Science fiction intersects reality in Tampere, Finland, where groundbreaking experiments are underway with digital mining technologies deep underground. At the forefront of innovation, new software is offering unprecedented 3D visualizations of mines that are yet to be carved into existence.
Mining, an ancient practice intrinsic to the evolution of civilizations, now finds itself at the nexus of modernity, particularly in the imperative shift towards cleaner, safer, and more efficient operations. Sandvik, a trailblazer in the industry, amalgamates automation, electrification, and digitalization to revolutionize the mining landscape.
Laura Hokkanen, spearheading the Test Mine Digitalization initiative at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, underscores the pivotal role of digitalization in addressing the burgeoning challenges of safety, productivity, and profitability plaguing mining operators.
“We’re at the forefront of deploying novel digital solutions aimed at enhancing safety, mitigating environmental impact, and optimizing operational efficiency and profitability,” she affirms.
From autonomous machinery to data-driven analytics and process optimization tools, Sandvik’s arsenal of digital innovations is poised to reshape the mining paradigm. Hokkanen elaborates on AutoMine®, an automated and autonomous suite of products that furnishes real-time insights into equipment performance, enabling mines to boost production, curtail operational expenses, and prolong asset lifespan.
The crux of Sandvik’s digital endeavors materializes within its state-of-the-art test mine facility nestled in Tampere, Finland. With sprawling tunnels stretching over six kilometers at a depth of 40 meters, this facility serves as a crucible for innovation and research, offering a simulated mining environment for rigorous testing and validation of cutting-edge technologies.
“The test mine acts as a crucible for research and development, providing a veritable underground laboratory for testing new technologies and safety systems under authentic mining conditions,” Hokkanen elucidates. “Moreover, it serves as an incubator of expertise, offering training and research opportunities to both our clientele and internal stakeholders.”
Visitors to the test mine are immersed in an immersive virtual reality experience, affording them a glimpse into the realm of remote operation of fully automated equipment, facilitated by cutting-edge connectivity solutions.
Hokkanen underscores the pivotal role of human-centered design in Sandvik’s digitalization journey, emphasizing the importance of crafting solutions that resonate with end-users. “Innovation must resonate with users, empowering them to seamlessly integrate new tools into their workflow and harness the benefits of emerging technologies,” she opines.
As mining undergoes a profound metamorphosis catalyzed by digitalization, Sandvik remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritizing human welfare and advancing sustainable practices. The convergence of electrification, automation, and digitalization not only augurs a paradigm shift in mining operations but also heralds a new era of safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.