International Minerals Innovation Institute

The digital mine utilizes automation, robotics, and remote operations to increase safety, efficiency, and sustainability. ✅ Automation can be found in many parts of the minerals industry. For example, it has been adopted in various forms for hauling, drilling and blasting, and exploration. It can be exemplified in Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS), autonomous drilling and blasting platforms equipped with sensors, GPS, and vision systems, and more. ✳️ The Mosaic Company's NEXTGEN Esterhazy mine now utilizes automation for all three "passes" they make in a mine area. More here: https://lnkd.in/g_hEA6yU. ✅ Robotics and automation often go hand-in-hand, working together to support the key benefits of increased safety, productivity, and sustainability. Robotics have been deployed in conveyor systems, drilling, exploration rovers, and more. Robotic trucks can minimize fuel consumption by 10%, increase productivity by 15-30%, and reduce accidents by 80%! ✳️ Cameco Corporation is utilizing robotics as part of their Advanced Mining and Processing through Efficiency and Digitization - Uranium Project (AMPED-UP), including a robotic arm that fills and labels drums. More here: https://lnkd.in/gak67FEw. ✅ Remote operations centres (ROCs) allow technology to be operated remotely by teams in separate, above-ground site. This revolutionizes safety and operational efficiencies. ✳️ Nutrien's Lanigan potash mine utilizes tele-remote technology in a production wing. More here: https://lnkd.in/gYuJed53. It's exciting to see minerals companies taking their own approach to the digital mine. #Innovation #Sustainability #Mining #MiningIndustry #Minerals #FutureOfMining #MiningInnovation #MiningSafety #InnovationInMining

Many innovations entering the minerals industry contribute to one goal: the digital mine. The digital mine will be defined by: ➡️ Automation, robotics, and remote operations ➡️ Internet of Things, smart sensors/real-time data capture ➡️ Analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning ➡️ Digital twinning, simulation and visualization ➡️ Connected workers Stay tuned this November to learn more about these technologies and how they're revolutionizing the minerals industry today. #Innovation #Sustainability #Mining #MiningIndustry #Minerals #FutureOfMining #MiningInnovation #MiningSafety #InnovationInMining #MiningTechnology

The future of the minerals industry is about transforming to be more sustainable, efficient and responsible. As we embrace cutting-edge technologies, renewable energy, and smarter practices, we're reshaping what minerals production looks like in the 21st century. Throughout this month, we've explored key topics driving the future of the minerals industry, from innovations that boost efficiency to sustainable practices that protect the environment. We've highlighted the importance of community and the role that responsible mining plays in supporting local economies. Minerals innovation and sustainability aren't just trends—they are the foundation of a forward-thinking industry that can meet global demand while minimizing environmental impact. Together, we are building the advanced mines and mills of tomorrow, ensuring that this critical industry continues to meet global demand for the minerals necessary for decarbonization and a growing population while contributing to sustainable development. Keep tabs on IMII to follow the future of the industry! #SustainableMining #MiningInnovation #FutureOfMining #ResponsibleMining

As global demand for minerals rises, the mining industry is at a pivotal moment—balancing increased productivity with environmental and social responsibility. Future-proofing extraction means adopting innovative methods that boost efficiency, enhance safety, and reduce environmental impact, all while remaining socially and climate-conscious. Check out our blog to learn all about how the Saskatchewan minerals industry addresses the future. #SustainableMining #FutureProofExtraction #MiningInnovation #SafetyFirst #EnvironmentalResponsibility

💡 Sustainability is the focus of tomorrow's mines. Here are some sustainable mining practices shaping a greener future for the industry: ✅ Water Management: Minerals operations have adopted advanced water management techniques, including recycling and reuse of water and treatment technologies such as reverse osmosis and membrane filtration. Maximizing water reuse and minimizing waste water reduces fresh water consumption and releases into the environment, protecting ecosystems. ✅ Waste Reduction: Minimizing waste production is key and several strategies have been adopted by the industry. Improving recovery rates in mining and minerals processing, introducing sustainable chemical and biological process into production processes, adopting cyclic systems for water use, and investigating opportunities to create byproducts from tailings and waste rock, all present opportunities for even more proactive waste management. ✅ Land Reclamation: After mining is completed, companies are now restoring land to its natural state or repurposing it for agriculture, recreation, or conservation. This involves restoration, reforestation, and the creation of artificial lakes to minimize the potential for long-last effects on the environment. ✅ Biodiversity Conservation: Mining companies are working to protect local flora and fauna by creating wildlife corridors and biodiversity action plans. These efforts help preserve habitats, support species relocation, and monitor ecosystems affected by mining activities. By embracing innovation and prioritizing environmental stewardship, the sector is helping to build a greener future for everyone. #SustainableMining #GreenerFuture #RenewableEnergy #WaterManagement #CircularEconomy #LandReclamation #Biodiversity #MiningInnovation

We're diving deep into the game-changing technologies shaping the "mine of the future"! From AI and machine learning to smart sensors and automation, the mining industry is undergoing a massive transformation. Curious about the shifts that industry leaders are watching closely? These innovations are just the beginning, with endless potential to boost efficiency, cut costs, and make mining smarter and cleaner. Follow the link to learn how AI, robotics, and data analytics are redefining mining in 2024 and beyond. #MiningInnovation #SmartMining #AIInMining #TechRevolution #FutureOfMining #SustainableMining #Automation

💡 Tomorrow's mines are remotely operated! Remote mining operations may sound like a dream for the future, but BHP has been making it happen for a decade now! Their Integrated Remote Operations Centre (IROC), located in Perth, Australia, has been running with great success. This IROC system runs 24 hours every day of the year and gets the job done efficiently and safely. It's also opened up technological advancements, career opportunities, and diversity in the workforce—almost 50% of the workforce is female, and 12% identify as Indigenous! Due to the success of this IROC project in Australia, BHP intends to implement the technology into their new Jansen potash mine and mill complex. This mine is currently under construction, and they plan to have a remote operations centre located in Saskatoon. This Saskatoon remote operations centre will open up similar opportunities right here in Saskatchewan! We're excited to see the future of remote operations unfold! #Innovation #Sustainability #Mining #MiningIndustry #Minerals #FutureOfMining #MiningInnovation #MiningSafety #InnovationInMining

What does the minerals industry of tomorrow look like? We're already making incredible strides towards a more sustainable, efficient, and responsible industry. Follow along this month as we share what the future of the minerals industry looks like as we embrace cutting-edge, sustainable technology and smarter practices. #Innovation #Sustainability #Mining #MiningIndustry #Minerals #FutureOfMining #MiningInnovation #MiningSafety #InnovationInMining

Become an IMII member! IMII partners with leaders in the minerals industry to drive innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge research. Our members support our mission to bolster a prosperous, innovative minerals industry in Saskatchewan. Check out our membership today! #Innovation #Sustainability #Mining #MiningIndustry #Minerals #FutureOfMining #MiningInnovation #MiningSafety #InnovationInMining

💡 The mines of tomorrow will prioritize decreased water consumption. Water conservation in mining is a critical step toward building a more sustainable future. Saskatchewan minerals companies are already implementing technologies and practices to address this, including: ➡️ Maven Water & Environment provides eco-friendly, sustainable water treatment services to clean energy and minerals companies. ➡️ Cameco Corporation reduced their water usage 16% in 2023 compared to 2022 by adopting a new closed-loop cooling water system at their Port Hope conversion facility. ➡️ BHP's water withdrawals in 2024 decreased by 7% from 2023. ➡️ Nutrien has committed to reducing annual freshwater use by 30 million cubic meters by 2025. It's exciting to see minerals companies embracing futures mines by taking innovative, sustainable steps. #WaterConservation #Innovation #Sustainability #Mining #MiningIndustry #Minerals #FutureOfMining #MiningInnovation #MiningSafety #InnovationInMining