Solutions for supplying raw materials in the future
The global mining industry faces the challenge of securing the economic supply of raw materials while minimizing negative impacts on the environment, climate and people. At bauma, exhibitors will showcase the latest technology solutions for the mining challenge.
Satisfying the world’s hunger for raw materials—but with care
On the one hand, developments such as urbanization and industrialization as well as the energy and transport transition create a huge international hunger for raw materials. On the other, investors and regulatory authorities increasingly demand that mining companies comply with environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. In order to make supplying raw materials even more efficient, secure and sustainable in the future, the industry is pursuing various innovative approaches that will be presented in detail in the Mining exhibition sector at bauma.
Promising digitalization
Digital transformation plays a key role in optimizing mining processes. For example, cloud-based platforms help collect and analyze extensive data on machine utilization, laying the foundation for maximum mining efficiency and minimum costs per ton of raw material. Other digitalization trends for a future-oriented supply of raw materials include progressive automation, telematics, remote control, and autonomization. Pilot projects and initial implementations of 5G networks are underway in mines around the world to provide the necessary connectivity.
The pursuit of climate neutrality
In the interest of climate protection, but also to reduce exhaust emissions underground, thus benefiting operations, switching to alternative drives has long been one of the measures for environmentally friendly raw material extraction. Every three years, bauma provides a complete overview of the use of and new developments in battery and wired electric vehicles, diesel-electric hybrids, and hydrogen drives. A comparatively new, smart solution for generating energy for excavators, screening machines and conveyor belts at gravel pits with no emissions and right at the extraction site are photovoltaic power plants that float on the quarry ponds. Germany is regarded as one of the international pioneers in implementing these floating solar systems.
Conserving blue gold
Water is a key element in many processes - from mining to the further processing of raw materials. With its availability dwindling in vast regions of the world, there is a growing demand for water-saving technologies and processes. However, the extraction of raw materials still often produces large quantities of wastewater, some of which is highly toxic and needs to be treated using innovative processing plants to protect the environment and society.
Decommissioning is not the end
Sustainable raw material extraction also requires well thought-out post-mining. That includes the renaturation and landscaping of the extraction areas, as well as subsequent uses, such as commercial, residential and leisure, or power plants for renewable energies. In addition, the concept of re-mining can make old slag heaps and tailings interesting again from a raw materials perspective. Today, metals and minerals can often still be extracted profitably from material that was considered waste in the past, since modern techniques enable higher yields.
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