General Electric creates energy storage for the mining
The new Durathon Battery is General Electric’s (GE) most recent breakthrough. The energy storage technology promises to improve a lot in the mining field, for instance, by powering underground vehicles that transport mining materials. The best about it is that the system should help develop cleaner, faster and more efficient machinery for mining activities. According to […]
What’s the next step for mining automation?
After driverless trucks or loading vehicles roaming underground tunnels operating by themselves within a laser defined area, what’s next in the mining automation field? According to Diego Areces, vice-president of mining solutions, minerals and metals at the company Schneider Electric, the next step is to change the reality of mining, trying to evolve and implement these technologies. […]
First human colonies in space will be composed of mines
Imagine the first human colonies in space. The futurist Tom Cheesewright already did it and, according to him, these colonies will include little more than a few mines, oil rigs and manufacturing outposts to refine minerals. That being said, Cheesewright adds that asteroids are probably more likely to be the first “places” to receive long-term colonisation projects. The […]
Mining and other industrial activities are destroying coral reefs and causing sea life extinction
A new research made by the University of Florida shows that modern species living in reef habitats that are quickly declining, like Australia’s Great Barrier, are likely to be at risk. The document reached this conclusion after several ancient crustaceans went extinct due to a massive collapse of coral reefs across the planet, showing a direct relation […]
Flotation of Marmatite
The chemical formula for sphalerite and marmatite is (Zn,Fe)S not (ZnFeS2). The iron and solid solution are in a solid solution and marmatite (there is technically no mineral called marmatite) is referred to as the high iron variety of sphalerite https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/marmatite They have the same flotation properties and the high iron content makes the sphalerite […]
EPA distinguishes mining firms in Ghana for improved operations
Mining companies operating in Ghana have earned their right to some compliments: according to a report made by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the firms have generally improved their operations in fields like respect towards mining laws and development of corporate social responsibilities. The document “Environmental Performance Rating and Disclosure ‘Akoben’ of Mining Companies”, regarding data […]
Papua New Guinea’s government opens new controversy regarding the Ok Tedi Mine
The controversial Ok Tedi copper and gold mine doesn’t belong anymore to BHP Billiton. Papua New Guinea’s government decided to whip full control of the pit from the hands of the company and put a stop to the legal immunity for environmental damage that BHP enjoyed. The change was announced this week, as Prime Minister Peter O’Neill gave the […]
Technology will always need human workers to succeed in the mining industry
A “cultural change”: that’s what Mark Gelsomini, Dundee Precious Metals information technology director, says the mining industry needs to successfully introduce automation or robotics in mining activities. This change will be based on the buy-in of employees and will require a gradual and fully transparent introduction process so workers won’t feel alienated or threatened. Gelsomini talked […]
Old technology secret can make all the difference in a mine
Mining companies around the world are looking at a new type of product to boost safety levels in their mines and reduce the risk of explosions. No, it’s not a new device: it’s vintage space technology. A new solution to create more resistant computer screens was inspired by the old materials used in space missions. […]
Report on green mining highlights 47 projects and gives advice to industry stakeholders
A report recently published by the research and advisory firm Kachan & Co reveals that there are 47 new green mining technology breakthroughs that mining companies are adopting to save money and spare the environment. The document entitled “Emerging Green Mining Innovation” shows how a cottage industry of companies is starting to form to help the mining industry clean […]