The Digital Mine - 2022
The Digital Mine - 2022
digital mine
A review of Australia’s mining innovation ecosystem
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
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
the
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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
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.
FIGURE 1
»»»
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.
»»»
Minerals production
FIGURE 2
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
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
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.
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
16 digital mine
FIGURE 4
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
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
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.
Formal recognition of new and emerging double the growth rate for all jobs in the
occupations is required to: Australian economy.26
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
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.
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
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
FIGURE 9
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
Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre Chief Executive Shannon O’Rourke.
FIGURE 10
111
104
100 87
50
0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
autonomous machines
From trucks to trains to drills,
autonomous machines can be
operated remotely, removing
humans from harms way.
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.
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
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
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
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NC terms of improving the industry’s productivity,
profitability and sustainability.
the
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BHP and KoBold Metals have teamed up to unearth battery minerals in Western Australia.
ARTIFICiAL INTELLIGENCE
AI helps controllers at Rio Tinto make decisions, sometimes thousands of kilometres from the mine site.
K
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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:
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Bengalla safety trainers help new employees learn the ropes in an advanced VR simulator.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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T R A N SPA framework which helps minerals companies
evaluate, manage and communicate their
sustainability performance.
the
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BHP’s Nickel West mine has one of the world’s lowest operational emissions intensities.
Blockchain technology
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
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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
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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
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to production processes.
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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.
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
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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
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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
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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.
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
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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
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used across the mining industry, the technology using machines, alongside AI and digital twins.
K
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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
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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
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integrated automation
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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
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AL OV ERS health hazards that impact people onsite
(such as COVID-19).
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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BULK likely still be in service in 2055 and beyond, it is
critical that the transition to low-emissions fuel
alternatives begins now.
the
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The world’s first LNG-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carrier, the MV Mount Tourmaline.
LE
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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
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E becoming cheaper to operate.
RY STOR
the
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AngloGold Ashanti is trialling the Sandvik TH655B at Sunrise Dam gold mine in WA.
The operation room at Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville gold mine in central Victoria.
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
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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
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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.
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.
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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
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Smart vests able to track location, body
temperature, pulse rates and other key
health diagnostic measurements
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Smart boots that can ensure exclusion zones
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are observed and alert other workers in the
event of a fall or a trip.
the
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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.
directory
Mining innovation partners _
Academic institutions 58
Cooperative Research Centres 63
Government agencies 65
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:
· 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
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.
·
Bulk solids handling and
· Resources health and safety Areas of focus: Industry partners:
transport
· 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:
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
the
62 digital mine
Mining research led by
· 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
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
· 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.
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 _
· 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
66
the
digital
mine
Minerals Council of Australia
Phone. +61 2 6233 0600
Email. [email protected]
minerals.org.au
September 2022