THE director of the CSIRO’s Minerals Down Under National Research Flagship, Dr Peter Lilly, has outlined his vision on science and technology development for the Australian mining industry by 2030.
In his keynote address at the 6th Annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards, Lilly said the future prosperity of the industry would rely on investments in technology.
"The minerals industry, love it or hate it, is one which Australians simply cannot afford to live without," he said.
"A good deal of the competitive advantage that we need to put in place will be based in science and technology.
"However, that vision will not become reality unless we recognise that genuine technology partnerships and collaboration are essential."
According to Lilly, the economics of drilling would be transformed by the availability of lightweight, easily transportable equipment.
"Hard wearing new materials will be engineered into drill bits and fibre composite coiled tubing contains embedded fibre optics for telemetry," he said.
"Sampling boreholes themselves will have very small diameters and down-hole probes will measure elemental and mineralogical compositions in real time.
"Remotely controlled semi-autonomous rigs will be able to move around in mines or in the field."
According to Lilly, by 2030 many mines will be fully automated and controlled from major centres with minimal local support staff.
"Geologically intelligent autonomous mining systems will be capable of mining ore selected for grade and will be able to sort ore as it is mined," he said.
Add a comment