18/9/2008 -The Digital Revolution Changes the Mining Industry Forever

By far the biggest step change technology for the mining industry which reaches into every area of minerals exploration, recovery and processing is the introduction of computers or digital tools.  

Its applications range from satellite and exploration technologies; to software and data analysis; to complex modelling and simulation of processing flowsheets, mineral particles and mine design; robotics and remotely controlled mine sites.

Companies like Citect, that offer real-time automation and control systems, have seen the changes over the last thirty years in the mining industry's uptake of technology.
 
"The common theme from South Africa to Australia to Brazil, is putting more technology into their processes is crucial to their survival," said Christopher Crowe, CEO of Citect.
 
"The research and discovery of raw materials is key but supply chain management is critical."
 
That is where real-time automation and control systems have filled a need, in enabling companies to know what is happening on the mine site all times, to identify bottlenecks, increase equipment utilisation and production, and reduce maintenance costs.

Taken together, improvements in these areas lead to lower cut-off grades and in effect, expansion of ore reserves.