New technologies transforming the mining sector

Note published in Gestion.pe - Perú 2024

This sector is in constant transformation, seeking sustainability for better development. Learn about the technologies that innovate mining.

The mining represented 10% of GDP and 16% of private investments in the last 10 years. As a result, this sector has made new commitments to address climate change. climate change with the use of technology.

A mining with technological innovation is a more sustainable mining. We are not only talking about responsible production, but also about the positive contribution that can be made to people, workers, investors, communities and the environment. While there is still a long way to go before we reach fully technological models that drive sustainability, we have a long way to go before we reach fully technological models that drive sustainability. sustainabilitysustainability, we can say that it is already one of the main focuses of modern mining. modern mining"said Patricio Rojas, CEO and co-founder of Antara.

• Automation and robotics: The use of autonomous vehicles and remotely controlled equipment has increased worker safety and improved accuracy in mineral extraction, thereby reducing the risks inherent in mining activities.
• Artificial intelligence (AI): The implementation of artificial intelligence algorithms has transformed the way decisions are made in the mining industry. From production planning to optimization of transportation routes, AI has enabled more efficient management of resources, resulting in reduced costs and improved profitability.
• Traceability software: These technological programs enable data collection at each stage of field operations by observing and recording information on portable devices, allowing real-time documentation in the software. This speeds up decision making, provides on-site process data and facilitates fault detection to optimize the process.
• Renewable energy: The installation of solar farms and wind projects has helped reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which in turn has reduced the carbon footprint of the mining industry. In Peru, eight of the 17 critical minerals for the energy transition are already mined in the country, such as copper, iron, lead, silver and zinc, among others.
• Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): Operator training and process design have been greatly enhanced by virtual and augmented reality. These technologies allow the simulation of complex situations, which improves training and decision making, while reducing the risks associated with hands-on training.

"The Peruvian mining sector is facing regulatory challenges and persistent threats, but it also sees opportunities for growth and development, especially in the technological technological. Collaboration between government, companies and regulators is important to build a more robust and sustainable outlook for the near future," adds Rojas.

Automation vs. Artificial Intelligence

The AI has reached a high level of accuracy and efficiency through the development of its own algorithms and its machine learning capabilities. With this, the tool processes a greater amount of data, optimizing the time for companies to make decisions.

In the case of automation, it plays an essential role as a technological ally technological allyIts objective is to increase productivity and execute processes automatically.

"Automation focuses on the execution of repetitive and predictable tasks, eliminating the need for human intervention. This can be more useful than artificial intelligence or vice versa, the important thing is that automation can effectively take away a lot of operational time, but be careful, if I execute something, this system will not question any of my decisions and will simply act under its programming," said Xania Pantoja, ZeroQ's commercial manager.

Therefore, these tools can be used correctly to get the most out of them. However, "beyond the fact that technology offers endless facilities, the only thing that guarantees their success is to apply it correctly", recommends ZeroQ