Digitalization in the Mining Industry

Abstract

Competitiveness of mining enterprises is determined, mainly by their productivity and operation superiority. Digitalization becomes a decisive factor, which can provide an opportunity to companies of this sphere to remain competitive in the future. In mining industry passing-over to new, advanced methods of work usually happens more slowly due to the scale and complexity of production processes and considerable costs necessary for re-equipment. That is why certain enterprises of this field use digital technologies without enthusiasm. However, the leading mining companies in the world invest vast funds in development of advanced technologies in power engineering and automation in order to increase mining and ecological efficiency, to cut the volume of hand labour, costs and power expenses. It is obvious that digital technologies can give new opportunities for serious rise in productivity and profit. The article studies key lines in digital transformation at mining enterprises, demonstrates basic advantages and potential threats. The authors analyze both foreign and Russian examples of effective digitalization at enterprises of this sphere.

Keywords

• digitalization
• mining industry
• enterprise
• transformation
• innovation
• the internet of things
• industry 4.0
• big data
• digital technologies