PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Australian miners were likely to increase investment in equipment-related technology over the next two years, advisory firm Timetric’s Mining Intelligence Center (MIC) revealed in its latest survey.

MIC pointed out on Wednesday that a number of Australian miners had already invested in environmental monitoring, fleet management and predictive maintenance technologies, with tyre monitoring, collision avoidance and remote control/machine automation to be the key areas for future investment.

A survey of 100 mine managers and other senior decision-makers working across operating mines in Australia revealed that about 88% of respondents had already invested in environmental management technologies, followed by an assembly of technologies focused around the vehicles and mobile equipment on a mine site.

Five other technologies in which more than 80% of respondents' have invested included fleet management, predictive maintenance, tyre monitoring, scheduling and shift optimisation and collision avoidance technologies.

“The results show the Australian mining industry recognises environmental accountability, social responsibility and commercial success are not inseparable. Monitoring the sustainability of a mine operation covers its entire life cycle, from exploration and feasibility, to decommissioning and closure,” said Timetric MIC senior analyst Nez Guevara.

Over the next two years, a significant number of responders yet to invest were expected to make investments in tyre monitoring, collision avoidance and proximity detection, and remote control and machine automation technologies.

In total, over the next two years about 92% of mines were expected to have tyre monitoring technology implemented, about 90% will have collision avoidance technologies and 77% will have implemented remote control and machine automation on site.

“The advent of new technology will continue to shape the mining industry. The speed at which companies can adapt to become more efficient is crucial for success in an industry that now maintains a tight grip on capital and operational expenses,” Guevara said.

“This is more of a necessity at present, as low commodity prices affect the industry globally. Improvements in technology can change the way companies view mineral deposits, improve operational safety and manage overall costs.”