Posted by Paul Moore on September 8, 2022
Agnico Eagle says exploration has long been the lifeblood of its success, with teams of geologists searching above and below ground for the next big mineral deposit. “That lifeblood now includes technology, with teams of software engineers, computer scientists and Information Technology experts exploring new frontiers to help shape the future of our company,” the miner said in a statement. .
Nancy Guay, Vice President of Technology, Optimization & Innovation at Agnico Eagle said: “As mining becomes more complex, so do the challenges and risks associated with our business. Innovation is key to maintaining our reputation for sustainability and operational excellence, as well as our competitive advantage. We use advanced technology to improve safety and efficiency underground, reduce our carbon footprint and provide a healthier work environment for our employees. “
Agnico Eagle says its Technology and Innovation team is continuously testing new technology – including underground drones as well as augmented and virtual reality – through proof-of-concept tests to demonstrate its possibility in a mining environment. “Our LaRonde mine in Quebec already uses drones underground to conduct detailed 3-D surveys that create incredibly accurate maps of stopes and mine galleries. Drones fly through these stops and galleries every day using LiDAR technology (Light Detection and Ranging), a remote sensing technology that uses fast laser pulses to accurately measure distances on the ground. “
LiDAR technology not only captures high-quality digital data and images, but also provides a greater level of data detail, in less time and less risk, making it a valuable device for monitoring underground movement and ensuring the safety of personnel.
“Flying drones underground is about safety, control and efficiency. This means that a person does not have to approach a stope that has just been trained and fired to understand the quality of the explosion or ask: “Did everything go as planned? Are there any safety or rock mechanics issues we need to address?” commented Eric Trudel, Director, Innovation.
LaRonde now plans to use LiDAR technology to fully map its underground environment to introduce more autonomous vehicles and mining equipment. Meanwhile, based on LaRonde’s success so far, Agnico Eagle’s Goldex and Nunavut mines are looking to purchase LiDAR drones in the future.
The Technology and Innovation team is also currently exploring more than 40 potential opportunities to develop operational excellence in mining, processing, energy, environmental protection and health and safety. Some of the initiatives they want include mechanical cutting machines for underground excavation; exoskeleton devices to better manage worker fatigue; self-healing paint coatings for remote settings; automated scoops, trucks and drills; and green, alternative gold recovery solutions.
“Each initiative or concept has a project manager who is responsible for managing all stages of discovery – from the first technical evaluation to the testing and validation stages. If the concept is proven, help then the site’s project managers will acquire and integrate the technology into its operational activities.
Moving on to electrification, the company says: “Due to the high cost of electricity in some of our operating regions, and Agnico Eagle’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, the Technology and Innovation team is exploring energy management solutions that not only improve the efficiency of energy but also reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. “
The team considered the introduction of battery energy storage systems (BESS) that would enable the supply of backup power during peak electricity demand-costs and increasing the use of electrified vehicles (i.e. battery-powered car) underground. It also looks at installing wind turbines to turn wind energy into electricity at off-grid sites in remote locations; study of decarbonization and hydrogen power options; and pursuing small modular reactors (SMRs) for remote mine sites. “This technology has the strongest potential to reduce the use of diesel generators and ultimately lower Agnico Eagle’s GHG emissions. We are partnering with Westinghouse to conduct proof-of-concept testing for SMRs.
The Technology and Innovation team also tested the benefits of augmented and virtual reality in mining settings – “terms that capture the transformation of how we interact with technology today. Augmented Reality (AR ) is an interactive experience in a real-world environment where real-world objects are enhanced by computer-generated information; Virtual reality (VR) is a fully immersive experience that replaces a real living environment in a simulation.
LaRonde is already experimenting with AR lenses and intends to implement them in interactive training for new employees. This technology will eventually be available at Agnico Eagle sites worldwide; for example, a technician in LaRonde can train a technician in Pinos Altos how to disassemble and assemble a pump. “Putting on these glasses, you see a virtual model in front of a real pump, and you can follow what the teacher is doing – a step-by-step visual of how to fix the bomb — which has a huge impact on field capability,” Trudel explained.
LaRonde is also exploring VR to simulate life-like scenarios for training purposes. Trainees enter a 360° active learning environment, experiencing sights and sounds that break down the barrier between virtual and actual reality. “Workplace scenarios that were previously too difficult, expensive, or presented a potential safety hazard – such as emergency preparedness or hazardous material spills – will become more practical, cost-effective, and safe with an immersive simulation.”
