The intelligent mining or smart mining it is the application of advanced digital technologies to optimize the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of mining operations. This concept is not just about the digitization of processes, but a complete transformation of the mining industry, which enables businesses to make decisions that are more agile and precise in the entire value chain, from mineral exploration to marketing of the product.
The intelligent mining is supported in a variety of technologies that, when working together, create an ecosystem operating highly efficient mining operations. Therefore, Konatec was born as a company dedicated to making the mining process “smart” through the creation of world-class technology and the most innovative solutions in the mining market.
Some applications of the intelligent mining include:
Automation and robotics: Used trucks, drill rigs and equipment transport and autonomous, they operate without human intervention in high-risk areas, which reduces accidents and increases productivity. The drones are also used for surveying and monitoring.
Internet of Things (IoT): Sensors and connected devices in the equipment and the infrastructure to collect data in real-time. This information includes the status of the machinery, the performance of the processes and environmental conditions. An example of a smart sensor corresponds to our laboratory in-situ KRHEO, which allows you to get millions of data of the mining operation, which allow the saving of millions of dollars in water consumption.
Artificial intelligence (AI): Advanced algorithms analyze the data from the IoT to identify patterns, predict equipment failures (predictive maintenance), to optimize transport routes and improve the processes of extraction and processing. In Konatec, we develop RHEOTHINK, a software powered by artificial intelligence that is able to predict embancamientos and helps to adjust best to the operations within the site.
Big Data: The vast amount of data generated in a mine is processed to obtain valuable information, allowing for an informed decision-making and strategic planning. As evidence of this, KRHEO is able to increase from 1 to 2 points of profile rheological, obtaining more than 1300 data by variable, in total more than 5000 data in less than 24 hours. This is important, given that it is possible to reconstruct the historical profile rheology.
Twins digital: Are replicas of real-time virtual of the mine, the equipment and the processes. This allows you to simulate scenarios, test new trading strategies and optimize the performance without affecting the actual operations. In Konatec we are working every day to the creation of a “digital brain”, which will allow you to manage the mining operation with a system boosted by artificial intelligence.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): Used for the training of personnel in safe environments and for the visualization of complex data in the site of the mine.
Konatec is positioned as a leading company in intelligent mining. Our products fail to articulate multiple edges of the new form of mining. In this sense, our machine KRHEO has various sensors that generate millions of data in real-time. These data are processed and analyzed by RHEOTHINK, which, thanks to artificial intelligence, allows us to not only understand the process in real-time mining, but also allows us to stay ahead in the future.
Why is it important to intelligent mining?
Intelligent mining this does not only apply sophisticated methods in mining traditional. The intelligent mining saves lives in mining operations, saves natural resources in mining operations, allows you to anticipate events miners, among others. Some of these events are detailed below:
Greater site safety: To automate dangerous tasks of the mining industry, reducing the exposure of employees and workers to hazards such as landslides, explosions, and the operation of heavy machinery.
Increased productivity and operational efficiency: Route optimization, predictive maintenance and continuous operation of equipment, increase production, and reduce operating costs.
Sustainability and reducing the environmental impact: The intelligent mining allows you to optimize the use of resources like water and energy, and helps to reduce emissions by improving the efficiency of operations and the use of renewable energy sources. For example, Konatec specializes in saving millions of dollars to the major mining companies in the world.
Decision making improved: The real-time data and predictive analytics allow managers to make quick and accurate decisions, mitigating risks, and optimizing the performance. KRHEO generates real-time data of the mining operation, change KRHEOTHINK helps to anticipate the future of the operation.
