Is Artificial Intelligence the future of mining?

The mining industry is increasingly using AI as a tool to optimise processes, enhance decision-making, derive value from data, and improve safety, with the rise in total operating expenses for top mining companies driving this rapid advance of AI.

AI can be used in very powerful ways to predict wear and tear on various assets, and evaluate all the mechanical behaviours in an intelligent centralised system which monitors everything remotely.

BHP have been a key force in introducing AI into mine sites across Australia, “After years of development, we’re achieving strong results with autonomous equipment at our iron ore mines in Western Australia. The autonomous drills at Yandi and Mining Area C have increased productivity and reduced wear and tear maintenance costs. The fleet of self-driving trucks at Jimblebar has reduced potential safety incidents involving vehicles, increased truck utilisation and reduced haulage costs by about 20%.” Says Diane Jurgens, Chief Technology Officer for BHP.

And whilst the possibility of AI systems replacing much of modern manual labour is perhaps a dominant point of discussion in the industry, what seems to be certain is that AI will change the nature of work, and in some cases, will be more effective working in unison with skilled staff rather than on its own.

What’s Happening to Iron Ore Production in 2022?

In late 2021, we saw strong headwinds for iron ore imports in 2022 as China continued to push ahead with cutting carbon emissions. Australia’s iron ore production was estimated to increase by 2% backed by projects that began operations last year, such as South Flank, West Angelas, Mesas B, C, and D and Western Turner Syncline Phase 2. However, continuing labour shortages alongside slowing demand from China, due to environmental vows and new Covid-related lockdown and restrictions during the first quarter of 2022 is scaring the global iron ore industry yet again.

Whilst it’s not all doom and gloom, the iron ore price is forecast to remain above $US100 per tonne into 2023, as Chinese demand slowly increases and supply remains stable.

Australian Ceramics Engineering Managing Director Paul Devine predicts the supply constraints will work to support the current iron ore pricing as major miners focus on value over volume.

Along with price strength, a few of the larger projects from FMG and BHP have the potential to support and encourage iron ore production growth over the remainder of 2022, boosting our weakened confidence in Australia’s highly profitable iron ore sector.

Looking ahead, and our iron ore mining industry is looking stronger by the day.

Record Gold Investment Drives Australia’s Booming Mineral Exploration Sector

What does the latest in mineral investment mean for our mining exploration sector? The industry is booming and is exactly the economic recovery we need in a post-covid world. In fact, many argue mining helped our country weather the covid storm. It stood strong whilst lockdowns and restrictions stunted the economic growth of most industries. Amid covid’s rampage, Australia’s mining industry shipped $299.6 billion in exports in the 2020-2021 financial year. Mining remains a pillar of our nation’s economy, employing 267,800 people, which is roughly 2% of Australia’s workforce. 

A brief history of mining in Australia 

Australia plays host to an abundance of minerals. We are one of the leading producers of iron ore, gold, lithium, lead, diamond, uranium and zinc. And with 80% of Australia still an untapped resource when it comes to mining minerals, you could say the best is yet to come. Why is mineral mining so important? With our ever-increasing technological world, these minerals are in high demand. You use them every day, the computer or mobile device you are reading this on are made from components derived from these minerals. And with new advancements in renewable energy and lithium batteries, it’s a great time to invest in the mineral industry.

What is mineral exploration? 

Mineral exploration is the process of searching for mineral deposits in the ground to see if there are any future mining possibilities at that site. It involves various techniques like mapping, surveying from ground level or above, testing soil and water samples or drilling. Mineral exploration can only be conducted if you have an exploration license, giving you the right to search for a specific mineral only within the governed area. The mineral exploration team must report to the landowner as well as manage environmental impacts, take public safety into account, take the opinions of the local community into account and share all exploration activities done under the licence. 

 Another gold rush 

Australia’s mining industry experienced its second-highest exploration investment last year. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, mineral exploration increased by 14 per cent to $3.2 billion in the 2020-21 financial year. This is the largest investment since the mining boom reached its peak in 2012. And this rush shows no signs of slowing down. Data from business advisor BDO shows in the September quarter alone; investors put over $2.55 billion in the mineral exploration sector. 

So mineral exploration and mining is continuing to keep our Australian economy alive, what has this got to do with us at ACE? At Australian Ceramic Engineering, we are leaders in protective wear solutions to combat the excessive wear and tear in mining equipment. We specialise in ceramic wear liners to supply our clients in the mining industry with a high-quality product to improve the function of their equipment. Thanks to ceramic’s properties, wear liners protect equipment from the highly abrasive materials flying through the machinery at high speeds. By protecting these assets, you are increasing their lifetime. Whilst Australia continues to be explored for its mineral potential, we will be here providing protection for the equipment to do so.  

Popular Ceramic Coating Myths

Ceramic coating is often misunderstood because people don’t know what it is! Industrial ceramics are used in high-tech applications in biomedical, aerospace and electronic areas. We use industrial ceramics at ACE in our protective wear liners. The properties of ceramic make it ideal to protect industrial equipment from the inevitable wear and tear from its use.

What are some of the misconceptions when it comes to ceramic coatings?

Are ceramic coatings chemical-proof?

Ceramics are ideal for use by chemists, physicists and engineers alike, thanks to their chemical inertness. Advanced ceramics are highly resistant to chemical corrosion, in fact, ceramic doesn’t react with most liquids, gases, acids or alkalis. Our range of ceramic wear liners is a cost-effective, efficient way to protect your assets from the chemical erosion that occurs in acidic or caustic environments.

Are ceramic coatings heatproof?

Ceramic coatings are used specifically for their heat resistant properties! As a material, ceramic is a good insulator, ideal for use in high heat settings. This is because heat doesn’t transfer through ceramic fibre due to its atomic bonding structure, and it doesn’t have many loose electrons. Even traditional forms of ceramics can withstand heat up to 1,000°C to 1,600 °C.

Are ceramic coatings friction proof?

One of the main advantages of using ceramics in wear protection is the product’s corrosion resistance. To a large degree, ceramic coatings are friction proof. Once formed, ceramic is extremely strong and brittle, hence why ceramic coatings are popular for cars to protect the paint from scratching and are used widely as one of the most effective materials for protection against abrasion.

Important factors to consider

Understanding the environment in which the system is intended to be installed into or designed around is crucial for the systems success. Many factors that need to be considered during the design such as;

• Temperature
• Humidity
• Operational conditions
• Material characteristics
• PH levels
• Wear characteristics i.e impact, abrasion, corrosion

Since adopting their use in protective equipment, ceramic “systems“ have shown themselves as the solution to keeping your equipment functioning at its full potential.

Australian Ceramics Engineering specialises in helping your equipment last longer and perform at its best. If you think your equipment could benefit from our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We would love to help debunk any ceramic coating myths you have or specific questions. You can contact us here.