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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
The latest generation of sensors and wireless networking products and services enables real-time monitoring of environmental conditions, equipment performance and worker health, reducing accidents and downtimeBy Russell A. Carter, Contributing EditorMiners regularly encounter complex challenges that range from on-site geological, weather, labor and supply concerns; to corporate resource limitations; ESG commitments and other global economic and social issues. They need information to make both immediate and long-term informed decisions — preferably based on data that’s as up to date as possible and in a form that’s quickly and conveniently usable. Although the industry has vastly improved its information-technology proficiency over the past decade, it’s still climbing the steepest part of the learning curve that leads to cost-effective digitalization. Whether a mining company selects a commercial platform or collect the data itself, it’s likely that the data will come from various sensors installed in locations ranging from underground, inside or outside surface facilities, mounted on drones flying overhead, or even in orbital space. Here’s a quick glimpse of just a few recent product introductions that illustrate the expanding scope of sensor-based capabilities throughout the mining process.Sandvik launched xCell Cyclops, a convergence system for ground support in underground mining intended to provide wireless, continuous, remote and real-time measurement of ground movements.The company pointed out that underground mining is generally trending deeper, leading to more difficult and complex ground conditions for mine operators to manage. The new xCell Cyclops convergence system, said Sandvik, enables remote assessment of rock mass behavior, which leads to safer, more efficient and cost-effective ground support and optimized ground rehabilitation. “The new xCell Cyclops convergence system is a major technological leap forward to achieve a safer, more sustainable way of digitally monitoring convergence in underground mining,” said Peter Young, product manager for bolting at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ Ground Support Division. “Through the wireless and connected devices and a user-friendly online platform, customers can easily adapt their individual setup and track any changes in the mine’s ground conditions.”According to the company, the retrofittable design of xCell Cyclops sensors makes them easy to install directly onto existing rock bolts. They are battery-powered, utilize accurate laser measurements and can be connected via both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, providing operators with real-time access to data, built-in notifications and alarms. This setup reduces the need for manual work and inspections in the mine, reducing costs and improving safety. “This product is designed for
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