The mining sector It is in a process of migration from traditional mining to an electrified one, with technological and digital solutions. According to the report by the consulting firm EY, mining companies plan to increase their investment in digital transformation in the next 12 months. Being that 44% of organizations will seek to increase their investment between 11% and 25%; while 13% will increase it between 26% and 50%.
In this sense, Ricardo Tejada, a specialist in automation and electrification of ABB mines in Peru, assures that this scenario will lead to a greater demand for mining workers with the ability to master technological solutions applied to the electrification of mines that is associated with data centers, use of batteries, etc. and that are integrated into digital platforms.
“It is key that mining companies train their workers because they ensure better decision-making and greater efficiency and productivity, reducing risks of failures or production stops due to lack of information or support from technology tools. Currently in Peru, the average of mining workers who have digital skills, in small, medium and large mining, is around 30%; that is to say, 70% still need to be trained”, indicated Tejada.
He added that the global goal for ABB by 2030 is to have 100% of mine workers trained in digital skills that their jobs require. “Like ABB, the idea is to provide the mining client, together with our electrified mine solutions, the training of technical personnel and mine operators with the necessary courses so that they can be certified in the operation of the new solutions.“, he pointed.
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Contributions for the mining worker
The ABB specialist in Peru highlights three contributions that this change of scenery will generate for the miner in the near future:
“First, promote the learning of new digital skills; and it is that mining professionals must quickly adapt to the new changes that technology and automation will bring in the performance of daily work. For example, in decision-making driven by energy consumption data, as well as the operation of intelligent electrical equipment that will provide information in real time for the correct and efficient operation of mining processes.” complements Ing. Tejada.
As a second point, the ABB executive pointed out that electrification promotes the entry of autonomous vehicles that will reduce CO2 that is harmful to the environment and mining personnel, so they will work in a cleaner and safer environment without polluting gases. Another benefit of this type of transport is that they could prevent 150,000 fatal traffic accidents, according to the McKinsey consultancy.
Finally, the specialist indicates that the third contribution is related to the benefits of remote work, since an electrification system integrated into digital platforms in a mine will provide equipment and processes that can operate increasingly autonomously, which together to a control center will be able to perform tasks with a high level of trust autonomy.
On the other hand, he pointed out that these changes will contribute to workers having a more pleasant and pleasant work space in the emotional aspect, where they can have the necessary information at hand and thus be more efficient.
