VANCOUVER (miningweekly.com) – Gold companies Integra Gold and Goldcorp have teamed with four of the world's largest technology companies to explore potential applications of disruptive technologies in the mining sector.
#DisruptMining is a marquee event during the yearly Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference that will showcase disruptive and exponential technologies with the potential to revolutionise the future of mining, from exploration and discovery to production and automation to financing, marketing and corporate social responsibility.
Goldcorp has committed $1-million for a proof of concept at one of its mines or investment in the winning technologies.
"We are thrilled that four of the largest technology companies in the world have committed to supporting the #DisruptMining initiative. Their commitment demonstrates the tremendous potential for technology to revolutionise the future of mining," stated Integra president and CEO Stephen de Jong.
Microsoft, IBM, Accenture and Cisco have committed to sponsoring #DisruptMining and showcasing technology during the daytime expo. These companies recognise the opportunity for technology to disrupt and revolutionize the future of the mining industry.
"This initiative is gaining momentum with disruptors across the world, eager to showcase their ideas in-front of an exclusive audience of hundreds of mining and technology executives and investors," added Goldcorp COO Todd White. “Our goal is to break down the wall between innovation and mining and facilitate collaboration across the sector."
The winners of the #DisruptMining initiative will be decided by a panel of experts during a live finale.
The organisers have extended the submissions deadline by a week to January 25.
DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Microsoft plans to showcase its Microsoft HoloLens technology, the first self-contained, holographic computer which enables one to engage with digital content and interact with holograms in the world around you.
IBM, also a partner from Integra's 2016 Gold Rush Challenge, will showcase its global cognitive computing successes powered with IBM Watson. IBM Watson can unlock value in data from multiple sources, giving rise to new connections, greater insights, and vastly superior efficiencies. IBM Watson's cognitive systems think more like humans, but at an immense scale.
Cisco, the worldwide technology provider that has been making the Internet work since 1984, is focused on bringing digital transformation to industries. "Digital transformation is affecting every industry and mining is at the vanguard of this evolution," said Cisco Canada president Bernadette Wightman. "Leading mining companies around the world are deploying Cisco Connected Mining solutions to help enhance safety, increase production, and optimise resources based on real-time information."
Accenture will feature its ‘Connected Mine’ solution, which gathers data from a variety of systems, and applies advanced analytics to increase productivity. "Mining companies find themselves under increasing pressure to digitally transform operations to more effectively manage them. To boost productivity and significantly improve safety, leading miners are successfully applying integrated digital solutions," Accenture North American natural resources lead Dave Rossi said.