Future of Mining Perth 2023 was to inform the decision making of operators who are dealing with the pressure to deliver more minerals for the energy transition, while at the same time making step-change improvements to ESG performance, largely through new technology applications.
On day 1, Monday 18 September, Sachin Vaidya, ABB’s Regional Business Line Manager for Digital and Michael Place, Mining Manager with Gold Fields, St Ives discussed the pivoting questions - Is digitalisation the future of mining? The mining industry has a reputation of being challenged with slow to adopt modern technology, how do we overcome this?
"Today’s mining operations are looking for more autonomous and sustainable operations. OMS includes models like short interval control, dispatch systems, and Fleet manager following ISA 95 IT -OT integration, enabling data-driven decision. With OMS Mine operators can receive and make decisions based on real-time data, which helps increase 5-10% productivity improvements in day-to-day mine operations." Sachin responded.
Michael went to on to raise the importance of connectivity, change management and partnering with the right OEM. Micheal and Sachin discussed the recent deployment of a fleet management and operating management system on Gold Field’s Granny Smith site.
Read more about this case study here
Later that day, Paul Barclay, ABB’s Sales Manager Hoisting Solutions was joined on stage with Callum Moore, HSEC Manager - 29Metals, Darren Nyssen, Chief Operating Officer - Applied Measurement Australia and Dennis Brunings, Principal Project Safety - Anglo American. This panel focused how to use innovation to make mines safer and more sustainable for the future. Firstly, we look at person and how to reduce stress and improve mental health – through psychological safety.
Paul provided ABB Hoisting SIL 3 certified functions are a good example of the safest, fasted, and lowest emissions people transport system for underground mining. He went on to discuss with his panel, how processes like OMS provides a central and secure platform for all information, planning and controlling, enabling the operators to make informed decisions – for example monitoring status of people, assets, and environment.
Day 2 of the Future of Mining program, heard from Reza Taher, ABB’s Traction Sales Engineer, Peter Mann, Director Energy Transition, Partners in Performance and Dominic Da Cruz, Executive ESG and Stakeholders Zenith Energy. Which alternative fuels are the practical parts of the future energy mix lead the conversation with these experts. Read more about the discussion here.
Panel discussion - Which alternative fuels are the practical parts of the future energy mix lead the conversation with these experts 
