Did you know that modern mining is smarter than ever thanks to innovative technologies that have transformed the way we explore and extract Alaska’s vast mineral deposits? In fact, ‘smart’ mining employs once unimaginable gadgets and even AI to safeguard the environment and those who work in and around Alaska’s world-class mining operations. 

The global smart mining market has increased exponentially throughout the last decade. New technologies are making mining a more streamlined and safer process. Smart mining can reduce risks through the use of digital technologies such as using drones for both above and underground exploration. In other circumstances, some mining site areas can be operated autonomously and wirelessly with monitoring systems in place that can detect potentially unforeseen safety hazards.

Smart Mining In Alaska

Smart mining is not new to Alaska; innovations that improve worker safety and protect Alaska’s unique ecosystem are constantly being developed and evolved. For example:

At Pogo Mine near Delta, Northern Star Resources Limited uses Exyn drones to autonomously map underground mine operations and survey above ground exploration. Northern Star is one of the first companies in the world to employ Exyn drones for underground mine mapping, a process that has enhanced the safety, accuracy, and efficiency of site surveys. Northern Star has further enhanced operations at Pogo by implementing a mine control center. Located on the surface of the mine site, the control center is supported by a custom, cloud-based database which allows dispatchers to track the location of each employee as they move throughout the mine.

In Southeast Alaska, Hecla's Greens Creek Mine, one of the largest silver mines in the United States, was the first U.S. underground mine to utilize semi autonomous loading technology from Sandvik. Launched January 2017 and bringing digitization to the mining process, Sandvik AutoMine® Lite is used in production areas to enhance safety, accelerate underground efficiency and improve production numbers. 

Fort Knox Mine just outside of Fairbanks is committed to integrating technological advances that promote safer production practices. In 2022, Fort Knox revolutionized safe production by standardizing common practices with ESG-compliant, remote-controlled alternatives. One of these standout innovations is the Mini-Dozer, a low-profile machine designed to dig out dirt beneath beltways at the Fort Knox Mill. Prior to its introduction, all shoveling work beneath belts and pathways was done by hand, exposing personnel to risks from belts and pulleys. Now, the Mini-Dozer performs most of the work, greatly improving safety in these areas while speeding up the job’s process.

In another mill application, a tracked rock crusher (Brokk 70) was introduced to assist with clearing plugged chutes. This machine significantly reduces the time and risk associated with the old manual method, which required a three-person team to operate a jackhammer over the chute. With the Brokk 70, a single operator can complete the task, not only enhancing safety but also speeding up the process, allowing materials to flow freely through the mill.

Better Resource Management

In addition to improved safety and production, smart mining also enables better resource management. Data-driven insights allow mining companies to optimize the use of resources like water and energy, reducing waste and conserving valuable resources. This not only benefits the environment but also lowers operational costs.

Exploration also becomes more efficient with digitalization by streamlining the exploration process and enabling geologists and mining engineers to quickly analyze vast amounts of geological data. This leads to more efficient and cost-effective exploration efforts, saving both time and resources.

The Era Of Smart Mining Is Now!

And it’s already happening right here in Alaska.

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Banner photo courtesy of Kinross Fort Knox.

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