NAVIGATING AN
UNPREDICTABLE
Adrian Beer, Enterprise Software, ABB, Australia,
discusses
the benefits of using information technology in mining.
M
ining has gone through various technology
step-changes, from the mechanisation of key
processes to the limited application of
automation, which has focused on delivering
increases in productivity. However, given the continued
uncertainty regarding coal prices and pressures on both the
demand and the supply side of the market, it has never been
more important to fine-tune operations to deliver ongoing
sustainable production outcomes. Combine this with the
ever-changing regulatory environment and the picture
becomes even more challenging to manage.
Today, best practice is achieved through the integration of
production performance information across multiple processes,
with greater visibility of the impact of decisions both at a unit
level and across entire operations. The application of tools,
such as predictive analytics, are increasingly applied to
optimise performance, dealing with an unpredictable mix of
changing input drivers, commodity prices and production
volumes in a volatile market environment.
Mining organisations are currently focused on addressing
value bottlenecks: optimising production volumes and
processing systems to meet the quality requirements of their
supply contracts. Using autonomous information technology
(IT) and operational technology (OT) integration, these
organisations can track production along the entire value chain,
knowing not only what quality material is coming in for
FUTURE
December 2015
|
World Coal
|
49
