Application challenges for information and automation technologies in an underground mine in Brazil

Abstract

Organizations can establish a value-added sustainable strategy by increasing asset utilization. WLAN infrastructure in underground mines tends to be a consistent platform for reliability in data/information management, and assertive governance practices. It enables remote monitoring, registering and data transfer from a control room, avoiding unnecessary human exposure in risk zones while adding agility to operation and maintenance related processes. A series of challenges must be considered so that onboard electronic systems combined with information technology infrastructure can become part of the operational strategy. Leaders must effectively manage to adapt organizations to new standards. This study aims to discuss the challenges related to implement information and automation technologies in an underground mine in Brazil. Data collected in a base metals underground mine is the basis for utilization, reliability and productivity analysis of computerized drilling equipment operating under severe conditions. The study concludes that searching for state-of-the-art operational practices demands a cultural change in organizations, followed by a redefinition of peoples' roles and processes, so technology can provide full integration and be used as a management platform for decision-making.

Untitled

“…In a virtual environment, all stakeholders will be able to participate to test real-world conditions before implementation and enhance the total success of the project (Sanhudo, Martins, 2018). This allows for greater transparency in the management of all stakeholders' interests (Paiva et al, 2017). Using automation, procedures are simplified, and data errors, conflicts, and loss are minimised.…”

Toward Life Cycle Sustainability in Infrastructure: The Role of Automation and Robotics in PPP Projects

“…It is a virtual environment in which all stakeholders can be involved to test real conditions before implementation in order to improve the overall project success [51]. That allows a more transparent management of all stakeholders' interests [52].…”

“…In addition, real-time visualization makes design implications more comprehensive to a greater number of stakeholders. Automated documentation enables a greater level of detail, agile, customized information extraction and saves paper waste [52,55]. Integrating all data into a single source increases the reliability of information.…”

“…While the need for a widespread adoption of data analytics in construction is recognized, a lack of qualified personnel and technology-averse practitioners are main barriers [49]. The application of automation and information technology requires a cultural shift in organizations, followed by a redesign of processes and employee roles so that technology can be fully integrated and used as a management platform in decision-making processes [52].…”

“…Without preventive measures, they can cause critical infrastructure to break down. Next to that, the lack of supporting infrastructure such as ICT, especially in harsh environments or remote areas, is also a barrier to process automation and real-time monitoring [52]. All these factors make monitoring systems only apparently easy to use and manage, whilst hiding drawbacks like high purchase and maintenance costs, and significant financial commitment for data management and processing to turn raw data into usable information [57].…”