Digitalizing Mining Operations: Exploring Safety, Sustainability, and Production Practices

Summary

IDC’s Worldwide Mining Decision-Maker Survey 2021 has probed the current and future digital investment and adoption strategies of mining organizations of all sizes and major commodity types, operating around the world with both above and below ground operations.

IDC’s research shows that mining organizations will place the greatest focus of their organizational strategy on sustainability in 2021. Safety is also a top consideration when identifying initiatives for transformation and driving network investments.

Network infrastructure provides the foundation on which to develop smart operations. The infrastructure enables the collection and transfer of data to provide business-critical insights while also distributing the control and operational information required for operational critical practices.

Poor network choice can result in higher volumes of communication errors, resulting in unplanned outages and a reduction in the overall performance of equipment. IDC’s research shows that the monitoring of equipment will see a sizeable increase over the coming 18 months, with miners identifying data infrastructure as their number 2 priority.

Author

Benjamin Kirkwood

Senior Research Manager

IDC

Benjamin Kirkwood is a senior research manager for IDC Energy Insights, based in Sydney, Australia. Benjamin leads research for the worldwide mining practice. His research focuses on the evolution of technology strategies of mining companies and suppliers as they respond to an ever-changing technological landscape. In addition, he supports clients by analyzing maturity, best practices, and technology ecosystem trends.