Partnering with Asia in mining automation

The mining industry in Western Australia continues to expand at a rapid rate, particularly for iron ore exports. The demand from overseas is so high that end users are looking to invest in additional mining companies to fulfil orders. Mining companies may need to expand their operations in order to meet their obligations.

With overseas investment, much of the mining equipment and technology may be sourced from Asian OEMs, EPCs and solution providers, opening the door for potential trading partnerships. The greatest challenge for both parties is to ensure that the equipment incorporates efficiency, safety and sustainability to meet Australian standards and regulations. It must include remote-operation capabilities and value-add in areas such as asset management and maintenance. Mining technology imports from Asia are often perceived as a threat to local manufacturing, but can represent an opportunity when the synergies between business partners are realised.

Mining industry technology providers from Asia have typically been government-run organisations serving their internal industries. Now they are looking to Australian industry, as a world leader in mining, to take them to the next level. At first glance, Australia may be losing knowledge resources but it offers an opportunity to collaborate with Asian suppliers to implement higher standards in key areas such as safety.

Integrated safety and remote operation

Integrating safety measures in any plant or manufacturing environment is paramount. This is particularly true in mining, whether it be underground coal mining, gold mining, beneficiation or iron ore ship loaders. Ideally it should be incorporated at the design stage, but skills and expertise in retrofitting and upgrading are equally important.

Safety and efficiency are further enhanced with remote operation through ‘minimal manning’. Broadband networks incorporating VoIP and video can now be combined with automation network systems in a secure and safe manner. This allows mines to achieve remote operation with minimal manpower on site. Companies such as Cisco Systems in conjunction with Rockwell Automation have developed tools to ensure reliability and security of EtherNet/IP networks for this type of operation. Demanding Australian standards and safety compliance represents an opportunity for local expertise to guide Asian technology providers.

Asset management

A key part of any remote operation is the minimal maintenance to be done on site. The ability to have ‘proactive maintenance’ can only be achieved by having integrated condition-based monitoring embedded into the automation system. This can save an operation millions in lost earnings from unforeseen downtime. The opportunity for Asian technology providers is to provide those tools at a level above and beyond what is currently available. Joint ventures with Australian mining technology partners are an ideal avenue to maximise features and benefits at a more cost-effective level.