INTERVIEW A new era for the mining industry Mines of the future will be digitally enabled, automated and centrally controlled, predicts Glenn Kerkhoff of AVEVA BY REBECCA GIBSON The mining industry is under pressure to increase critical minerals production to support the global energy transition, while trying to improve productivity and reduce costs. The sector also faces growing environmental and regulatory constraints, as well as a generalised talent shortage. Amid this landscape, companies are turning to real-time operations data, advanced analytics, production optimisation, predictive maintenance, energy management and automation to boost productivity, reduce risk and attract the next generation of engineering and operations workforce, says Glenn Kerkhoff, global industry principal for mining, metals and minerals at AVEVA. How is real-time data changing the way mining teams monitor performance and respond to issues on the ground? Companies that have access to live data with advanced analytics and operational insights will be able to monitor and optimise mobile fleet performance, plant throughput, equipment health and energy consumption to make faster and more informed decisions. Instead of waiting for end-of-month production reports, management teams and supervisors can see problems as they emerge – such as a shovel underperforming or a mine operating below target – and respond immediately. This shift helps reduce downtime, increase utilisation and productivity, maintain product quality and improve collaboration, while helping operators to meet production targets. What role do predictive analytics and AI play in modern maintenance strategies across the mining value chain? Mining operations depend on large, mobile equipment and fixed plants, where minimising unplanned downtime and optimising spare parts inventory is essential for maximising availability, maintaining productivity and ensuring continuous uninterrupted operation. However, many companies struggle to implement consistent maintenance practices “ Microsoft’s and AVEVA’s combined solutions work to support more connected, data-driven teams” 130
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