Rapid mobilisation. There is significant value at stake in the mining industry from the implementation of new technologies that support the enhanced profitability and sustainability of mines. New jobs will be needed in areas such as data processing, GIS mapping and software design. The answers will vary from place to place. More flexibility. It will take more consultation, in-country study and analysis (and possibly a few more French craft beers) to get us closer to understanding the full array and potential of the policy options available. Below are three key areas where technology will change the face of auditing—with a close-up view of how the tech itself works and what results these innovations will yield. 2) Technology is not a homogeneous force. Two years ago, I co-authored a report that made a media splash beyond anything I’ve done in my almost 30 years of writing. Overall, though, we are likely to see a net decrease in jobs in the mining sector due to automation. We may also see such things as more women working in remote operations centres; increased worker health and safety; lower greenhouse gas emissions; and shared infrastructure with the potential to foster economic development, such as high-speed Internet and renewable electricity. Credit: Brian Voon Yee Yap. Given the massive research and development investments needed to operate the mine of the future and the increasing share of the value chain accruing to capital goods, we expect technology providers to become more dominant players as direct and indirect investors. It has opened the door for new job opportunities and has transformed operations, increasing demand for efficient production. We don’t expect to find any single perfect solution that addresses all the challenges posed by new technology in the mining sector. Lead, arsenic, cadmium, and other toxic elements are often present in such particles. Tackle Everyday Challenges with Mining Technology. Key forces and trends shaping the mining industry: 1. Mining a Mirage – co-written with collaborators from the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development; the Columbia Centre on Sustainable Investment; and Mining Shared Value – warned that massive job losses from new technology would jeopardize mining’s social license to operate. Able to mine lower grade resources at low cost. However, in order to realise this value, new technology must be implemented in a way that is both effective and sustainable. Mining a Mirage, co-written with collaborators from the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development; the Columbia Centre on Sustainable Investment; and Mining Shared Value, warned that massive job losses from new technology would jeopardize mining’s social license to operate. How new technologies are helping mining companies to come clean The mining sector is now one of the biggest markets for wastewater treatment, but policymakers need to … The mining industry will have to adjust and embrace new technology and innovation, as well as new ways of working.” Kotzé was speaking at the launch of PwC’s SA Mine report in Johannesburg last week. Seven ways new technology will impact the mining sector | IISD We don’t expect to find any single perfect solution that addresses all the challenges posed by new technology in the mining sector. The mining industry is the third largest sector in the South African economy, after the agriculture and industrial manufacturing sectors. Both were part of an ongoing effort: the New Tech, New Deal project. Fewer semi-skilled positions in the formal sector may drive more poor labourers to the informal sector, which creates new problems. But the coming wave is different in quality and speed than anything we have seen before. This brief outlines some of the main challenges to the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector support and regulation in the context of the global pandemic and points tentatively to how governments can move forward. While they don’t have the trained and educated workforce that developed nations do, they have raw materials, which are crucial to the rest of the world. Less waiting and queuing. Company operations have been affected through isolated outbreaks and government mandated shutdowns and the demand for many commodities remain low with a lower near-term demand on the horizon. First, mining workers of the future will control machines remotely, in operation centres located miles away from mine site in cities or in other countries. Amongst these are noteworthy successes, as well as some disappointing failures. AI and machine learning, satellite and imaging, as well as driver-less cars, AR and VR Looking for new ways to control costs, extend equipment life or enhance safety on your mine? Virtual reality, drones and automation are making mining safer and more productive. See how Cat MineStar—part of the Cat Connect family of technologies and services—can help you address these big challenges and get more out of your operation every day. Emerging economies now control 70% of copper and 40% of bauxite, which are critical for worldwide production. Air quality is adversely affected by mining operations. What kinds of solutions do we see as possible? The approach to applying new technologies in mining must follow the same principle. The same technology will have different impacts in different settings. It will take more consultation, in-country study and analysis (and possibly a few more French craft beers) to get us closer to understanding the full array and potential of the policy options available. Disruptive technology has been changing the face of mining, with labour and other impacts, since mining began. Virtual and Augmented Reality In the mining industry, VR and AR can be used for everything from training new employees to taking tours of the jobsite remotely. We may also see such things as more women working in remote operations centres; increased worker health and safety; lower greenhouse gas emissions; and shared infrastructure with the potential to foster economic development, such as high-speed Internet and renewable electricity. What kinds of solutions do we see as possible? Overall, though, we are likely to see a net decrease in jobs in the mining sector due to automation. Two years ago, I co-authored a report that made a media splash beyond anything I’ve done in my almost 30 years of writing. Yet there are several movements which are already having a significant impact on the industry. Both were part of an ongoing effort: the New Tech, New Deal project. Seven Ways New Technology Will Impact the Mining Sector. It will be a different set up and way of mining. A few technologies reshaping the sector include autonomous vehicles, automated drilling and tunnel boring systems, drones and smart sensors. All of these possibilities have their strengths and weaknesses, many of which are discussed in depth in our GOXI dialogues. Aaron Cosbey is a Senior Associate with the IGF and co-leads the local content and new technology work alongside Isabelle Ramdoo, IGF’s Senior Associate and Development Economist. Industry experts give their insight into how technological developments will shape the future of mining. 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