Although the question “Is mining evolving” might seem simple, it can be complex.
Every industry has to face its own reality at some point or risk being out of business. While mining is a unique industry in many ways, it has been evolving due to huge leaps in innovation and a shift in expectations.
Mining has experienced a lot of change over the past few decades. There has been a shift in the industry towards more automation and mechanization, as well the evolution of the job of a miner and new standards of safety when working with deeper orebodies.
Many positive developments and changes have led to the evolution of the mining sector over the years. This type of evolution is most evident in the safety standards that are involved with mining. In today’s mining industry, some safety statistics that were fine thirty years ago are completely unthinkable.
Here’s a quick overview of other areas in which mining has changed over the past two decades.
Evolution of the Miner’s Role
The removal of miners from the frontlines of advance is one of the most significant changes in the role of the miner over the past few years.
Mining used to be done by miners with hand tools and equipment. Now, the process is more technologically advanced and can be done with machines and other equipment.
Going Deeper Than Ever Before
They have explored deeper to find more orebodies and more lucrative mining sites. This has meant that they must adapt to the new challenges presented by these new depths.
Modern mining technology has allowed us to mine deeper and still control temperature and ventilation. This makes the process safer.
Moving from diesel-focused machinery to electric machines was a key factor in the development of mining deeper into orebodies.
This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at Becker/SMC. For nearly a half a century, Becker Mining has been at the forefront of safety, producing the best Electrical Supply House in the industry. Becker/SMC is the industry’s leader in increasingly more sophisticated electrical control systems. Most of the major innovations, design features and specialized electrical components have been developed by Becker/SMC.
