The mining industry will be faced with challenges and opportunities in 2022, as rapidly increasing demand for minerals forces it to take giant strides in exploration, production and processing. 

Mining Magazine has brought together five leading companies to discuss what could be ahead for the industry in 2022. 

 

In this article, we hear from Weir Minerals:

The mining industry has a responsibility to minimise its carbon emissions and deliver the resources essential to create a better future. Weir Minerals has set ambitious Scope 1 and 2 CO2e targets and worked with its partners to drive down emissions beyond its facilities (Scope 3). Moreover, Weir Minerals develop innovative technologies that advance mining's energy transition. 

Industry 4.0 has facilitated a paradigmatic change in how mining companies perform monitoring solutions, analytics, predictive maintenance and data-driven solutions. Weir Minerals' Synertrex digital ecosystem is driving a shift towards a more proactive approach to maintenance planning and execution, resulting in unprecedented plant optimisation.

The future of mining is electric. Recently, there's been an increase in electric vehicles and equipment on mine sites. Weir Minerals is converting some of its higher horsepower equipment from diesel-powered to electric; recent trials show that electric units are approximately five times cheaper to run. Furthermore, Weir Minerals' Isodry range of tailings management solutions and engineered paste programs offer dry tailings solutions without the need for diesel-powered equipment at the Tailings Storage Facility. 

The pandemic has changed the way many in the mining sector assess risk. It has forced companies to adapt and innovate to ensure the health and safety of their employees while maintaining operations. Ingenuity has often been required to overcome these challenges. When Weir Minerals' service engineers couldn't travel, they started using Smart Glasses to support a customer in the Dominican Republic remotely.

Weir Minerals is built around a commitment to zero harm. This has driven product development, like LINATEX LOCTITE - LINA 88, an industry-first solvent-free and zero VOC adhesive range that's safer for the environment and operators.

Materials technology pushes the boundaries of possibility and, with all the challenges the mining industry is currently facing, it will continue to create value and transform operations. Innovative engineering is woven into the fabric of Weir Minerals.

Since its inception, its cutting-edge materials technology - whether it be the first ever rubber lined Warman slurry pumps or the development of Weir Minerals' Hyperchrome alloys - has continued to help drive innovation in the industry. Today, Weir Minerals' Warman WRT pumps significantly improve wear performance, reduce turbulence, lower power consumption and embody the company's commitment to continuous improvement.