“The Democratic Republic of Congo is a country of opportunities. However, most provinces still use rudimentary technology to exploit our natural resources” Assani Elolo Ronaldo, Congolese businessman.
As a Congolese mining entrepreneur, Mr Elolo Assani gives his opinion on how we can use technology to increase productivity in the mining sector. We extract hundreds of minerals from Gold, Copper, Cobalt, Zinc, Lead, and Lithium, just to name a few. However, very few companies use modern technologies in the extraction process.
Assani Elolo Ronaldo – 5 Mining Technologies For Increased Efficiency
I started Mineserveminerals more than 15 years ago, and back then, we used to exploit copper through visual inspection. This is what we had back in the day because modern technology was too expensive for small-scale miners. However, over time, we began to adopt relatively cheap technologies that made it faster to exploit these resources.
Drone Technology
Assani Elolo Ronaldo uses drone technology to explore and extract copper and gold.
The drones have high-resolution cameras, LiDAR sensors, and specialized instruments to help with aerial surveys, geological mapping, and prospecting in remote and challenging terrains.
The drones help identify potential mineral-rich zones and assess the earth’s surface composition. Additionally, drones are vital in monitoring mining operations in real time, ensuring the safety of mineserve workers, and providing accurate data for stockpile management.
In addition, they access hard-to-reach areas, allowing for regular safety inspections and emergency response in case of accidents. Minserveminerals also use drones in environmental impact assessments. The drones capture data on land use, vegetation, and water bodies, promoting sustainable mining practices.
Blockchain Technology
“After seeing how effective drone technology was in our mining operations, we decided to explore new ways of selling gold. Here in Congo, we have a big traceability problem as it is difficult to distinguish gold sourced from legitimate sources. To tackle this problem, we have used technology and implemented traceability programs based on best practices.” Assani Elolo Ronaldo.
Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the gold mining industry by providing a transparent and secure framework for tracking the extraction and movement of gold throughout the supply chain.
Through the use of blockchain, a decentralized and tamper-proof ledger is created, ensuring that each stage in the gold supply chain is recorded and can be verified. This transparency is instrumental in confirming the authenticity and origin of gold, mitigating the risks associated with fraud and unethical sourcing.
A notable advantage of blockchain in gold extraction is its ability to provide proof of origin and authenticity for each gold nugget or bar.
Each unit of gold can be assigned a unique digital identity, encompassing information about its source, mining methods, and certification. This verification process combats the trade of counterfeit or conflict gold, assuring consumers and stakeholders about the legitimacy of the gold.
The immutability of records on the blockchain ensures the integrity of gold extraction and refining information.
Once data is recorded, it cannot be altered or tampered with, providing a secure and auditable history of the gold’s journey. This feature minimizes the risk of fraudulent activities and enhances the credibility of the entire supply chain.
Remote Sensing Technology
Remote sensing technology is widely utilized in the mining industry for efficient exploration, planning, and monitoring activities.
In the exploration phase, satellite and airborne sensors capture high-resolution imagery and geological data, helping identify potential mineral deposits and assess terrain characteristics.
This aids in minimizing exploration costs and optimizing target selection. During mining operations, remote sensing facilitates real-time monitoring of activities, ensuring efficient resource utilization and adherence to safety standards.
Drones equipped with sensors can provide detailed topographic surveys, monitor stockpile volumes, and assess the environmental impact of mining activities. Additionally, remote sensing contributes to post-mining rehabilitation efforts by assessing land reclamation progress and monitoring ecosystem restoration.
Overall, the technology enhances decision-making processes, minimizes environmental impact, and improves mining operations’ overall efficiency and sustainability.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are crucial in optimizing and advancing various aspects of gold and copper mining operations. In exploration, AI algorithms can analyze geological and geophysical data to identify potential deposits more accurately, significantly reducing the time and resources required for prospecting.
ML models can process vast datasets, including historical exploration and production data, to predict the likelihood of finding valuable minerals in specific locations, guiding exploration efforts.
AI and ML enhance efficiency in mining operations by optimizing ore processing and extraction. Predictive maintenance models utilize sensor data from mining equipment to forecast potential failures, allowing for proactive maintenance and minimizing downtime.
AI-driven systems can also optimize the utilization of mining equipment and resources, improving production rates and cost-effectiveness.
Furthermore, AI and ML contribute to higher-grade optimization. These technologies can predict ore quality in real-time by analyzing drilling, sampling, and processing data. This enables miners to adjust extraction strategies and prioritize high-grade ore.
This improves overall yields and reduces the environmental impact of mining activities by minimizing the extraction of lower-grade materials.
In safety management, AI and ML applications enhance hazard detection and risk mitigation. Computer vision systems can monitor the working environment in real-time. In addition, they can identify potential safety risks and alert personnel to take preventive measures.
Additionally, predictive analytics can analyze historical safety data to identify patterns and trends. This helps proactively address and mitigate potential safety issues.
For environmental impact assessment and compliance, AI and ML contribute by analyzing data related to water quality, air emissions, and land use changes. Therefore, the technologies enable miners to monitor and manage environmental risks more effectively, ensuring compliance with regulations and minimizing the ecological footprint of mining activities.
In summary, AI and ML are transformative gold and copper mining technologies. They optimise exploration processes, improve operational efficiency, enhance safety protocols, and contribute to sustainable and responsible mining practices.
“Integrating these technologies empowers mining companies to make data-driven decisions. Ultimately leading to more productive, environmentally conscious, and economically viable mining operations.” Assani Elolo Ronaldo.