Rio Tinto, Nokia and Metso: Top 5 Mining Stories This Week

Field operations in the mining sector require mission-critical decisions to be made in real time. The increasing demands for data-led solutions require reliable network connectivity to reduce the risks that a failure impacts productivity. 

Nokia is rolling out the new Cognitive Operations platform to the mining industry, along with the construction sector and other industries that share similar requirements for connectivity and resilience, including public safety and defence markets. 

Nokia Launches AI Edge Computing Platform For Mining Sector

Amid continuing pressure on mining companies to optimise production, improve safety and get more value from existing operations, it is unsurprising that the market for data-led services is continuing to expand.

Metso has responded by overhauling its Metso Digital portfolio, expanding the scope of its existing Geminex suite of services and including them in a wider Metso Digital Production Management suite, while adding a Metso Data-driven Performance Analytics and Metso Safety Performance Platform.

Metso Adds Data-Led Performance, Production Management Tools

While existing mine vehicle advisory systems have led to a reduction in collisions and accidents, there are times when advisory controls are insufficient.

Sweden based technology developer has updated its Vehicle Intervention System (VIS) and integrated safety portfolio to include automated collision prevention for customers worldwide. 

 The system can automatically inhibit propulsion, apply retardation or braking, enforce safe following distances, manage overspeed conditions, including on ramps, and bring a vehicle to a safe state if a critical system fault is detected. 

Vehicle Intervention System First For Surface Mining

One of the challenges confronting miners is an increase in ore competency, as miners begin to handle more challenging ores. An increase in the competency of ore at the operation can lead to operational limitations at the processing circuit.  

Weir shares that premium high-pressure grinding rolls can help to debottleneck the comminution circuit and reduce power demand. "As surface deposits deplete and miners encounter a higher proportion of competent ores, they are increasingly installing HPGRs to overcome their processing challenge," says Bjorn Dierx, Director HPGR and Process Engineering at Weir.

Weir Grinding Rolls Offer Eco Benefits for Gold Miner

Mining major Rio Tinto has agreed a deal with Switzerland-based miner Glencore and Mitsubishi Development to acquire their Aurukun bauxite project in Western Cape York in Queensland, Australia.  

A Glencore company spokesperson confirmed the transaction, noting that the financial terms had not been disclosed, and the transaction remains subject to Government of Queensland and other Australian regulatory approvals.

Rio Tinto’s Queensland Bauxite Focus in Australia