According to Schneider Electric, companies in the mining sector that adhere to efficient energy use will be crucial in the energy transition process.
It is a fact that mining is essential to create most of what we use in society, from roads and bridges to computers and medical equipment.
The trend is that this industry will become even more important as the transition to a low-carbon economy takes place. It is because metals and minerals, such as copper, aluminum and lithium, are essential ingredients for many equipment, machines and devices, including electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels.
Sebastián Giraldo, Director of Industrial Automation for the Andean Cluster, Schneider Electric, said: “The issue is paradoxical because mining is an extractive industry responsible for about 4% to 7% of the global gas emissions. But since there is no substitute for these essential commodities, this industry will have to decarbonize to become part of the low-carbon future.”
The commitment to promoting responsible mining takes into account corporate advice and the implementation of solutions that combine Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling control of each process and area to achieve optimal, safe and sustainable operations.
Giraldo added: “The development of the sector is evolving, and there is a better perception and important representation for the economy. Different mining companies are already, for example, using sensors during the extraction phase to collect more information about each bucket or shovel, which increases performance, helps conserve water use and reduces tailings waste.”
It is worth highlighting that through digitizing energy, the goal is to optimize the work and task lead times, increase productivity, reduce operating costs, decrease or eliminate risks, and achieve better safety in work performed at these high-impact sites.
“Big Data/Macro Data can also be used for real-time monitoring of people and machines at the mine site to help improve productivity, increase safety and protect the environment. The more connected a mine is, the more efficient and prepared it is for the digital future,” said Giraldo.
The productivity of a mining company can increase by 15 to 20% if it adopts new technologies efficiently.
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