is The collaborative efforts on R&D to move
in mining: produced through a process called liquefaction away from diesel and to improve operations on
that involves refining the natural gas and then a site by site basis should be recognised and
super-cooling it to -162 degrees Celsius. LNG is supported. This transition will take time and will
then stored in cryogenic tanks. need to be tailored to the specific circumstances
LNG is suitable for vehicles and vessels that at each site.
require longer ranges because liquid is more In time, lower carbon fuels such as LNG will be
dense than gas and therefore more energy can replaced by zero carbon fuels. Some potential
F G
UE
L S W I T C H IN be stored by volume. As the vast majority of zero carbon fuel sources include green ammonia,
Australian minerals are produced for overseas hydrogen, methanol, biofuels and batteries.
markets, international maritime freight is a key
part of the supply chain for mining.
In September 2020, BHP awarded a tender to
the world’s first LNG-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk
carrier with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas
Y
EN

IT

A
H

IL

N
CE A
B emissions intensity by more than 30 per cent per
D S U S TA IN
voyage. Rio Tinto has also signed agreements for
LNG-fuelled bulk carriers.51
In 2018, the International Maritime Organization
adopted a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from ships, as well as a vision to
reduce emissions from international shipping.52
S
LN

ER
G-

Given a vessel that enters service in 2030 will


RI

U R
F

EL CA
LE D
BULK likely still be in service in 2055 and beyond, it is
critical that the transition to low-emissions fuel
alternatives begins now.

the
48 digital mine
S
LI
Q

A
U G
EF
IE D AL
N AT U R

LNG-fuelled carriers reduce emissions


BHP has chartered five LNG-fuelled perspective, a Panamax bulk carrier
Newcastlemax bulk carriers to transport (which can enter the Panama Canal) has
iron ore between Western Australia and a maximum width of 32.2 metres. After
Asia from 2022. canal upgrades, post-Panamax sized
The LNG-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk vessels are able to be 51.25 metres wide.
carriers have a carrying capacity of Bigger still are Q-Max Vessels, the largest
209,000 deadweight tonnes and length LNG tankers, which are around 345 metres
of about 300 metres.To put this in in length and are 55 metres wide.

The world’s first LNG-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carrier, the MV Mount Tourmaline.

liquefied natural gas

Smart design and


operations reduces
emissions
Fuel switching alone won’t reduce
emissions by enough to meet 2050
targets, which is why the design of
modern freighters and their operation
is focused on efficiency.
Innovation in hull and superstructure
design is reducing emissions by up to
20 per cent. Similarly, modern propulsion
systems and efficient energy management
systems can reduce emissions by up to
15 per cent to 10 per cent respectively.
Existing vessels can reduce emissions
by up to 75 per cent just through speed
optimisation and by up to 50 per cent
through fleet management, logistics
and incentives.
Better design and operational efficiencies
are supported by the International
Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency
Design Index that requires a minimum
energy efficiency level per capacity mile
(e.g. tonne mile) for different ship type
and size segments.

 APLNG’s LNG export facility at Curtis Island, Gladstone.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 49


Mine site
electrification
Miners are reducing their carbon footprint through increased electrification of mines,
including off-grid renewable energy and battery storage and the rollout of electric vehicles.

mine site electrification


Applications Electrification involves replacing hydrocarbon Some mining companies and technology
in mining: fuel sources like diesel with electricity. The providers are also looking at utilising overhead
development of battery technology and solar trolley systems to provide equipment like
photovoltaic plants is also supporting the hybrid diesel electric haul trucks with access to
transformation to electrification. additional electricity when climbing up grades.
Electric engines in equipment have a number of This can also be provided as a retrofitted system
benefits including: supporting the transition to electrification. Some
systems are reporting fuel and engine costs are
 No tail pipe emissions
S

LE
E

CT LE reduced by more than 90 per cent when haul


R IC V E H IC
 Cooler and quieter to run trucks are operated on the trolley.53
 Less maintenance than conventional internal The electrification of diesel engine-powered
combustion engines technology is not just limited to trucks and
 Reduced financial exposure to increases in machinery - remote heavy rail operations have
diesel prices also been considered as a part of this process.

 Technological improvements in electricity Rio Tinto and BHP have announced trials of
O Y
FF
-GR RG generation means electric engines are battery electric locomotives in their iron ore
ID E N E
becoming cheaper to operate. operations in Western Australia.54 It is estimated
that the electrification of all locomotives could
These attributes provide a number of advantages
reduce supply chain emissions by 30 per cent
in the mining industry, especially when operating
annually.55
in underground environments. Increases in diesel
prices and technology improvements in electricity
generation also means electric engines are
B
AT
TE AG
E becoming cheaper to operate.
RY STOR

the
50 digital mine
N
M

IO
IN
E

T
SI A
TE IC
E L E C T R IF

Undergound electric haulage trial a world first


AngloGold Ashanti Australia, in partnership fuelled vehicle, the new electric machine
with Sandvik and Barminco, is trialling is expected to have a significant positive
the world’s largest battery electric impact on underground productivity and
underground mining truck at its Sunrise air quality, a major factor in improving
Dam gold mine in Western Australia. health and safety outcomes.  
The Sandvik TH655B prototype, which has Switching to battery electric is becoming
a 65 tonne payload, is another practical more cost competitive and has the added
step towards net zero emissions mining benefit of reducing exposure to diesel fuel
operations. Replacing a comparable diesel- price fluctuations and supply chain issues.

AngloGold Ashanti is trialling the Sandvik TH655B at Sunrise Dam gold mine in WA.

mine site electrification

Gold mine sets sights


on electric future
Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville gold mine in
Victoria is investigating the feasibility
of transitioning the operation to a fully
electric mine. Agnico Eagle has identified
substantial benefits to removing diesel
emissions and reducing heat in its
underground gold mine.
Electric equipment is also proving to
outperform diesel equipment. Agnico
Eagle is using Sandvik’s 18 tonne electric
loader which has the highest capacity
in underground loaders and the smallest
emissions footprint.
Switching from diesel powered equipment
to battery electric equipment substantially
improves underground air quality and
reduces other hazards such as heat, noise
and vibration from combustion engines.
When battery electric equipment is paired
with renewable energy it further reduces
total carbon emissions making mining
more sustainable.

 The operation room at Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville gold mine in central Victoria.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 51


solar
photovoltaics
Solar photovoltaics are increasingly being used to power remote mine sites, making
mining operations more self-sustainable, and all without producing CO2 emissions.

solar photovoltaics
Applications Photovoltaic technology converts light into point of consumption, increasing efficiency
in mining: electricity. Some materials exhibit a property by reducing energy losses through significant
known as the photoelectric effect that causes transmission distances.
them to absorb photons of light and release
Solar panels also require less maintenance
electrons.56 Albert Einstein’s Nobel Prize in
than diesel engines and generators due to
physics was awarded for his discovery of the
the elimination of moving parts. Similarly, the
photoelectric effect.57
abundance of space in remote locations means
Although the first photovoltaic cell was built there is room to accommodate vast arrays of
N

M
E

IS T I
SI
ONS
R ED UC almost half a century after Einstein’s discovery, solar panels.
the space industry utilised the technology and
Many of Australia’s mining companies, such as
helped advance the technology by improving
Bravus Mining and Resources, BHP, Rio Tinto,
efficiency, reliability and reducing costs.
Newcrest and Glencore have deployed solar
Photovoltaic technology is widespread in both panels to power remote operations.
domestic and industrial areas in the form of
One of the limiting factors to more solar
solar panels. Solar panels consist of a thin
Y
EN

panels is storage capacity, particularly for


IT

A
H

IL

N B semiconductor wafer which is specially treated


CE
D S U S TA IN
A mine sites which require power 24 hours a day.
to form an electric field. When light energy
Improvements to battery technology in terms
strikes the solar cell, electrons are knocked
of reliability, efficiency and cost will help the
loose from the atoms in the semiconductor
further utilisation of solar photovoltaic plants in
material.58 These electrons are captured to
mining. This will support electrification, reduce
produce an electric current.
diesel fuel use and ensure industry continues to
The remote location of many mine sites means reduce emissions.
O localised power generation is often relied on to
FF Y
-GR RG maintain operations. Solar panels provide mining
ID E N E
with the opportunity to generate power at the

the
52 digital mine
S
O

S
I

C
LA A
R P T
H OTOV OL

Rio Tinto triples Weipa solar and adds storge


Rio Tinto’s new solar farm and battery The 4 MWh battery system will be built
storage at Weipa in Queensland will more next to the existing Weipa power station
than triple the local electricity network’s and will help provide a stable power
solar generation capacity and help provide network for Rio Tinto’s Weipa Operations
cleaner power to Rio Tinto’s operations. bauxite mines and the Weipa township.
The new solar farm and battery storage, The combined solar capacity and battery
expected to be completed by late 2022, will provide about 11GWh of energy annually
will complement the existing 1.6 MW solar and help to reduce Weipa Operations’ annual
farm at Weipa completed in 2015. CO2 emissions by about 20,000 tonnes.

Rio Tinto’s solar farm and battery storage project at Weipa in Queensland.

solar photovoltaics
Adani Renewables
partner with grazing
sheep at Rugby Run
Adani Renewables Australia has
developed one of Queensland’s most
successful ‘agri-solar’ arrangements,
working with local farmers to conduct
a sheep grazing trial at its Rugby Run
solar farm near Moranbah.
The sheep manage the grass which
removes the need for mowing and slashing
equipment within the solar farm, reducing
dirt and dust on the solar panels. The
panels also provide shade during the day
for the grazing sheep.
The solar farm has more than 247,000
panels that track the sun, producing
65 MW which goes into the grid to power
23,000 homes and business. 
Innovation and ingenuity doesn’t end with
sheep. Adani Renewables has partnered
with local manufacturing firm SMW Group
to develop a custom solar panel cleaning
machine. This innovation earned Adani
Renewables and SMW a nomination as a
finalist in the productivity category of the
2022 Queensland Mining Awards.
 Adani Renewables’ 65 MW Rugby Run solar farm near Moranbah.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 53


wearable
technology
Wearable tech like smart helmets, smart vests, smart glasses and boots are
just some of the wearable tech making mining safer and more productive.

wearable technology
Applications When integrated with internet connectivity Wearable tech is further enhanced by 5G, the
in mining: and diagnostics sensors, wearable tech is an fifth generation mobile network. Technologists
effective analytics tool improving safety and have proposed that 5G will ignite a fourth
productivity on mine sites. The beneficiary of industrial revolution as technologies drive
advanced connectivity technologies, wearable productivity and growth across many industrial
tech is keeping workers safer, working smarter applications. 5G is up to 100 times faster than
and better connected than ever before. 4G, reducing latency and allowing for more data
From smart helmets to smart glasses to smart to be transferred more quickly.
N
N
I

JU O
RY NT
I boots, sophisticated sensors communicating The technology offers the mining industry new
PR E VE
wirelessly among teams or across operations productivity boosting applications for automation
are able to measure and protect against adverse and predictive maintenance, digital twins, VR, AR
health and injury risks. Some of the functions of and IoT-type systems.
various wearable pieces of technology include:
 Smart helmets that provide 360 degree views
of the mine site from the user’s location and
E
CO

N support communication with other workers


R

N
EC FO
TED W ORK
 Smart vests able to track location, body
temperature, pulse rates and other key
health diagnostic measurements

 Smart glasses that give people access to


maps, plans or schematics to support tasks,
as well as the functionality of taking photos
E
R

M
E

OT
E M A N TEN
A
N
 Smart boots that can ensure exclusion zones
I
are observed and alert other workers in the
event of a fall or a trip.

the
54 digital mine
Y
W

G
A
LO

E
RA
BLE NO
TEC H

Wearable tech helps prevent ergonomic injuries


Soter Analytics in partnership with the Developed for the mining industry and
mining industry has developed wearable adaptable to any personal equipment, the
tech that uses AI to coach employees to solution can be adopted by all industries
self-correct and avoid ergonomic injuries. that involve manual handling tasks.
The Soter device measures and captures Preventing musculoskeletal injuries
data from the wearer helping workplaces protects the workforce and increases
reduce the risk of exposure to movements labour productivity. ACIL Allen estimates
that can cause injuries and pain. A that implementation of the Soter device
companion app connected to the device may result in industry cost savings of up
provides actionable insights in real time. to $26.6 million over a 10-year period.

The Soter device was developed in partnership with the mining industry.

wearable technology

Caterpillar Smartband
combats worker fatigue
Worker fatigue can be a major hazard
in the mining industry due to 24-hour,
7-day a week operations and rostering
arrangements at mine sites in remote
Australia. Caterpillar’s Smartband, similar
to a fitness band, captures sleeping data
that is 93 per cent as accurate as the
results of a laboratory study.
This Smartband can predict when the
wearer’s fatigue level will become a safety
risk by utilising non-invasive actigraphy
to measure motion with an internal 3-D
accelerometer. Data is downloaded into
an analytics program that demonstrates
how sleep patterns are impacted by shift
schedules and how sleep debt affects
an individual’s effectiveness during
work hours.
Visibility into sleep levels not only helps
operators cut down on fatigue-related
accidents, but it can also indicate deeper
health issues like sleep apnea or even
increased risk for heart disease.

 Fatigue management is critical to the health and safety of the mining workforce.

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 55


the
56 digital mine
the Mining innovation ecosystem

directory
Mining innovation partners _
Academic institutions 58
Cooperative Research Centres 63
Government agencies 65

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 57


Mining research led by

academic institutions
The Institute for Geoscience Research (TIGeR) Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI)
Curtin University University of Queensland
At TiGER, researchers are focused on locating large mineral SMI hosts more than 100 researchers across six research
deposits and the efficient extraction and recovery of centres, an international centre of excellence and the technology
precious metals. transfer company JKTech.
Related centres and facilities: Related centres and facilities:
 John de Laeter Research Centre  Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation
 Digital Mineralogy Hub Facility  Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
 3D Imaging Hub  Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry
 Timescales of Mineral Systems Research Group  International Centre of Excellence in Chile
 Sustainable Engineering Group at Curtin  Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
 Curtin Corrosion Centre  Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre
 Drilling Mechanics Group  W.H. Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre
 Mining Rock Mechanics group  JKTech Ltd
 Gold Technology Group
 Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre
Areas of focus: · JKTech Pty Ltd
 Curtin University Oil and Gas Innovation Centre
· Land rehabilitation · Anglo American
 Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems · Communities, governance, Government partners:
cultural heritage
 Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory
· Water · CSIRO
Areas of focus: Government partners:
· Health and Safety University partners:

· Geoscience for exploration ·


CSIRO
· Floatation chemistry · University of Newcastle
· Environmental assessment University partners: · Energy transformation · University of Cape Town,
· Mining engineering · Minerals processing and
South Africa
· ARC Centre for Mine Site · Hacettepe University, Turkey
· Resource economics Restoration complex ore bodies

· Workforce participation and · WA School of Mines: · Digital transformation and · University of Rio de Janeiro,
process automation Brazil
safety Minerals, Energy and

· Optimisation
Chemical Engineering
· Sustainable closure · McGill University, Canada
· Asset management and · Centre for Transformative Industry partners:
· Chalmers University of
Work Design Technology, Sweden
·
decommissioning
· ARC Industrial Training AMIRA International Ltd
· China University of Mining
· Site restoration Centre for Transforming · CRC Ore Ltd and Technology, China

Industry partners: Maintenance through Data


Science
· Lynas Corp · Future of Work Institute Mining Research Centre (MRC)
· IGO Ltd · ARC Industrial University of Wollongong
· BHP Transformation Training Based in Wollongong, the MRC has maintained its traditional focus
· Iluka Resources Centre for Mine Site on coal.
· Creasy Group Restoration
Areas of focus: Industry partners:
· FMG CRC partners:
· Coal · Australia Coal Association
· Atlas Iron · MinEx CRC · Mine safety Research Program (ACARP)
· Anglo American · FBICRC · Geotechnical engineering
and ground control
· BHP
· Computer applications and · Glencore
operational research methods · BASF International
the
58 digital mine
THE DIRECTORY _

Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) Australian Centre for Sustainable Mining
University of Newcastle Practices (ACSMP)
NIER research centres are finding solutions for the mineral, University of New South Wales
gas and water industries as well as developing optimised energy ACSMP is focused on new mining practices, and the development
technologies while also examining the social impacts of the and application of technologies and systems for sustainable
energy and resources sectors for communities. mining initiatives.
Related centres and facilities:
Areas of focus: Industry partners:
 ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient
Beneficiation of Minerals · Sustainable mining practices · Mitsubishi Development
 Research Hub for Advanced Technologies for Aust. Iron ore
· Sustainability and people
 Advanced Particle Processing and Transport
· Environmental management
 Frontier Energy Technologies and Utilisation
· Water management
 Organic Electronics
· Mine waste management
 Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies
 Centre for Advanced Energy Integration Mine Water and Environment Research Centre
 Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER) (MiWER)
 Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN) Edith Cowan University
 International Collaborative Centre for Carbon Futures The Institute for Frontier Materials is a vibrant, multicultural
 Ironmaking Materials Research research institute, graduating more than 30 PhD students a year
 Multiphase Processes and training 80 post-docs at any given time.

 Optimal Planning and Operations Areas of focus: Industry partners:


 Resources Health and Safety
· Pit lake research · ACARP
 Social Research and Regional Futures (CSRRF)
· River ecology University partners:
 Water, Climate and Land
· Wetland ecology and
· Curtin University
· Electrochemistry and
management
Areas of focus:
· Microbial communities · Murdoch University
· Resource productivity materials engineering
· University of WA
and efficiency · Advanced nanomaterials · Bio-remediation of acid mine
· Advanced particle · Organic electronics
drainage · Montana State University
beneficiation
· Land, water, social impacts
· Iron ore sintering, and sustainability Centre for Infrastructure and
cokemaking and blast furnace
ironmaking
· Climate, soil and water Mining Safety (CIPMS)
· Land use management, University of Wollongong
· Geotechnical analysis and environmental remediation
materials characterisation and social impacts A focus on infrastructure protection and mining safety.

·
Bulk solids handling and
· Resources health and safety Areas of focus: Industry partners:
transport

· Energy technologies and Industry partners: · Coal · ARC


utilisation 173 active industry partners · Infrastructure protection · ACARP
· Low emission energy including: and retrofitting techniques
against man-made and
· BHP
technologies · BHP natural hazards
·
Renewable energy systems, · Bengalla Mining Company · Mining safety, impacts
efficiency and storage
· Jord International of severe loads on
· Fuels, materials and energy · MACH Energy infrastructure

· Landslides risk management


utilisation

· Advanced materials for Industry partners:


and protection
industrial innovation · CSIRO
The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 59
Centre for Mining Equipment, Technology UWA Mining Innovation Network (MINe)
and Services Business Innovation University of Western Australia
Queensland University of Technology MINe is focussed on education and training, research and
The Centre for Mining Equipment, Technology and Services development, and community and engagement.
Business Innovation (CMBI) is funded by the Department of State Related centres and facilities:
Development Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Mining3
and the Queensland University of Technology.  Centre for Exploration Targeting (inc. Australian Research
Council Centre of Excellence in Core to Crust Fluid Systems)
Areas of focus: · Social licence to operate  Australian Centre for Geomechanics
·
Industry development · Minimising minings footprint  Transforming Maintenance through Data Science - Australian
· Business Models Industry partners: Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre
· Organisational culture and · Mining3  Centre for Mining Energy and Natural Resource Law
change

· Technology eco-systems · METS Ignited  Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy

· Innovation adoption and · Austmine  Centre for Rock Art Research and Management
 CRC for Transformations in Mining Economies
diffusion Government partners:
 Environmental Stewardship in Mining Initiative
· The role of risk management · QLD Government Department  Ecosystem Restoration and Intervention Ecology Group
in technology adoption of State Development
 Centre for Sleep Science
 Centre for Energy Geoscience
Australian Critical Minerals Research Centre
 Future Tails (tailings geotechnics and geomechanics)
University of Adelaide
Industry partners: Government partners:
Metals and non-metals that are irreplaceable inputs for society’s
future, including in renewable energy systems, infrastructure, · Alcoa · CSIRO
transport, high tech equipment, and defence systems.
· BHP University partners:
Areas of focus: · Orica · Roy Hill · Curtin University
· Discovery - critical minerals · Bureau Veritas
in time and space
· Scantech Australian Coal Industry Research Program
·
Mineralogy - understanding
· Maggoteaux (ACARP)
ores and mineral chemistry
· Manta Controls
· Processing - new
A mining research program established in 1992. It is 100 per cent
owned and funded by all Australian black coal producers. Each
opportunities and strategies Government partners:
year the ACARP Committees select approximately 70 projects
to optimise and be
sustainable
· Geoscience Australia from the 300 submitted.
· State & Territory geological
Industry partners: surveys Areas of focus: · Conveyor Technologies
· BHP Olympic Dam · ANSTO · Health and safety of open cut · Umwelt (Australia)
· OZ Minerals
and underground coal mines
· Basacon Services
University partners:
· GHG mitigation at the mine · Nicholas Corrosion
· Fortescue Metals Group · University of South Australia, site
· Havilah Resources including its Future Industries
· Noise and air pollution
Government partners:

· Glencore Institute mitigation at the mine site · CSIRO


· Northern Minerals · Australian National University · Low emission coal use · Hunter Valley Research
· Lynas Corporation · University of Queensland · Remote control and
Foundation

· Iluka Resources · Curtin University automation University partners:


· Nyrstar · Monash University · Hydrology · University of Adelaide
· Boart Longyear · James Cook University · Ventilation and gas (CSER Research)

management · University of Newcastle


Industry partners:
· Central Queensland
University (Centre for
·
ACIRL Ltd Environmental Management)

the · MineRisk · University of Queensland


60 digital mine
THE DIRECTORY _

Mining and Resources


Monash University
Partnerships with government, industry and the community to
improve research across the mining value chain. Energy and Resources Institute
Related centres and facilities: Charles Darwin University
 Minerals Microbe and Solutions Research Group (MMRG) The Energy and Resources Institute (ERI) provides high-quality
 Institute of Railway Technology (IRT) research and consultancy for all aspects of energy and resources,
including engineering, scientific, economic, environmental, social,
 Maintenance Technology Institute (MTI)
community, legal, policy and digital considerations.
 IITB-Monash Research Academy

Areas of focus: · BHP


Areas of focus: · Corrosion engineering in the
· Loop Geoscience Project (3D · Fortescue Metals Group · Fossil-based and renewable energy and resources sector
energy · Environment protection and
geological risk management)
· Holcim Australia Pty Ltd · Mineral resources social mandate to operate
· Mine rehabilitation · Karoon Gas Australia Pty Ltd
· Maintenance · Digitisation of energy and Government partners:
· MMG
· Drone technology · Newcrest Mining
resources
· Northern Territory
· Energy materials Government
Industry partners: · Orica · Process safety, including fire · Alice Springs Future Grid
· AGL Loy Yang Mine · Rio Tinto and explosion safety project

· Anglo Coal · Roy Hill


· AUSIMM · Woodside Energy Future Regions Research Centre (FRRC)
· Boral Limited Federation University of Australia
FRRC aims to create new knowledge and innovative solutions
The Sydney Centre in Geomechanics and to the grand challenges that impact both our natural and
Mining Materials (SciGEM) constructed environments.

University of Sydney Areas of focus: Government partners:

SciGEM within the School of Civil Engineering was established · Stable Landforms and Mine · Cooperative Research Centre
in 2013 to capitalise on the outstanding pool of researchers with Rehabilitation: this stream for Transformations in Mining
specialised skills and expertise in the field of geomechanics and aims to stabilise landscapes Economies
geotechnical engineering. SciGEM’s objective is to remain world and mining landforms
leaders in the research fields of geomechanics, geotechnical through soil conditioning and
engineering and granular mechanics. revegetation programs to
address further deterioration
Areas of focus: · Interfacial mechanics
· Granular physics · Unconventional soils Sustainable resources
· X-ray vision of granular · Computational mechanics University of Melbourne
dynamics
Developing new materials for advanced digital and energy
technologies that will underpin renewable energy generation.
Research School of Earth Sciences (RSES)
Australian National University
Areas of focus: · Centre for Excellence
· Artificial intelligence for Enabling Co-Efficient

· Energy minerals
RSES’ research priorities include future climate change impacts, Beneficiation of Minerals
adaptation and mitigation strategies, water, mineral and energy
· Sustainable processing · Proposed Industrial
resource security, as well as new opportunities in areas including Transformation Research
drone and space-based observation, high pressure materials Government partners: Hub for AI in Resources

· Future Battery Industries


science, and data science.

Areas of focus: · Minerals and energy resource Cooperative Research Centre

· Location of critical minerals


security

(mapping) Industry partners:

· Climate change · South32 (internship program)


The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 61
Transforming the Mining Value Chain (TMVC) Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM)
University of Tasmania Deakin University
The main objective of the TMVC is to improve efficiencies within The Institute for Frontier Materials is a vibrant, multicultural
the mining value chain, focusing on areas that will have a marked research institute, graduating more than 30 PhD students a year
impact on the value of Australia’s mineral resources, thereby and training 80 post-docs at any given time.
benefiting the nation’s economy.
Areas of focus: · Defence Materials
Areas of focus: · Minimising geo-environmental ·
Advanced alloys and Technology Centre
· Detecting proximity to risks: early identification of
environmental issues for ores
infrastructure materials · Transform Metals
ore (footprints): efficient
discovery of new ore and wastes · Carbon fibre and composites · Weir Minerals
zones around current mine
Industry partners:
· Electro and energy materials Government partners:
infrastructure · Fibres and textiles · CSIRO
· Optimising geo-metallurgical · AMIRA
prediction: early acquisition · Newcrest Industry partners:
University partners:
and modelling of geo- · BHP · Brown Coal Innovation · Monash University
· Corescan
metallurgical parameters Australia

Economic Geology Research Centre (EGRU)


The Australian Centre for Geomechanics (ACG)
James Cook University
University of Western Australia
The EGRU connects researchers, students and government
The ACG seeks to effectively respond to industry’s needs by
organisations to promote collaborative research and provide
initiating innovative research that provides ongoing benefits and
applied research services.
viabilities instead of quick-fix solutions.

Areas of focus: deformation


Areas of focus: · South32
· Stope design and · Rapid low cost mine mapping · Petrological microscopes, · Anglo American
reconciliation phase 2
· Metallurgical mine tailings
photo-microscope research
· Evolution Mining
· Rio Tinto
services
· Probabilistic stope design rehabilitation
· Geochemical and isotope
· Strainburst research project · Saline tailings disposal and analytical research services. · Heathgate Resources
· Safe, sustainable decommissioning · Map to Mine
management of filtered
Industry partners:
Industry partners:
· Terra Search
tailings · Mount Isa Mines
· Towards a mechanistic · BHP
understanding of · Master Builders Solutions
electrokinetic in situ leaching · New Concept Mining Powered
· Physical and numerical by Epiroc
modelling of cave propogation · Newmont Australia
· Physical modelling of cave · PSM
breakthrough
· REC Geotechnical and
· Blast testing of ground Tailings
support at Cadia mine
· Reutech Mining
· An effective stress approach · SRK Consulting
to mine backfill

· HEA Mesh Government partners:

· Towards the elimination of · WA Government


rockfall fatalities
University partners:
·
High resolution seismic
· Curtin University
monitoring in open pit mines

· Squeezing ground task force


· Integrated monitoring
systems for open pit wall

the
62 digital mine
Mining research led by

cooperative research centres


Mineral Exploration CRC (MinEx CRC) Cooperative Research Centre for Optimising
Innovation in drilling, including identifying mineral deposits. Resource Extraction (CRCORE)
CRCORE was established in 2010 to reverse the market trend
Areas of focus: · McKay Drilling of declining mine productivity by improving operational value,
· Drilling optimisation · Geological Survey of New commercial return, and environmental outcomes.
· Coiled tubing drilling South Wales

· Hydraulic Fluid Drilling · Rio Tinto Areas of focus: changes in grade and other

Processing System (HPS) · Sandvik · Novel testing, measurement physical properties resulting
from feed streams
and mapping technologies
Industry partners: · South32 to characterise and quantify · Whole of system control
· Anglo American University partners: waste and ore for coarse and execution to manage

·
disruptive and dynamic
BHP · Geological Survey of South separation attributes as
opportunities that coarse
· Australia inputs into engineering
Epiroc separation delivers
assessment and mine
· Geological Survey of Western · Australian National University planning
Australia
· CSIRO ·
Industry partners:
· Hatch
Integration of operational
· Geoscience Australia · Curtin University strategies and engineering
· Geotec Boyles
· University of Adelaide solutions to effect coarse · Orica
· HiSeis
· University of Newcastle separation in the dig and Government partners:
· IMDEX
· University of New South deliver interface
· CSIRO
· LKAB Wassara Wales · New processing circuit University partners:
· Micromine · University of South Australia designs, integrated simulation

· Minerals Research Institute of · University of Western


capabilities and operational · Western Australia School of
control systems to exploit Mines, Curtin University
WA (MRIWA) Australia

Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME) Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition CRC (HILT)
Initiated in early 2020 through the Australian Government’s HILT CRC focuses on developing technologies and methods that
Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Program, CRC TiME provides overcome barriers to the low-carbon transition, which include the
a vehicle to enable sustained industry, research and community unacceptable risks of untested innovations that could jeopardise
collaboration. CRC TiME brings together over 70 leading equipment, production and/or worker safety.
mining and mining service companies, regional development
Areas of focus: Industry partners:
organisations, State and Commonwealth governments and
research partners to address the challenges underpinning mine · Producing green iron · Alcoa
· FMG
closure and relinquishment. products

Areas of focus: Government partners:


· Green alumina calcination · Roy Hill
· Low-carbon lime and cement
· Mine closures and · Geoscience Australia · Integrating variable energy Government partners:
rehabilitation
· CSIRO into industrial processes · CSIRO
Industry partners: · Queensland Government · New energy sources such
· Alcoa · MRIWA as electrification, hydrogen,
University partners:

· BHP · SA Government solar, thermal, biomass · Curtin University


· CME · NT Government · Hybrid technology · ANU
· Mining3 University partners: · Capture and reuse of CO 2 · University of Adelaide
· FMG · Curtin University
· Hanson · Flinders University
· Iluka · UQ
· MCA · UniSA
· AGRF
· Federation University The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 63

· Flinders University
Future Battery Industries CRC (FBICRC) CRC for Reliable Affordable Clean Energy
The FBICRC was established in 2019 and brings together for 2030 (RACE to 2030)
70 participants across 15 research projects and is the largest Focused on customer-centred clean energy transition, the
partnership of industry, government and researchers focused Reliable Affordable Clean Energy for 2030 Cooperative Research
on battery industries in Australia. Centre (RACE for 2030) will drive energy innovation that aims
to cut bills and carbon emissions of Australian households and
Areas of focus: · Minerals Research Institute of businesses.
· Use of batteries in mining Western Australia
and minerals processing, · Multicom Resources Areas of focus: Industry partners:
manufacturing, services
· Pure Battery Technologies ·
Boosting business energy · Ausgrid
and recycling and reuse of
· Source Certain International
productivity (via digitalisation,
electrification and value chain
· Boral
batteries.

· Transitional issues · Swordstone optimisation) Government partners:


· Syrah Resources · Developing and applying new · CSIRO
Industry partners:
· Talga energy technologies and
University partners:
· Alpha HPA · Ultra solutions for consumers

· AnteoTech · Optimising Australia’s · Curtin University


· Ardea Resources Limited
Government partners: electricity grid through · Monash University
· Northern Territory customer distributed energy
· UNSW
· BASF Government resources and network
· UniSA
· BHP integration

· Blackstone · Foresighting, stakeholder


University partners:

· Calix · Murdoch University engagement, capacity

· Chemx Materials · Queensland University of building, training & education


Technology
· EVM · University of Melbourne
· Igo · University of Technology
· Jordproxa Koppers Sydney
· Lycopodium · The University of Western
· Magellan Power Australia

Future Fuels CRC


Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre is the industry
focused research, development and demonstration partnership
enabling the decarbonisation of Australia’s energy networks.

Areas of focus: Government partners:


·
Future fuel technologies, · Australian Government
systems and markets
· NSW Government
· Social acceptance, public · Resources Safety and Health
safety and security of supply
QLD
·
Network lifecycle
· Government of Western
management
Australia
Industry partners:
University partners:
· APGA
· Australian Gas Infrastructure · South Australia
RMIT

Group ·
· AusIndustry · University of Adelaide
· Energy Networks Australia · University of Melbourne
· Energysafe Victoria · University of Queensland
· GAMAA · University of Wollongong
· Jemena · Deakin University

the
64 digital mine
Mining research led by

Government agencies
THE DIRECTORY _

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Minerals Research Institute Western Australia


Research Organisation (CSIRO) (MRIWA)
Areas of focus: Government partners: Areas of focus: Industry partners:
· Exploration · Geoscience Australia · Characterising cover · Rio Tinto
· Ore body definition · Commonwealth Government · WA’s lithospheric architecture · FMG
· Extraction Department of Resources
· Resolving WA’s 4D geodynamic · Fortescue Metals
· Minerals processing · State and Territory mining
· Newcrest Mining
and metallogenic evolution

· Mine safety · Distal footprints of ore


and resources departments
· South 32
· Mine closure University partners: deposits
· BHP
Industry partners: · Most Australian universities · Automation and alternative
methods of extraction, Government partners:
· Australian mining industry concentration and/or
precision mining · CSIRO
· Economic extraction from · Geoscience Australia
Geoscience Australia low-grade ores University partners:
Areas of focus: ·
Commonwealth Government
· Lower overall energy costs, · Most Australian mining
· Ore body location Department of Resources reduced carbon footprint
research institutes
· Ore body definition · State and Territory mining and removal of hazards from

· Auditing and reporting


and resources departments mining operations through CRC partners:

· FBICRC
adoption of alternative
University partners: energy sources
Industry partners:
· Most Australian universities · Co-extraction of multiple · CRCORE
· Australian mining industry
commodities to minimise · CRCTIME
Government partners: waste. · MinExCRC
· CSIRO

The Digital Mine: A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem 65


Endnotes
1
Scott-Kemmis, D., What about those Innovation in Mining Industries, Cambridge 37
CSIRO, BCR estimates are from RTI
METS? Leveraging Australia’s mining University Press. International, published 2022.
equipment, technology and services 20
ibid. 38
World Intellectual Property Organisation,
sector, 2013, prepared for the MCA. 21 2021, Global Innovation Index 2021.
ibid.
2
Topp, V., Soames, L., Parham, D. and 22 39
National Skills Commission, Skills Priority
ibid.
Bloch, H., Productivity in the Mining List, 2021.
Industry: Measurement and Interpretation,
23
National Skills Commission, Australian
Jobs Report - 2021 Edition, accessed May
40
MCA analysis, Mining industry skills survey
Productivity Commission Staff Working
2022; ABS, Labour Force, Australia - Table results, 2022.
Paper, December 2008.
3
6, March 2022, accessed May 2022. 41
AusIMM, 2021, A critical moment - the
Note: Chances of a mineral occurrence
24
EY, February 2019, The Future of Work: supply and demand of mining, metallurgical
being developed estimated at around
the Changing Skills Landscape for Miners, and geotechnical engineers in the
1 in 1000 (Gandhi and Sarkar 2016).
prepared for the MCA. Australian resources industry.
4
McKinsey and Company, The raw-materials 42
25
Committee for Economic Development Note: the Australian Graduate Mining
challenge: how the metals and mining
of Australia, 2021, Submission to Inquiry Engineering Statistics 2009-2021 was
sector will be at the core of enabling the
into Skilled Migration, Joint Standing provided by Professor Peter Knights from
energy transition, Jan 2022.
Committee on Migration. University of Queensland.
5
ibid. 26
Tech Council of Australia, Australia’s Tech 43
McKinsey and Company, An Executive’s
6
International Energy Agency, Minerals Jobs Opportunity - Cracking the Code to guide to AI, accessed February 2022.
used in electric cars compared to Australia’s Best Jobs, March 2022. 44
IBM, 2020, AI vs. Machine Learning vs.
conventional cars, published May 2021. 27
MCA analysis; Australian Government, Deep Learning vs. Neural Networks,
7
ibid. Department of Education, Skills and accessed June 2022
8
McKinsey and Company, The raw-materials Employment, Student Enrolment Time 45
Havard Business Review, 2017, The Truth
challenge: how the metals and mining Series, accessed June 2022.
About Blockchain, accessed June 2022.
sector will be at the core of enabling the 28
METS Ignited, METS in Australia, accessed 46
ibid.
energy transition, January 2022. 21 June 2022.
47
Minister for Industry, Science and
9
McKinsey and Company, Global Energy 29
Daly, A., Humphreys, D., Raffo, J. and
Technology, Blockchain Pilot Grants to
Perspective, April 26 2022. Valacchi, G., 2021, Global Challenges for
support industry transformation, media
10
International Energy Agency, The role Innovation in Mining Industries, Cambridge
release, 12 July 2021.
of critical minerals in clean energy University Press.
48
IBM, Types of Automation, accessed
transitions, published May 2021. 30
CSIRO Futures, 2015, Unlocking
February 2022.
11
Mudd, G., 2009, The Sustainability of Australia’s resource potential, the
49
role of the METS sector in driving Robotics and Automation News, Sept.
Mining in Australia: Key Production Trends
and their Environmental Implications and enabling innovation. 2018, Komatsu autonomous trucks
for the Future, Research Report No 5, 31 ‘increase productivity by 34 per cent’
BHP, New supplier innovation challenges
Department of Civil Engineering, Monash at
launched for Australia’s METS sector,
University and Mineral Policy Institute. Rio Tinto, accessed June 2022.
media release, 5 November 2021.
12
Humphreys, D., Mining productivity and the
50
Komatsu, Wheel loaders WE2350,
32
Startup News, BHP backs new CORE
fourth industrial revolution, 2020, Mineral Innovation Hub in Newman, 24 May 2021, accessed June 2022.
Economics, pp.115-125. accessed June 2022. 51
LNGPrime, 4 May 2021, Eastern Pacific
13
Daly, A., Humphreys, D., Raffo, J. and 33
Sanchez, F., Hartlieb, P, 2020, Innovation shipping charters LNG-powered bulkers
Valacchi, G, 2021, Global Challenges for in the mining industry: technological trends to Rio Tinto, accessed July 2022.
Innovation in Mining Industries, Cambridge and a case study of the challenges of 52
International Maritime Organisation, Initial
University Press. disruptive innovation, Mining, Metallurgy IMO GHG Strategy, accessed June 2022.
14
Rio Tinto, First ore delivered at Gudai- & Exploration, pp.1385-1399; Calzada 53
Caterpillar, Caterpillar Introduces Trolley
Darri iron ore mine in the Pilbara, media Olvera, B, 2021, Innovation in mining: Assist System For Cat - Electric Drive
release, published 14 June 2022. what are the challenges and opportunities Mining Trucks, media release, Feb. 2020.
along the value chain for Latin American
15
Rio Tinto, ‘Innovation’, web page accessed 54
The Driven, January 2022, Mining giant
suppliers? Mineral Economics, pp.1-17.
June 2022. BHP orders electric trains for WA iron ore
34
Note: State of Play was initiated in 2012 to rail network.
16
ABS, Research and Experimental support industry’s discussion of innovation
55
Development - Businesses, Australia, ibid.
and performance at a strategic level.
published 3 September 2021. 56
NASA, How do Photovoltaics work?,
35
AustMine, 2021, Sandvik joins new electric
17
ABS, Mineral and Petroleum Exploration, mine consortium to drive electrification accessed June 2022.
Australia, published 31 May 2022. and decarbonisation in mining. 57
Scientific American, Einstein’s Legacy: The
18
ibid. 36
QS Top Universities, QS World University Photoelectric Effect, August 2015.
19
Daly, A., Humphreys, D., Raffo, J. and Rankings 2022 by subject, accessed 58
NASA, How do Photovoltaics work?,
Valacchi, G., 2021, Global Challenges for June 2022. accessed June 2022.

66
the
digital
mine
Minerals Council of Australia
Phone. +61 2 6233 0600
Email. [email protected]
minerals.org.au

© Minerals Council of Australia

While every effort has been made to


ensure the accuracy and completeness
of information contained within, no
guarantee is given nor responsibility
taken for errors or omissions. This
publication is intended for general and
educational use and should not be relied
on for scientific or business purposes.

September 2022

You might also like