CMA

58 • Innovation in reduction/optimisation of the cut- off grade for mineral, helps in increasing resource quantities. Reducing strip ratios, and geotechnical difficulties • Innovative methods for discovery and exploitation of new and better deposits which can positively impact on the overall mining productivity. • Optimising the market or end products usage for minerals. Being competitive in finished product. • Application of continuous mining equipment such as draglines and bucket wheel excavators in opencast mining, helps in higher levels of productivity in mineral productions. • Innovative approach shall include safety and environmental concerns as a major driver. • Over the recent decades, focus has been put on removing workers from critical activities through the automation of processes and the use of autonomous and semi-autonomous (remote- controlled) equipment. • Economies of scale from using larger loading and hauling equipment having impact in improving productivity and reducing costs. These solutions are coming from equipment manufacturers. • Small kaizens/Innovations in field adds to the efficiency of mine workings, etc. Key elements of innovations in mining applications (with examples) a) Efforts by mining teams Mining companies are willing to compromise their costs to increase production (because it is profitable) on innovative practices and, therefore, reduce their manpower productivity, though this may not be the only factor, innovation, including the adoption of new technologies and managerial changes, remains as a key element for the improvement of overall productivity. b) Efforts by equipment suppliers Mining companies are normally focus on their core business, while relying on suppliers for the development of technological solutions, therefore avoiding the risks associated with the large investments involved. At the same time, in many cases, suppliers of such are also subcontractors for mining companies, handling construction and mining activities in projects and operations. These include the development of methods, techniques, and technologies to accomplish these tasks and therefore liberating their clients, the mining companies, from the technological concerns. Leading equipment suppliers, such as BEML, Komatsu, Sandvik, Epiroc, and Caterpillar, among others, have not only focused for the development of new equipment according to the technological and sustainability trends (currently, on automation and electromobility), but they have also put effort in the development of the proper digital systems for the operation and coordination of these machinery within the operations. One of the effective innovations in the field is application of “Track on Tyre” which is now available and affordable enough to become operational across the mining industry. For Example, M/s ‘Sleipner’ has established it worldwide with concept and similar cost-effective solution can be made available in India. (Source: Proprietor Mr JSVirdi, Total solution Services, Katni, M.P.) This innovation is aimed at developing cleaner and more environmentally friendly solutions for shifting of track mounted equipment in mine working area, to improve the efficiency and reliability. These methods improve fuel efficiency in process, reduce the time requirements in shifting of excavators, and optimise the efficiency. These types of small innovations mainly direct solutions requirements from the mining teams but helps in cost reduction & reduction of pollutions. All these innovations are backed up with certain workings, like in case for “Track on Tyre” innovation it is assumed on the facts that  Excavators normally uses 7-30% of total working hours during traveling on tracks. It results in reduction of excavator productivity hours, during this shifting period.  Shifting tracks, needs approximately 30% addition to the maintenance costs, by adding higher undercarriage parts and maintenance during its lifespan.  There is higher fuel cost during shifting on tracks. Field application of this innovation can be seen in the figures below, with “Track on Tyres” System, relocating of any excavator can be done between two locations without driving on tracks from one face to another or one bench to another or from Mines to garage for repair.