Aging Foundries Outdated foundries and equipment can lead to higher safety risks and costly repairs. Modernizing your process control systems with mining automation solutions can improve productivity and efficiency while reducing machinery issues in your facility.
Labor Shortages The mining industry is struggling to find skilled and reliable labor. Currently, many mine workers are at least age 46, and nearly 50% of skilled engineers are reaching retirement age in the next decade. Overall mining employment has fallen 20.4% over the past decade in the United States (Mining.com 2023). Automating processes lessens your reliance on labor and helps you get more production with fewer people.
Harsh Physical Environments The mining environment is often hot, dirty and labor-intensive, which takes a toll on workers. The fatal injury rate in the mining and metal industry rose nearly 22% in just one year, between 2020 and 2021 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023). In underground operations, automation has become essential due to the challenging conditions and the need for improved efficiency. With mining automation solutions, you can remove your workforce from potentially dangerous situations and redeploy them for more fulfilling, less physically demanding tasks.
Energy Management Mining operations consume significant amounts of energy, with energy costs representing 5-10% of production costs (Department of Energy 2024). With energy efficiency so crucial for reducing costs and minimizing environmental impact, automating energy management systems helps you leverage real-time data to make more informed decisions on your energy output and lower production costs.
Production Planning Efficient production planning is essential, yet challenging, in mining. From managing inventory to demand forecasting, automating supply chain systems use real-time data analysis to optimize ordering processes, reduce downtime and meet production deadlines.
The mining sector, historically cautious in adopting new technologies, is now increasingly turning to automation to address these challenges and improve overall efficiency.
These are just some of the day-to-day challenges that you might be facing in the Mining and Metal Industry. How will you solve them?
Access to a vast network of suppliers and on-hand inventory
Van Meter’s extensive supplier network ensures access to essential supplies and replacement parts, minimizing downtime. By stocking crucial items, Van Meter helps prevent costly delays in repairs and maintenance, so your operations remain uninterrupted.
Specialized support teams
Unlike many other distributors, Van Meter offers dedicated automation specialists. These teams include field technicians, automation support teams, and product experts who provide comprehensive assistance, from process control and optimization to maintenance support.
Real-time data analysis and process optimization
Van Meter’s solutions include real-time data monitoring and process control systems that help reduce costs and optimize efficiency. By utilizing real-time analytics, mining operations can improve quality, cut scrap rates, and increase uptime, leading to higher productivity and lower operational costs.
Enhanced safety with automation
The mining industry can be hazardous, with workers exposed to hot metals, chemicals, and heavy machinery. Automation minimizes human involvement in these risky areas, reducing exposure to potential injuries. Automated mining control systems also reduce human error and provide predictive insights to prevent larger incidents. Evaluate your performance and discover opportunities for growth and improvement with assessments, audits, and training for your mining and metal operations.
Mining control systems
Process control systems are the backbone of efficient operation in the mining industry. These systems are designed to process information in real-time, allowing mining companies to fine-tune their operations based on the availability of workforce and equipment. By continuously monitoring and adjusting various parameters, process control systems ensure that mining operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Improve productivity through data analytics
Leverage data analytics to gain valuable insights into operational performance, identify areas for improvement, and optimize production processes. Through data, mining companies can identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to optimize their processes.
Increase your operational efficiency
Implement remote monitoring and control systems to enhance operational efficiency, reduce labor costs and improve safety. Through alarms and fault detection mechanisms, process control systems provide early warnings of any anomalies, enabling prompt corrective actions. This proactive approach minimizes downtime, reduces the risk of equipment failure, and enhances overall operational efficiency.
Maximize your workforce
Skilled labor is increasingly hard to find. Bridge skills gaps in your workforce by utilizing Van Meter’s extensive team of technical specialists to support your PLCs, HMI, networking, software, drives, motion control, and RFID solutions. This expertise is available both on-site and remotely, ensuring facilities have the support they need for complex challenges.
Enhance your mining processes
Enhance mining processes with advanced Rockwell Automation process control systems that enable real-time monitoring, data analysis and automated control.
Improve your safety and compliance
Ensure compliance with industry regulations and safety standards through automation solutions that minimize worker exposure to hazardous conditions and improve safety protocols.
Optimize energy efficiency
Improve energy consumption and reduce costs with energy-efficient automation solutions and real-time energy monitoring.
Automated drilling systems allow precise drilling in difficult-to-reach or hazardous areas, reducing human exposure to dangerous conditions. Automated blasting systems improve control over explosions, minimize waste and enhance ore recovery, making the process safer and more efficient.
With remote operation, machinery can be controlled from safe locations, often far from hazardous mining zones. This not only enhances operator safety but enables more precise control, reducing equipment wear and minimizing operational downtime.
Autonomous trucks reduce the need for human drivers in dangerous areas, lowering labor costs and minimizing risks from fatigue or human error. Autonomous trucks allow for continuous, 24/7 operation, increasing productivity and decreasing fuel consumption by optimizing travel paths.
Automation in drilling exploration enables rapid and accurate data collection and processing to locate ore deposits. This reduces the time and costs associated with exploration activities and allows for faster decision-making on where to focus mining efforts, leading to improved resource management.
By monitoring equipment health and using AI for predictive maintenance, mining companies can detect potential failures before they occur. This reduces unexpected downtime, extends the life of equipment and minimizes maintenance costs by enabling timely repairs.
The mining industry is witnessing a significant shift towards remote and autonomous operations, particularly in underground mining. These advancements are transforming the way mining companies conduct their operations, enhancing safety, efficiency, and productivity. Remote operations allow mining companies to control and monitor their activities from a distance, reducing the need for personnel to be physically present in hazardous environments. This not only improves safety but also enables continuous operation, as remote control centers can operate around the clock. By leveraging remote operations, mining companies can optimize their processes, reduce downtime, and achieve higher levels of efficiency.
