A digital twin is a virtual representation that mimics the structural and dynamic characteristics of a real environment. In mining, they can be used to represent an entire mining operation, individual pieces of equipment and geological structures. Simulating mining processes under different conditions enables engineers, geologists and other operators to test scenarios, analyse the results and draw conclusions that will enable them to optimise their activities without interrupting their operations on the real site.
A digital twin is an interactive system that changes in tandem with its physical counterpart, rather than only being a static model. This feature makes digital twins an effective tool for decision-making and operational efficiency in the mining sector by enabling predictive analytics, optimisation, and risk reduction.
Digital twins are applied in many field such as automation and optimisation, mine planning and design, process optimisation, equipment maintenance…Let’s explore some benefits of digital twins in mining.
Visibility into the remaining asset life of critical infrastructure
Digital twins can seamlessly integrate with advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms to forecast wear and tear, thereby providing a more accurate estimation of the remaining useful life of infrastructure components. This helps operators make informed decisions about when to repair, maintain, or replace assets, ensuring their operations’ continued efficiency and sustainability (5 Contributions of Digital Twin in Mining, 2023).
Hotspot identification and predictive maintenance
Digital twins facilitate hotspot identification and predictive maintenance by monitoring equipment performance and detecting potential issues before they escalate into costly failures. This proactive approach reduces downtime, minimizes repair costs, and extends the life of critical assets. For example, a common issue with mining excavators is the formation of cracks and other defects on the boom of mining excavators. With digital twins, operators can catch problems in advance, fixing them before they worsen and cause costly downtime. Such hotspot identification also helps identify potential safety hazards, enabling mining operators to implement preventive measures and maintain a safer working environment. Additionally, they can be used for training purposes, ensuring that employees are well-equipped to handle potential risks (5 Contributions of Digital Twin in Mining, 2023).
Cost savings and sustainability
Digital twins help mining companies reduce costs by minimizing unplanned downtime, improving resource management, and optimizing energy usage. By predicting equipment failures and optimizing processes, companies can avoid costly breakdowns and reduce operational expenses. Sustainability is a growing concern for the mining industry, and digital twins can help companies reduce their environmental footprint. By simulating the environmental impact of different processes, digital twins allow companies to optimize resource use, reduce emissions, and minimize waste. Additionally, digital twins can support the integration of renewable energy sources into mining operations, helping companies transition to more sustainable practices ((3) Digital Twins in Mining: Optimizing Operations Through Virtual Simulations | LinkedIn, n.d.).
Reference
(3) Digital Twins in Mining: Optimizing Operations Through Virtual Simulations | LinkedIn. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/digital-twins-mining-optimizing-operations-through-ali-soofastaei-niavf/
5 Contributions of Digital Twin in Mining. (2023, April 25). https://akselos.com/the-digital-future-of-mining-digital-twins/
