The 5th Mining 4.0: North America Summit was organized by Future Bridge in Toronto, Canada on April 10-11, 2024. The event attracted more than 100 attendees representing various mining industry segments. The Summit was vital for the industry’s key players to exchange views, learn about the latest trends, and consider existing opportunities and threats experienced by mining due to digital transformation. This article will provide details of the sessions as well as the event’s sponsors. So, let’s delve in.
5th Mining 4.0: North America Summit: Sessions Covered at the Event
The 5th Mining 4.0: North America Summit covered several sessions that helped the attendees transform their operations. So, let’s look at those sessions in-depth:
Digital Evolution in Mining: Opportunities and Challenges
The session was taken by Ellie Brümmer. She is the General Manager of Technology for Vale Base Metals North Atlantic, UK, and Indonesia. The speaker presented a thought-provoking opening session on the mining industry’s journey towards digital transformation. She looked at the potential and difficulties that mining businesses have as they adopt new technology and work. This is to create a future that is more efficient, data-driven, and sustainable.
Operating Model for Integrated Operations
The session was taken by Alexander Chacón, the Superintendent of Technology & Innovation at Antamina. The speaker explored the idea of integrated operations. Furthermore, he talked about what integrated operations are and how to develop an integrated operations program. He also talked about how integrated operations and digital transformation are related.
Smart and Sustainable Mining Using Validated Digital Twins: A Siemens and Innomotics Approach
Thiago AMARAL and Daniel FOIS present Siemens and Innomotics’ showing the company’s approach to smart and sustainable mining using validated digital twins. Furthermore, the session reflected how the technology of digital twins can revolutionize operations, and enhance efficiency and sustainability. Moreover, the speakers discussed the implementation of it in process automation, showing its potential to optimize resource utilization.
Integrated Operations and Change Management – Where People Process and Technology Collide
Gisela Gips, the General Manager of Integrated Planning at ArcelorMittal, led a session on the integration of people, processes, and technology in mining operations. She discussed the challenges of implementing an Integrated Operations program. She also spoke on the importance of managing change effectively.
Endeavour Mining’s Approach to Mine-to-Mill Performance Maximization
Maixent Assi, the Data Analytics Lead, and Elizabeth Renaud, the Chef Innovation 4.0 at Endeavour Mining, shared the company’s vision and approach to maximizing mine-to-mill performance. They highlighted Endeavour Mining’s journey, achievements, and portfolio of use cases. These were developed to enhance blending, fragmentation, and other critical aspects of their operations.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Data Analytics: What are the Biggest Opportunities for Your Mining Business? What are the Hidden Risks?
This panel discussion brought together experts from Teck Resources, IAMGOLD corporation, and Antamina to explore the opportunities and risks that data analytics in mining brings. Khushaal POPLI, Francis LETARTE-LAVOIE, and Alexander CHACÓN conveyed some insights on using data to improve operational efficiency, safety, and profitability. Furthermore, they discussed topics like data security, integration of analytics with existing systems, and the impact of data-driven decision-making on the mining industry’s future.
Augment End-to-End Value Chain Operations with Generative AI and Governance
Crystal LUI from IBM discussed the application of generative AI and governance in mining value chain operations. Furthermore, the session covered the application of AI in integrated operations. This is to minimize value erosion. So, it focused on domain-specific models using techniques like RAG and time series analysis. Moreover, the speaker discussed the importance of governance frameworks to mitigate the risks that come with AI implementation. Additionally, it included case studies showing successful GenAI solutions in mining. It also focused on knowledge retention and improved business intelligence for a more informed workforce.
Optimizing Greenfield Mine Success through Next-Gen Autonomous Mining Technologies
Francis Letarte-Lavoie, the Operations Manager at IAMGOLD Corporation, shared Cote Gold’s journey from project to operation. Furthermore, the highlight was the use of autonomous haulage systems and infrastructure, autonomous drilling systems, and infrastructure. The speaker also covered the integration of process plant technology and mine-to-mill optimization.
Safety and Automation of Mobile (Underground) Mining Equipment
Harald BORNEBROEK from Nerospec discussed the intersection of safety and automation in mobile underground mining equipment. The session focused on EMESRT L9 collision avoidance systems, vehicle intervention control, and also technologies of machine automation. The speaker showed how these innovations can increase worker safety in hazardous underground environments while increasing efficiency in operations.
Raglan Mine Connected Mine Project
Millan Herce, the Senior Mining Engineer at Raglan Mine, Glencore, provided an update on the Raglan Mine Connected Mine Project. He discussed the control room updates, the role of the supervisor, and new tools and dashboards. Additionally, the speaker covered the challenges of maintaining new technologies and transitioning responsibilities from the project to operations.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Holistic Approach to Mine Digitalization
This panel brought together industry leaders from ArcelorMittal, Endeavour Mining, Glencore, and Vale to discuss a holistic approach to mine digitalization. The discussion covered strategies for integrating new technologies into legacy systems and building an infrastructure that is future-proof. Moreover, the discussion had great insights on overcoming the issues of getting investment for long-term technology projects.
AICenter and Democratization at Vale S/A
The artificial intelligence program leader at Vale, Douglas Pimenta, discussed the company’s adoption strategy. He also discussed the difficulties encountered and the use cases created to harness the potential of AI and advanced analytics. This is to boost sustainability, productivity, and also safety.
Importance of Physical Security Standardization and Automation in the Mining Industry
Casper Eloff, the Head of Corporate Security at The Mosaic Company, and Morné du Preez, the Sr. Director Global Security at Nutrien highlighted the importance of physical security standardization and automation in the mining industry. They discussed the challenges and opportunities in implementing robust security measures and leveraging technologies. Furthermore, it included visual remote intervention and robot-assisted patrol inspection, and addressing cybersecurity concerns.
Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics Strategy to Improve Productivity, Safety and Sustainability
Rafael Estrada, Antamina’s Manager of Information Technology, Telecommunications, and Process Control, gave a presentation on the company’s use of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence. This is to improve operations’ sustainability, safety, and also efficiency.
AI-Driven Innovation: Transforming Mineral Processing with Advanced Control and Optimization Strategies
Khushaal POPLI from Teck Resources presented AI-driven innovation in mineral processing. The session covered the integration of AI into control hierarchies for decision-making that is smarter. It includes advanced controller tuning and real-time monitoring. Furthermore, the speaker discussed the use of reinforcement learning for adaptive control strategies and the use of AI-powered optimization layers to increase advanced process control. Additionally, the session included real-world case studies that showed how AI-driven processes enhance efficiency, safety, and profitability when it comes to mineral processing operations.
Who Were The Sponsors At The Event?
The 5th Mining 4.0: North America Summit by Future Bridge was supported by a strong lineup of sponsors. Let’s look at them:
IBM – Gold Sponsor
IBM, a gold sponsor of the event, brings a ton of expertise when it comes to hybrid cloud & AI, and consulting to the mining industry. Furthermore, with a global reach of over 175 countries, the company empowers businesses to harness data insights, streamline operations, and gain an edge over competitors. Moreover, their innovative solutions like the hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat Openshift are trusted by thousands of organizations in crucial sectors. So, their commitment to curing edge technologies like quantum computing along with their industry-specific knowledge gives mining companies flexible and secure options for digital transformation.
SIEMENS Innomotics – Silver Sponsor
The business was supporting the 5th Mining 4.0: North America Summit as a silver sponsor. Siemens Innomotics is a major participant in the digitization, sustainability, and industrial electrification sectors worldwide. As a leader in the sector, Innomotics concentrates on offering top-notch motors and drives. This is in addition to leading services and digitalization solutions. It guarantees the dependability, productivity, and also availability of its clients’ assets.
Nerospec SK – Bronze Sponsor
The event featured Nerospec SK as the Bronze Sponsor. Nerospec SK is a joint venture between Schmidt Kranz, a German holding firm that runs several businesses in the worldwide mining industry, and the Nerospec Group. It is a South African mining electronics and software company. Moreover, the organization makes use of cutting-edge technology. So, it improves mining operations’ productivity, safety, and efficiency.
SimWell Consulting and Technologies – Exhibition Partner
SimWell Consulting and Technologies was the Exhibition Partner for the event. It is a global company specializing in simulation, optimization, and digital twin technology. Moreover, it empowers mining leaders and operators to maximize their resources, optimize their operations, and elevate their performance.
To Sum Up
The mining industry’s dedication to embracing digital transformation was exemplified during the 5th Mining 4.0: North America Summit. Industry leaders were able to exchange experiences, best practices, and creative solutions at the event. It also gave delegates the information and understanding they needed to successfully negotiate the challenges of the mining 4.0 age. So, for unmatched insights, be sure to attend the upcoming events!
