As many nations continue to strive toward a net-zero future, demand for critical minerals such as copper, lithium, and nickel is rising. For Australia’s mining and energy sector, this is positive news, influencing the creation of approximately 100 new projects and 22,300 new jobs by 2030.
However, while mining safety has improved significantly over the last few decades, the industry’s inherent risks pose risks for any new projects. To help address this concern, many firms are exploring innovative ways to detect hazards, this is how vision technology is reshaping safety in Australian mining.
What is vision technology?
Vision technology is a form of artificial intelligence that enables computers to identify and interpret real-world visual data. Cameras equipped with vision technology can identify specific stimuli in the environment and use this data to inform broader operations.
In mining, vision technology is used to analyse visual data to detect signs of emerging risks and generate insights about dangerous environments. AI-driven cameras can autonomously identify common hazards, including structural corrosion, strata damage, PPE misuse, and thermal anomalies, and notify teams remotely to help them plan an informed response.
How vision technology is reshaping safety and risk in mining
With the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) expecting arond 50 per cent of Australian mining to be fully automated by 2030, innovations such as vision technology are likely to become increasingly commonplace across newly proposed projects.
Both stationary, ruggedised security cameras and recording devices fixed to autonomous vehicles are already being used to automate and optimise safety procedures in the mining industry. Below are a few examples of how vision tech is currently being used.
Real-time hazard identification
AI-powered cameras positioned to cover high-risk locations such as mining faces and shafts are programmed to continuously analyse real-time visual data for signs of emerging hazards.
Smart cameras can autonomously detect issues such as rockfall, flooding, and persons entering restricted zones, and, via integrations with broader communications and security technologies, trigger instant, case-specific responses, such as sounding alarms and sending clips to operators.
Operator behaviour monitoring
Vision technology can be used to identify anomalous or dangerous actions by on-site personnel. Systems can be trained to detect signs of fatigue, distraction and distress, for example, then send instant notifications to safety representatives requesting a response.
This type of vision technology is also often leveraged to monitor operator behaviour inside the cabs of heavy machines. Systems can be programmed to detect signs of health issues and the improper use of safety equipment, then safely shut off machines in direct response.
Vehicle and equipment tracking
Smart cameras equipped with vision technology are used to track vehicle movement across mining operations to help prevent collisions and ensure equipment is used safely.
Cameras positioned around the site use AI to identify expected movement patterns and zones where specific vehicles are permitted to operate. Should anomalous or dangerous activities be detected, signals will be sent to wider systems to trigger a response.
Autonomous operations support
AI-informed cameras mounted on autonomous and remote-controlled drones collect data on hazardous areas without endangering human workers. Drones can analyse footage for signs of risks such as strata failure and report live insights to operators.
By combining additional thermal and infrared imaging features with machine learning, these devices can also identify broader potential threats, such as heat anomalies and subsidence, enabling above-ground operators to ensure areas are fully safe before workers gain access.
Summary
While mining operations have become much safer in recent years, the nature of the industry still presents many inherent hazards. As Australian firms look to ramp up operations through 2030 and beyond, many are investing in innovative technologies to help curb risks.
The ability of vision technology to help operators identify and address a wide range of hazards without endangering workers is an attractive prospect for many firms. As illustrated via the practices covered above, vision technology is reshaping safety and risk in Australian mining.
