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Thinking small as technology grows

Published by , Editor
Global Mining Review,


Brad Derada, Senior Director – Global Head of Autonomous CoE, Worley Digital Consulting, discusses the role of MVP in the future of mining.

What if the future of mining technology was not about thinking big, but starting small?

The mining industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation, driven by new technologies that seek to redefine how resources are extracted, processed, and delivered. As miners strive to meet ambitious goals in safety, sustainability, and decarbonisation, the integration of enabling technologies will play a central role.

However, the implementation pathway for technological integration is not without its challenges – particularly when it comes to predicting the future needs of mines, which often operate for decades.

To address these challenges, the industry is exploring and pursuing a minimum viable project (MVP) approach, enabling incremental technological advancements that adapt to the evolving demands of mining.

The challenge of long-term planning in mining

Large mines typically have a lifespan of several decades, and the planning horizon for projects can extend 10 – 15 years, or even longer. This creates a unique challenge: how can miners predict and plan for technologies that will be available and applicable over the long term, when the pace of technological change is accelerating rapidly?

It is essential to approach development with consideration for the future state of the industry – not just the present – while avoiding unnecessary costs. Predicting the best available technological advancements a decade or two ahead of implementation, without knowing the social and environmental constraints required in the future, presents a significant challenge. This uncertainty often leads to reliance on proven methods that may be outdated by the time a mine reaches initial production, let alone full production.

A staged approach to technology integration

The MVP approach addresses this challenge by breaking down projects into smaller, manageable phases. Each phase allows for effectiveness to be assessed and adjustments to be made, which maintains the flexibility to adapt to future advancements, while minimising obsolescence and avoiding regret capital. Early implementation of technologies such as autonomous vehicles, robotic drilling systems, and conveyor automation improves operational efficiency and reduces safety risks by minimising human exposure to hazardous environments. Starting with these essential systems allows data to be gathered, performance evaluated, and a foundation built for further advancements.

By adopting a staged approach, the industry balances the pursuit of technically advanced solutions with the need to manage risks associated with taking a technological gamble.

Automation is a great example here, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more advanced systems like AI-driven predictive analytics or digital twins. The early adoption of automated haulage and ore sorting systems lays a foundation for the integration of next-generation technologies. These tools enhance productivity and generate valuable operational data, which can be leveraged to optimise future technological additions. They also support workforce and community education, enabling skill development in local communities and creating higher-paying roles associated with new technologies.

A future-focused approach

The MVP approach reduces financial risk while positioning projects for the future. With each step, technical risks are mitigated, and investors and stakeholders are kept informed and engaged throughout the process.

One example of the MVP approach in action comes from a US-based graphite project, with Worley supporting a junior miner from the early study phases through to execution and delivery. The project team helped the customer adopt technologies that ensured both safety and long-term monitoring, while keeping options open for future automation and advanced control systems. This flexible approach enabled the customer to make a successful final investment decision and conduct stage one expansion of their pilot plant. And, as market conditions improved, the MVP strategy allowed them to rapidly scale further, enhancing the plant’s capacity and performance. The ability to integrate new technologies incrementally ensured the project’s evolution was both efficient and future ready.

By embracing incremental advancements today, the mine of the future will be a dynamic, technologically advanced operation, better placed to meet long-term sustainability goals and achieve a strong return on investment.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/exploration-development/22012025/thinking-small-as-technology-grows/

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