Editorial Feature

The Evolution of Mining Software

whiteMocca / Shutterstock

The mining industry is falling behind other global sectors in terms of its adoption of technology. Companies have been reluctant to digitize their operations not only because of the cost of making drastic changes to their processes but also because the complex nature of mining operations makes any overhaul to methods a difficult and time-consuming process.

Therefore, many mining processes have remained almost the same for decades. However, mining companies are beginning to recognize the value and competitive edge that digitization could offer their companies, with software being developed to help plan and optimize operations, automate processes, enhance safety and security and cut the costs of overheads.

To support this shift, software has evolved to support mining operations in all the different areas where digitization is beneficial. Software is now available for areas such as planning and design to the management of operations covering all areas of mining operations.

Early Mining Software

The use of computers to aid the mining industry wasn’t established until the 1970s. While there had been applications available previously, the adoption of these technologies was very limited. The 1970s, however, saw a widespread implementation of computer systems with the capabilities of aiding both exploration and mining geology. These were the first established applications for computer software systems in the industry.

Once the software was commonplace, the development of its use in two applications proved to be particularly influential. Software to develop models for drill hole exploration and software to conduct operations researching an order to conceptualize and organize exploration.

Further to this, significant steps were made in the development of software systems that could analyze data from minerals. Much research went into developing these applications, resulting in computer systems that could handle quite complex analysis. Also, developments were made in the areas of geochemistry and geophysics allowing for software capable of organization, display, and interpretation of this data.

By the early 2000s, there were already many software systems available to help integrate geological assessment alongside mine planning and design, and by 2005 software had the capability of generation of survey, assay databases, stratigraphy, drill hole and bench compositing, contouring, 3D surface generation, 2D and 3D log sectioning, cross-sectioning, 3D ore body modeling, designing of open pit, volume, and reserve estimation and economic valuation.

Current Software Capabilities

Modern-day mining software has evolved to the point where it can offer mining companies game-changing capabilities.

Spatial data visualization has been developed that can help mining workers gain insight on how to reduce operational costs and reduce their environmental impact. The advent of three-dimensional modeling enables workers to reimagine the mine more efficiently, highlighting interrelated issues. Virtual Reality has also been developed in this field, allowing users to plan a mine without actually being in the physical space. Also, augmented reality can be used to train new staff, and therefore reducing boarding costs.

Geographic information systems are another area of software development impacting the mining sector. It provides an essential tool with the capabilities of looking at how geographic relationships impact the world around us. With this technology, workers can solve real-life issues where the factors of location and accessibility are essential.

Artificial intelligence presents a large area of potential growth for mining companies. It supports the easy and fast location of minerals, as well as making operations safer and more cost-effective through the use of autonomous vehicles and drills.

Software supporting the use of automated drones in the mining industry allows for the cost-effective and efficient completion of the following tasks: Safety and surveillance in hazardous areas, asset management, time-lapse photography, measuring stockpile inventory, infrastructure upkeep, and inspection and site mapping.

As digitization becomes more commonplace in mining companies, we can expect software capabilities to evolve further, and make operations more efficient, cost-effective, safe and environmentally friendly.

Source

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.

Sarah Moore

Written by

Sarah Moore

After studying Psychology and then Neuroscience, Sarah quickly found her enjoyment for researching and writing research papers; turning to a passion to connect ideas with people through writing.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Moore, Sarah. (2019, December 18). The Evolution of Mining Software. AZoMining. Retrieved on December 07, 2024 from https://www.azomining.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=1535.

  • MLA

    Moore, Sarah. "The Evolution of Mining Software". AZoMining. 07 December 2024. <https://www.azomining.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=1535>.

  • Chicago

    Moore, Sarah. "The Evolution of Mining Software". AZoMining. https://www.azomining.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=1535. (accessed December 07, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Moore, Sarah. 2019. The Evolution of Mining Software. AZoMining, viewed 07 December 2024, https://www.azomining.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=1535.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this article?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.