Ben Pilkington

Feature Writer

B.A. (Hons) English Language and Literature, M.St. English Language and Literature

Ben Pilkington is a freelance writer who is interested in society and technology. He enjoys learning how the latest scientific developments can affect us and imagining what will be possible in the future.

Since completing graduate studies at Oxford University in 2016, Ben has reported on developments in computer software, the UK technology industry, digital rights and privacy, industrial automation, IoT, AI, additive manufacturing, sustainability, and clean technology.

Ben is happiest on a bicycle, loves sleeping in a tent or under the stars, and can’t function properly without coffee.

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Articles from Ben

The Geotechnical Challenges of Decommissioning Mines

New research investigates the geotechnical challenges of decommissioning a coal mine in Greece.

5 Jul 2022

Tracking Underground Miners More Efficiently with Smart Technology

Researchers in Kazakhstan recently developed a smart safety system for underground miner tracking. The machine learning-based technology uses Wi-Fi spot signals and inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors to track miners’ whereabouts underground, and could drive up safety standards in mines worldwid

28 Jun 2022

Using Ceramics in Mining Equipment

Manufacturers are increasingly looking to ceramic materials and coatings to achieve the hardest and most durable surfaces for mining equipment.

27 Apr 2022

New Techniques for Dust Control in Mining Operations

Techniques for controlling dust in mines exist to keep workers safe. Novel approaches utilizing cutting-edge technology have been proposed in recent years.

12 Jan 2022

The Significance of Remote Connectivity in Mining Operations

Remote connectivity projects will enable mining companies to streamline their production while maximizing worker safety and future-proofing their operations.

7 Dec 2021

The Electric Revolution: The Importance of Global Mining Electrification

The mining industry has been adopting more heavy-duty battery electric vehicles, machinery, and transportation systems to reduce CO2 emissions and fossil fuel dependency, increase flexibility and efficiency in mining operations, and improve worker safety. Mining electrification is also enabling more

3 Nov 2021

What Impact has COVID-19 had on the Mining Sector?

Mining is undergoing something of a radical technological shift, the likes of which have never rocked the typically conservative industry before. Widespread trends such as the adoption of automation technology, electrification, and digitalization have also been sped up by the onset of COVID-19.

21 Oct 2021

Driving Change: Moving the Mining Industry Forward with Self-Driving Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles are growing in popularity in mining operations. This article takes a closer look at why self-driving vehicles are beneficial and how they have the potential to move the mining industry forward.

21 Oct 2021

Green Mining: Paving the Way to More Sustainable Metal Extraction

New research by a team of scientists from the University of Oxford has identified a potentially abundant new source of useful metal like copper, which we need more of in order to decarbonize the economy. Sustainable metal extraction from the underground volcano would incur minimal energy costs while

14 Oct 2021