echnology of mining in the future (Part4)

echnology of mining in the future (Part4)

Published by Donna Schmidt in www.miningmagazine.com

Novamera - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Novamera is developing an integrated system using directional drilling equipment and imaging technology called Sustainable Mining by Drilling (SMD). It has been created to help define the geometry of mineral deposits followed by a precise excavation technique that is sustainable, safe and economic.

The company said its drilling system combines high-resolution subsurface imaging with directional drilling in a "two-pass process" to identify physical shapes of the vein. It is highly flexible to changes in vein geometry, providing an accurate result.

"The initial pass uses a diamond drill to create a pilot hole that is guided by the near borehole imaging tool (NBIT)," Novamera said. "The NBIT tool performs downhole surveys at regular intervals to measure hole trajectory and distance from the hanging wall and foot wall. The second pass utilises large diameter (0.5m to 3.0m) hole opening equipment to excavate the vein out to its full thickness. The cuttings are transported to surface using low energy reverse circulation air lift assist methods."

Objectivity - Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

Objectivity utilises AI-based algorithms to improve the efficiency of resource conversion drilling during critical pre-production activity, reducing project development timelines and improving investment returns.

"We provide software and services to support the engineers and geologists' decision-making capability," the company said. "We apply computation methods and largescale visualisation to provide a means for engineers and geologists to use existing information more effectively."

The company's focus is products and services to overcome challenges in exploration geology, mine ventilation, 3-D modeling and computation, data and process management, and virtual reality systems.

OneWatt- Arnhem, Netherlands

OneWatt predicts and detects faults in industrial equipment by ‘listening' to motors using predictive AI and their embedded acoustic recognition sensors (EARS). Their non-intrusive solution enables industrial users, plant managers, and owners to avoid unplanned downtime, revenue losses, and unproductive maintenance.

The system, it said, it adaptable and can retrofit to most motors, regardless of model, size, age, brand or manufacturer.

Phoenix Tailings - Woburn, Massachusetts, US

The US company Phoenix Tailings offers an end-to-end, zero-carbon solution to sustainably harvest valuable metals from hazardous mining waste, leveraging untapped value within mining and refining waste, economically and sustainably.

With a collection of primary metal products re-mined from tailings, it can help end-users to reduce production costs by using 100% sustainably produced material and no direct carbon emissions. Its products include alumina and aluminum, iron, titanium, silica and rare earth elements like cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, samarium and scandium.

A model of Pliant Energy Systems's Core Frond Hydrokinetic Generator - a mechanism for harnessing the energy of naturally-flowing water

Pliant Energy Systems - Brooklyn, New York, US

Pliant Energy Systems (PES) conceptualises, patents and develops novel technologies in the fields of marine robotics, propulsion, electricity generation and pumping.

For the energy industry, PES harnesses the energy of flowing waterways, from small streams to deep ocean currents, and scales them to MegaWatts.

RIO Analytics - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

RIO Analytics develops artificial intelligence applications to predict failures of industrial assets. By combining advanced industrial analytics and AI, RIO analytics has built a digital platform capable of predicting failures, reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency. With a total of 17 patents to its name, it has collected a series of high-profile sponsors including the US Office of Naval Research (ONR), the US Department of Energy (DoE), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and others.

Tomahawk Robotics - Melbourne, Florida, US

Tomahawk develops multidomain collaborative robotic control products, serving security and defense, energy, infrastructure, and assistive robotics markets. Tomahawk's products are built to safely work alongside people and work in unstructured environments.