Cousins, Siblings and Twins: A Review of the Geological Model’s Place in the Digital Mine

Jane H Hodgkinson,Marc Elmouttie

doi:10.3390/resources9030024

Jane H Hodgkinson, Marc Elmouttie

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/resources9030024

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Abstract

Digital mining is a broad term describing the enhancement of the physical mining method through the use of digital models, simulations, analytics, controls and associated feedbacks. Mining optimisation will be improved through increased digitisation and real-time interactions via a “digital twin”, however digitisation of the rock mass component of this system remains problematic. While engineered systems can be digitally twinned, natural systems containing inherent uncertainties present challenges, especially where human-intensive procedures are required. This is further complicated, since the mining system is designed not only to interact with, but to substantially and continually alter its surrounding environment. Considering digital twin requirements and geological modelling capabilities, we assess the potential for a mine’s synchronised digital twin to encompass the complex, uncertain, geological domain within which it interacts. We find that current geological (and indeed hydro-geological) models and simulations would support digitisation that could be considered to provide, at best, a digitised ‘cousin’. Based on this assessment, the digital twin’s value for medium term forecasting of mining operations may be limited and we discuss technological advancements that can mitigate this.

Highlights

Digital mining is a broad term describing the enhancement of the physical mining method using digital models, simulations, analytics, controls and feedbacks
We explore how effectively the digitised in situ geological environment can be implemented to twin for optimal operation of the physical mining system
We argue that unexpected, unintended behaviour of natural systems that are external to the engineered system, and in particular the geological system, can influence the engineered system

Summary

Introduction

Digital mining is a broad term describing the enhancement of the physical mining method using digital models, simulations, analytics, controls and feedbacks. While much has been written on the value of the digital twin (e.g., [1,2,3,4]) little has been said on the digital twin’s interaction with the non-engineered space, or the natural environment within which it sits. The environmental aspects of a digital twin can be implemented because the engineered system that has been twinned is typically not designed to dramatically change the natural environment upon which it operates and with which it interacts. 1 presents a schematic of the digital twin concept considers pair physical. 1 presents a schematic of the digital twin concept thatthat considers thethe pair (the(the physical andand virtual systems) to be twinned . . . continuously multi-physics,multiscale multiscale simulation a vehicle or system forecasts the health of the vehicle/system, the remaining useful life and the probability of continuously forecasts the health of the vehicle/system, the remaining useful life and mission success.’of mission success.’ the probability Figure

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