Robotics in Mining - Thematic Intelligence

Robotics in Mining - Thematic Intelligence

Summary

GlobalData's “Thematic Research: Robotics in Mining” report provides an overview of the challenges facing the mining industry, together with thorough discussion of how robotics can help mitigate these challenges, as well as identify companies for partnerships. It also provides case studies of robotics implementation in the mining sector and how robotics has been used to increase productivity, reduce costs, improve safety, and progress towards sustainability objectives on the mine site. It futher discuses key mergers and acquisitions (M&As) associated with the Robotics theme in the mining sector over the last five years including -date, deal value, and a brief description of the target company as compiled from GlobalData’s Deals database.

The two main uses of robotics in mining are for drilling and haulage. Drilling rigs can be automated to various extents. Hauling vehicles can be replaced by autonomous trucks or autonomous railways. Minor uses include underground rock cutters and inspection drones.

The three common goals of mining companies - safety, productivity, and sustainability - are all supported by robotic deployment. Safety is improved by the removal of humans from hazardous areas. Drilling rigs can be operated and supervised remotely rather than on site. Haulage can be done without human drivers. Underground tasks can be done without human presence. Inspection of high walls or underwater regions can be done by drones, land rovers, and underwater robots. Productivity is improved primarily because robotic technology is more precise, reliable, and enduring than human labor. Drills can follow specified boring patterns and calculate the optimal amount of explosive to fill. Haulage trucks can drive without stopping for breaks or staff changes. Underground mining can be done without waiting for smoke from detonations to clear. The main contribution of robotics to the sustainability of a mine is the reduction of energy expenditure. Remotely-operated and automated vehicles consume far less fuel, since their operation involves much less stopping and starting. Modern robotic technology uses batteries, rather than fossil fuel, for power.

Historically, the industry has been slow to adopt technology. But companies are increasingly embracing digitalization. That mine sites are typically long-term assets, combined with new challenges in supply chain, resource development, and sustainability, mean investing in technology to maximize output from fewer sites is more prudent than a scattershot approach.

Industrial robotics revenue was $14.6 billion and is forecast to be $352.1 billion in 2030. The CAGR over this decade will be 37.5%.

Key Highlights

The two main uses of robotics in mining are for drilling and haulage. Drilling rigs can be automated to various extents. Hauling vehicles can be replaced by autonomous trucks or autonomous railways.

Robotics is now an established tool and is necessary for mining companies to be competitive.

Analysis of the impact of robotics on the mining industry and how AI technologies can be used to resolve challenges related to cost control, supply chain, productivity, and safety.

Case studies of: Rio Tinto’s robotic deployment at the Gudai-Darri mine; UNEXMiN reexploring Europe’s closed flooded mines with underwater robots; BHP using robotics for emergency safety; and Anglo American automating its South African operations.

Scope

• The challenges facing the mining industry, together with thorough discussion of how robotics can help mitigate these challenges, as well as identify companies for partnerships.
• Global market size (2019) and forecast (2020-2024) of industrial robotics revenues compiled by GlobalData technology and mining analysts.
• Key mergers and acquisitions (M&As) associated with the Robotics theme in the mining sector over the last five years including -date, deal value, and a brief description of the target company as compiled from GlobalData’s Deals database.
• Profiles of over 25 robotics vendors including -specialists in the mining industry with details of their AI services.
• Profiles of leading adopters of robotics in mining including -who they have partnered with for their robotics initiatives.
• Case studies of robotics implementation in the mining sector and how robotics has been used to increase productivity, reduce costs, improve safety, and progress towards sustainability objectives on the mine site.
• Unique thematic scorecard showing 50 global mining companies that predicts the success of mining companies in the next 2-5 years. Companies are scored in 10 themes that will disrupt the mining sector, informed by GlobalData’s comprehensive tracking of robotics related deals, job openings, patents ownership, company news, financial and marketing statements.

• Determine and prioritise which robotics technologies to invest in at each step of the mining value chain.
• Discover case studies where robotics has been used to overcome challenges faced by companies
• Quickly identify leading specialist robotics vendors in mining and shortlist potential partners based on their areas of expertise and historic partnerships
• As a technology vendor, identify the areas where the industry is most in need of your services and uncover the areas that are lacking specific robotics vendors that might prove profitable areas for expansion. Quantify the global sales opportunity for robotics services to the mining industry by accessing GlobalData's market size and forecasts (2019-2024), produced by our mining and technology analysts.
• Formulate marketing messages that resonate with buyers in the mining sector by identifying the key challenges that the sector faces and understanding how robotics is impacting the sector