Modernising the gold mining life cycle

Presentation given at the 2023 World Gold Conference

Abstract:

Digital technologies, as an important enabler of mine modernization, are shaping our understanding of the intelligent mine of the future – mostly because of the potential for real-time decision-making. Such modernization is happening along the entire mining life cycle affecting all the links of the value chain. This presentation deals with the practical implications when modernising the mining life cycle and value chain links or activities. More specifically, it considers the role of digital technologies during modernization. The presentation starts with an introduction to the mining life cycle and the need for supply chain management at a time when mining companies are vulnerable to long supply lines. It identifies common global risks for gold and offer lessons for mines considering modernisation. The international mining sector already has many smart systems on health, safety, machine and production monitoring. This presentation deals with questions like – What does it mean when a mine goes ‘digital’? What is the next step? and Is there benefit? It explains and makes a case for digital technologies that are integrated with value chains allowing for remote and on-demand mining through value-add digital twinning. The presentation ends with some considerations for the gold sector offering personal experiences and observations of industry practices and lessons learnt when building digital mining systems.

View presentation:

Cawood, F.T. (2023). Modernising the gold mining life cycle – A view on digital value add and considerations for the gold sector. 2023 World Gold Conference, September 5-7, 2023. Shenyang New World EXPO, China.