Transforming Mining Operations With Multi-Orbit Satellites
Published by Will Owen,
Editor
Global Mining Review,
Todd Cotts, Intelsat, outlines how multi-orbit satellite connectivity can accelerate digitalisation and optimise performance in the mining industry.
The mining industry remains in the throes of a digital transformation. With increased frequency, mining owners and operators continue to adopt and deploy new technologies and connected applications to enhance productivity, reduce costs, improve workplace safety, comply with always-emerging regulatory requirements, and overcome rampant labour shortages using remote control and autonomous operations.
Mining industry challenges
Mining organisations are turning to technology and connectivity solutions to address and overcome several key industry challenges, which include the following:
Overwhelming demand
The global need for the earth minerals extracted by mining companies continues to rise. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence projects that 384 new mines will be needed just to meet demand for materials to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, solar panels, and wind turbines. To meet expanding demand, existing mines will need to operate with maximum productivity and efficiency, while new mine site exploration will need to happen with greater speed and expediency.
Widespread labour shortages
A wide range of heavy industries continue to struggle with labour shortages, and mining is no exception. According to the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, more than half of the US mining workforce is ageing and expected to retire by 2029.1 Candidates for replacements are in short supply, with mining employment having fallen by more than 20% over the past decade in the US.2 The lack of talent and migration of workers to new industries have dramatically impacted the ability of mining companies to recruit and retain talent, making the need to leverage autonomous and remote control solutions all the more urgent.
Expanding regulatory pressures
The World Economic Forum estimates that heavy industries are responsible for nearly one-third of the world’s carbon emissions.3 The mining industry alone is believed to be responsible for nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.4 As governments and regulatory bodies continue introducing additional requirements to curb environmentally harmful practices across all industries, mining owners and operators are challenged to achieve compliance and avoid costly financial penalties.
Pervasive safety concerns
Worker safety is always a pervasive and dominant issue in an inherently dangerous business. According to UN reports, heavy industries like mining, construction, and transportation account for a high percentage of the 2.78 million occupational deaths each year. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that mining ranks highest in fatal work injury rates. Despite advances in technology and workplace practices and training, mining fatalities still saw a 31% increase in 2023.5
This is a preview of an article that was originally published in the October 2024 issue of Global Mining Review.
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Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/30122024/transforming-mining-operations-with-multi-orbit-satellites/
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