Newtrax believes the future of mining is underground, not only because metals and minerals close to the surface are increasingly rare, but because underground mines have a significantly lower environmental footprint.
With that in mind, Newtrax focuses on eliminating the current digital divide between surface mines and underground mines. How? By making underground hard-rock mining safer and more productive through the implementation of the latest Internet-of-Things (IoT) and analytics technologies to monitor and provide insights on underground operations.
"Newtrax focuses on eliminating the current digital divide between surface mines and underground mines"
The Future of Mining Operations Management is Real-Time
Newtrax develops wireless devices for people, machines and sensors that can to connect to any network available in the mine including leaky feeder, Wifi and LTE. To fill any gaps in network connectivity, Newtrax also offers unique purpose-built networking solutions:
• MineHop: A battery-powered wireless network which is the only technology simple enough for timely deployment by any worker underground.
• MineProx: A network optimized for low-latency ad-hoc peer-to-peer communications and ranging between vehicles, pedestrians and fixed hazards.
This ensures that data can be transmitted in real-time from underground to the surface anytime anywhere.
The Future of Mining Operations Management relies on access to Machine Data
Newtrax Mobile Equipment Telemetry (MET) solutions provide mine operators with essential information and indisputable data that is pulled directly from OEM or Newtrax add-on sensors on mining equipment. The ability to access this data empowers mining companies to understand the precise manner in which their machines are being used, how well each individual machine is functioning, and can offer predictive suggestions to increase both productivity and profit.
Mobile Equipment Telemetry (MET) can be used to provide front line supervisors and mine management with dashboards and reports such as:
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Overall Face Utilization & Efficiency
• Tons Extracted and Produced
Safety As The First Step in the Digitization Journey
Newtrax productivity solutions provide a quick ROI. However, safety is our core value at Newtrax and many of our customers implement Safety Systems first, as a platform to enhance Productivity in a second phase.
Newtrax Personal Safety Devices are the cornerstones of our safety systems. Since the cap lamp is an essential tool that miners simply cannot leave behind, it is the preferred integrated hardware platform for most customers.These Newtrax-enabled integrated safety devices provide three key safety features to miners' underground personnel at all times:
• Proximity Warning & Collision Avoidance
• Evacuation Notification & Tracking
• Lone Worker Check-In & Man Down Notification
Proximity Warning Benefits for Traffic Management
The Newtrax Proximity Warning System utilises sub-GHz RF technology to create a peer-to-peer network of vehicles and miners. Not only does it give out proximity warnings, the system can also be used to alert scoop operators that a truck is on its way even before it appears in its line of sight, enabling operators to prepare for the truck and improve mine production. It can also alert light vehicles to get out of the way of loaded trucks going up the ramp, for improved haulage efficiency. The end result is more tons hauled to surface, every shift.
The Future Mine Managers will be empowered with Artificial Intelligence
With years of information gathered using our MET technologies, Newtrax has become a world leader in big data collection in underground hard rock mines. Having access to this amount of data has enabled us to position ourselves for success in the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning within the industry.
This AI revolution will help Newtrax customers in the mining industry in a similar manner as it does for other industries: today AI can recognize cancer tissue faster than experts, it can translate video and audio streams into simple explanations, it can use drones for autonomous hazardous activities, and much more.
Newtrax enthusiastically but diligently embraces this potential and accompanies its customers towards success in harnessing the intelligence from new techniques and technologies.
"The end result is more tons hauled to surface, every shift"
FAQs
Newtrax believes the future of mining is underground, not only because metals and minerals close to the surface are increasingly rare, but because underground mines have a significantly lower environmental footprint.
What is the future of mining? ›
Future mines are carbon-dioxide-free, digitalized and autonomous. We are transforming the way mines operate, creating a digitally enabled environment that is safe, clean and sustainable, with a workforce carrying out exciting, stimulating tasks.
Is mining always underground? ›
It is important to remember that many minerals can be extracted using either surface or underground mining. The relative depth of the deposit and economic value of the mineral play a key role in determining which method of mining to be used.
Does underground mining still exist? ›
Yes, people still work in underground mines. As in all industries, it has become much more mechanized that it was in the past. Equipment has gotten bigger. Mining methods have changed a huge amount.
Why is underground mining better? ›
Underground mining is practical when: The ore body is too deep to mine profitably by open pit. The grades or quality of the orebody are high enough to cover costs. Underground mining has a lower ground footprint than open pit mining.
Is the future of mining underground? ›
Newtrax believes the future of mining is underground, not only because metals and minerals close to the surface are increasingly rare, but because underground mines have a significantly lower environmental footprint.
How long will mines last? ›
A land mine can remain active for up to 50 years. Land mines are cheap and effective when deployed, but are expensive and dangerous to remove.
Could we survive without mining? ›
The energy we need to Live
Whether it be renewables or existing infrastructure, we cannot fly, sail or drive without mining. We also can't move electricity without Copper wiring, so that means no heating, or cooking, or light in our homes, and industry unable to produce the things we need.
Is mining on Earth bad? ›
Mining can cause erosion, sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, or the contamination of soil, groundwater, and surface water by chemicals emitted from mining processes. These processes also affect the atmosphere through carbon emissions which contributes to climate change.
What are the problems with underground mining? ›
Cave-ins, explosions, toxic air, and extreme temperatures are some of the most perilous hazards observed to take place in underground mining. Valuable minerals are found all over the world. And most often the only way to get to them is by mining into the earth's ground.
The process of exploring and extracting minerals can disrupt wildlife habitats and ecosystems, while the actual mining operations produce toxic waste that creates water and air pollution.
How do underground mines not collapse? ›
Underground mines are commonly stabilized by filling the void space created by the extracted ore with material. The reason this is done is for the protection of surface structures and landfills from damage as a result of mine collapse of the mine structure some time in the future.
How much gold is still underground? ›
The below-ground stock of gold reserves is currently estimated to be around 50,000 tonnes, according to the US Geological Survey. To put that in perspective, around 190,000 tonnes of gold has been mined in total, although estimates do vary. Based on these rough figures, there is about 20% still to be mined.
What is the main disadvantage of underground mining? ›
Since they are underground, miners may need to use safety equipment and protective clothing which can be costly. Coal dust or other air particles can also cause respiratory problems. In addition, the tunnels are sometimes unstable, and there is a risk of cave-ins.
What is the most advanced underground mine? ›
The Kiruna mine, located in Kiruna in Norrbotten County, Lapland, Sweden, is the largest and most modern underground iron ore mine in the world. It is owned by Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB (LKAB), a large Swedish mining company, and has an annual production capacity of over 26 million tonnes of iron ore.
What are 3 impacts of underground mining? ›
Unlike open mining, underground mining extracting coal resources through the wells, usually leads to land subsidence, water resources destruction, soil erosion, air pollution and biodiversity decrease.
What is the future of process mining? ›
The Future Is Process Mining: Decode, Optimize, and Thrive!
Companies using advanced analytics have witnessed a staggering 20% increase in operational efficiency in recent years, a testament to the transformative potential of data-driven insights.
What is the forecast for the mining industry? ›
Mining & Quarrying - United States
An annual growth rate of 2.72% is expected (CAGR 2024-2028).
Is mining a growing industry? ›
Global demand for minerals continues to surge, driven by infrastructure development, technological advancements, and the growth of renewable energy industries. The Global Mining Market is projected to reach a valuation of USD 1.85 trillion by 2025, highlighting its pivotal role in the global economy.
What will happen if we keep mining? ›
Communities living near a mine site may be exposed to air and water pollution from mining operations. Acid mine drainage occurs when heavy metals exposed by mining leach into waterways, making the water more acidic. This can then harm marine life and lead to contaminated water and a contaminated food chain.
