When combining the terms data and mining, the first thing that comes to mind may be the scenario in which IT and technology jointly extract value from enterprise data. In fact, data and intelligence can fully generate considerable energy in the real "excavation site", and the value it brings is the real resources of the earth. Even within this very specific industry, artificial intelligence and machine learning are also expected to be powerful means of improving efficiency, effectiveness, environmental and safety issues, and helping mining companies maintain their value output over the long term.

Mining has become a fairly mature industry over the past century. We no longer use human or animal power for labor, and pickaxes and oil lamps have become objects in the museum for people to admire. The modern mine is a complex environment filled with numerous machines, with heavy equipment and computer-driven technology deployed around human operators. Whether we mine minerals/ores (such as copper, iron, gold), or rich energy reserves (such as coal, oil, or natural gas), machines dig resources from the ground and transport them to the surface. Huge fleets are responsible for further transporting the output to subsequent destinations for refining or use. As our daily lives become more and more dependent on these natural resources, the system of action behind the mining industry has become more complex.

It is worth noting that the act of extracting minerals from the ground is extremely damaging to the environment. When mining or drilling, we are actually mining the earth itself. In addition, we also need to clear the surrounding debris and manage the large amount of waste generated during the mining process. Generally speaking, the expenditure brought by mining environmental management may already be basically equal to the cost level of resource acquisition itself.

In this regard, the introduction of artificial intelligence is expected to transform the mining industry into a safer, more profitable and greener industry.

Leveraging AI to improve resource discovery and planning

Mining is very expensive. To minimize up-front investment, mining companies need to be very prepared to understand where and how they dig. One of the main ways the mining industry uses AI technology is to analyze the topographical features of the current environment. Computers are more prepared to map and predict terrain trends than humans. In most cases, we have to dig a path before we can actually reach the resource we want to collect. Not only does this cost a lot of investment, it also costs millions, if not tens of millions of dollars, to mine the wrong operations in the wrong location. And AI technology can help us better prevent these mistakes.

In addition to this, AI is widely used to identify potentially high-value areas worth mining or drilling. Through pattern matching, predictive analytics, and computer vision systems that can process maps and geological data, AI can analyze vast amounts of data to better predict where resources are needed. This more powerful and accurate forecasting capability will bring more scientific planning ideas and a more substantial return on investment to the mining industry.

Therefore, AI technology is gradually becoming a powerful tool for analyzing various types of data in the mining industry. Most industries are now using machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze their operational data, including managing transportation and logistics, human resources, and even supply chain systems. That's because machine learning helps reduce associated costs, optimize resources, and reduce waste.

Smart drones and autonomous machines

At the same time, the mining industry is also adopting drone equipment in large numbers as an ideal tool that deserves a lot of promotion. For example, many companies are beginning to use drones to scan their mining sites, keeping tabs on quarries and waste dumps, and identifying environmental issues, storage and leach ponds, and pipeline infrastructure operations. With the help of drones, companies can quickly identify many problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye while on the ground. This bird's-eye view makes it possible to monitor the progress of the project and the impact of the mine on the surrounding ecosystem. Using machine learning-based computer vision systems, these drones are also able to analyze the imagery data they collect, helping mining companies access and monitor their facilities continuously, 24/7, in a way that humans cannot.

As we all know, the mining industry has always been extremely risky. But in order to obtain the natural resources we need, humans have to dig into increasingly harsh environments. Whether obtaining coal or minerals from underground deposits, pumping oil and gas in deep-sea drilling pipelines, or even digging ice sheets in the Arctic, we have to gradually move towards a harsh and harsh environment.

In this regard, the replacement of humans with machines and equipment can undoubtedly significantly reduce the possibility of dangerous events. With autonomous systems powered by AI technology, mining and energy companies can increase the use of autonomous machines in harsh environments, ensuring they continue to work without human operators. In addition, such devices can also be used in many areas that humans simply cannot reach.

Not only that, but unmanned mining equipment will also improve overall productivity. These machines can work tirelessly and continuously, significantly reducing the risk of extremely high or even life-threatening mistakes. If the machine gets stuck in the mine, we can deal with it later without worrying about its life. Because of this, Komatsu Mining has developed a variety of AI-enabled autonomous devices and put them into a variety of harsh environments. In addition to autonomous excavators, they are also making extensive use of autonomous transport and loading vehicles. Many modern mining companies are currently adopting “digital mining” systems, in which equipment is connected to each other, using intelligent technology for decentralized control and minimizing manpower requirements. Among them, unmanned vehicles are an important part of digital mining.

At the same time, these autonomous machines can also help mining companies perform certain periodic inspection tasks. By attaching cameras and sensors to the equipment, companies can detect problems in the mine—such as air pressure levels and structural instability. The more frequent the inspections, the more reliable the safety of the mining industry, the less human inspectors have to enter the mine, and the safer the mining operation is ultimately.

Using AI technology to reduce environmental impact

The mining industry is destructive in nature and can have a huge negative impact on the environment. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate this environmental impact, AI technology still promises to greatly alleviate this problem by managing the acquisition, transportation and disposal of resources. Mining companies are now deploying a large number of cameras and sensors in and around mines, which can not only monitor digging, mining and other conventional mining activities, but also pay close attention to the spread of waste and hazardous substances.

The biggest difference between AI devices and functional devices is that the former can analyze data. AI-enabled devices can analyze and interpret vast amounts of sensor data in real-time, and alert you when something goes wrong. These systems are able to spot patterns that may require attention. Using machine learning technology, we can detect periodic vibrations, temperature changes and other abnormal events in various parts of the mine in time.

It can be seen that artificial intelligence technology has had a wide-ranging impact on the mining industry. Mining equipment manufacturers and development companies are increasingly leveraging AI technology to improve return on value and reliability across the industry, while reducing safety incidents and environmental impact. Through safer mining methods, more environmentally friendly mining methods, higher economic benefits, and greater resource yields, AI technology has proven its ability to impact the world.