challenge ; then we formulate the technical problem and bring in a set of partners to work on it .”
Open , interoperable automated technology for mobile equipment is still imperfectly understood : but looking beyond these transformational technologies to whole-mine automation will become an economic game-changer for the industry , continues Bye . “ The ability to measure ore variabilities in real-time at every touch point in the supply chain steps up the ability to add value by removing dilution and manage geometallurgical variability offering significant economic benefit . The sensors exist to do this and are improving constantly , so the next challenge is how to integrate them into the business process .”
No company can now ignore the sustainability benefits technology can deliver . “ This is an industry that has been dominated by the big deposits ,” reflects Sharna Glover . “ That ’ s what drives the quest for volume gains to dilute fixed cost . In turn that has favoured bigger trucks and the need for workforce reductions . The big deposits are depleting now , and I
257 www . technologymagazine . com