Digital transformation of underground mining flow processes: post-event analysis and world’s experience

Abstract

Introduction. The article presents the stages of underground mining transfer from mechanization to automation of basic production processes. Experience of applying various automation levels in local and foreign enterprises has been considered in details. Methodology. The advantages and disadvantages of introducing the digital technologies have been analyzed at almost 30 mines and shafts with underground and integrated methods of mining. Results. It has been determined that in the present time, semiautomatic and autonomous control over particular production processes has become a frequent practice. Main advantages revealed in the course of field trials consist in the ability to operate in inter-shift breaks, in gassy environment, and in higher speed of equipment travel which has made it possible to significantly improve performance. In many mines the staff has been reduced down to 80%, maintenance capital has been reduced down to 60%, performance improved up to 30%, operating costs reduced down to 25%, and service time improved up to 45%. The effect of harmful and hazardous factors on the personnel has significantly reduced due to their occupation mainly in the surface of the mine. Summary. Significant improvement in the efficiency of operation is due to the integrated digitalization and autonomous operation of the whole enterprise which has a single center of information accumulation, data analysis and the flow processes control. It takes time to create an autonomous “digital enterprise” as well as step by step transfer of all production processes in the autonomous operating mode.