Mines have traditionally relied on national energy grids, often fossil fuel-based, to provide their electrical energy needs. Where mines are remote or a grid connection is otherwise not feasible, diesel generators fill the gap. But as mining companies grapple with net-zero commitments, low-carbon onsite power solutions offer a key pathway to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By Jonathan Rowland Several compelling…
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Innovation in mineral processing
Coarse particle flotation and bulk ore sorting are starting to make waves in the mineral processing industry. North American Mining takes a look at both technologies with the help of experts from three leading mineral processing OEMs. By Jonathan Rowland The mining industry is known for the relatively slow pace with which it adopts new technologies. And there are good…
Read MorePUMPING SUCCESS
Surface mine dewatering pumps may not be particularly glamorous, but they are essential. North American Mining magazine talked to three experts about the most important factors impacting pump selection and performance. By Jonathan Rowland Dewatering pumps “play a critical role in all mining operations and are therefore among the most important equipment in a mine,” said Mikael Hjelm, business development…
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Mining companies are increasingly looking to electrification to reduce carbon emissions. In underground mining, this switch offers several other additional benefits. But making the change at existing operations is not without its challenges. By Jonathan Rowland Electrification is nothing new in underground mining. Benefits include an improved work environment, with lower air emissions, heat, and noise, and thus reduced costs…
Read MoreThinking Water
North American Mining talks to two experts about the principles, challenges and opportunities of water management in underground mines. By Jonathan Rowland Environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies are now playing a much more significant role in the life of businesses. Traditionally, these have tended to place heavy emphasis on climate change and the need to reduce carbon emissions. While…
Read MoreTaking control: collision avoidance in surface mining
Collision avoidance systems are touted as a critical pathway to safer mines. But they are now also a significant enabling technology of the wider digital, automated mine ecosystem. By Jonathan Rowland Collision avoidance: a market snapshotMore mines will invest in collision avoidance systems (CAS; also known as proximity detection systems) over the next two years than any other technology bar…
Read MoreDig smarter
New technologies are supporting improved shovel maintenance practices, allowing mines to extend maintenance intervals without endangering the machine. By Jonathan Rowland Shovel breakdownThere are 5,500 hydraulic and 1,900 electric shovels with payloads above 20 metric tonnes currently active, according to the mining equipment trackers at The Parker Bay Company. These are large and complex pieces of machinery that operate in…
Read MoreLoad and haul with Hydrogen
Hydrogen is one of the buzziest of sustainable buzzwords. Does it deserve the hype? By Jonathan Rowland A hydrogen milestone Much about the mining process is complex – from exploration May 2022 saw the launch of the world’s largest mine haul truck to be powered – at least in part – by hydrogen. Developed by Anglo American, the catchy-named nuGen Zero…
Read MoreFire in the hole!
North American Mining speaks to a number of companies to get their views on how the digital drill and blast ecosphere is developing. By Jonathan Rowland As in other areas of the mine, digital technologies are transforming how mines manage their drill and blast operations – with a long list of benefits. In doing so, these technologies are opening up…
Read MoreSustainability by Design
When it comes to mining sustainably, there are few more experienced voices than Stantec’s Debra Johnson. In this interview, she talks progress, challenges and the importance of building sustainability into the fabric of mining operations. By Jonathan Rowland Mining companies around the world are embracing the transition to net zero, and setting interim goals to see that they get there.…
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