Augmented reality (AR) is the digital integration of computer-generated sensory input with real world image via a headset. It allows users to see and/or hear AR content in addition to seeing and/or touching the real world. The technology has several potential applications in different industries such as automotive, construction, education, engineering, gaming, manufacturing, and telemedicine. In the field of mining and mineral processing, augmented reality has great potential for reducing costs with fewer experiments and less waste by enabling smart cameras to observe the entire process from initial exploration through to final processing. Augmented reality can be implemented within various stages of a mining operation including exploration, evaluation and selection, production planning, operational efficiency analysis, project scheduling and monitoring. Operators can use AR software to design new processes or optimize existing ones by simulating equipment performance before it is built and comparing results after it is finished. Here are some examples of how AR could benefit your business: https://nsflow.com/industries/augmented-reality-in-mining
AR to help you find new mines faster
Finding new mineral deposits or mining properties could be one of the most time-consuming and costly stages in the mining process. Augmented reality solutions can be used to virtually walk through an area and collect high-resolution data about the ore deposits. This could include collecting information about the geology, soil quality, water and gas content. The data could be used to help you find new ore deposits by allowing you to visualize the ore deposit in 3D. Using data collected from a prospect, you could also generate a report on the deposit including information on milling, smelting, or beneficiation costs. You could use this information to choose the most cost-effective way to extract the minerals.
AR to reduce project costs
Mining project execution is a key factor in determining future profitability, but it is often overlooked when evaluating new technologies. The mining project execution could greatly benefit from the use of augmented reality. An operator could use a virtual reality solution to virtually walk through the mining operation to collect high-resolution data about the mine site, including a comprehensive review of the geology, soil, water, gas and other resources. On the basis of the collected data, the operator could simulate the whole mining process, including the production of a mineral product by the selected equipment and the costs associated with the same. This means that the operator can visually understand the project costs, review the production potential, and evaluate the quality of the produced minerals before the implementation.
AR to improve operational efficiency
Mining businesses need to maximize their production with minimal cost. To do so, they need to understand the impact of every decision they make. Operators can use augmented reality to review the production potential of a mineral before it is actually produced. They could also simulate different production processes to see which one would be the most cost-effective. The production process could be simulated with the help of a virtual reality solution to walk through the mine site to collect high-resolution data about the mine site, including a comprehensive review of the geology, soil, water, gas and other resources. On the basis of the collected data, the operator could simulate the whole production process, including the production of a mineral product by the selected equipment and the costs associated with the same. This means that the operator can visual understand the production process, review the production costs, and evaluate the quality of the produced minerals before the implementation.
Augmented reality in project scheduling and monitoring
Project scheduling is an important part of a project management process. It involves making a detailed plan about the execution of tasks and their timing. The operator could use augmented reality software to virtually walk through a mining operation to collect high-resolution data about the mine site, including a comprehensive review of the geology, soil, water, gas and other resources. On the basis of the collected data, the operator could generate a report on the project schedule with the help of a visualization software. The report could include information about the schedule of activities, such as when the activities will be performed. The project scheduling can help the operator to understand the project schedule at the initial stage of the project and find the reasons for the delay in the execution of tasks.
Bottom line
Mining projects are complex and challenging. A well-executed project can significantly contribute toward the company’s growth, but it can be challenging to find the best way to carry out the same. With the help of AR, you could virtually walk through the mine site to collect high-resolution data about the mine site, including a comprehensive review of the geology, soil, water, gas and other resources. On the basis of the collected data, the operator could simulate the whole mining process, including the production of a mineral product by the selected equipment and the costs associated with the same. This means that the operator can visually understand the project costs, review the production potential, and evaluate the quality of the produced minerals before the implementation.