Technology Makes Mining More Sustainable, Efficient

Q: What are the most common challenges your clients face and how does FLSmidth address them? 
A: The main challenge they face is meeting corporate social responsibility requirements. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns have increased in the past 10 years. In Mexico and abroad, the main concern is getting the license needed to operate, which is where OEMs like FLSmidth support the mining sector. We provide them with the technological solutions they need to make their operations more sustainable and efficient, explaining that the industry is always advancing so their operations must be up to date.

Q: How would you describe the rate at which the industry is adopting automation? 
A: The mining industry is one of the most conservative sectors in the world; however, in the past seven years, the sector has witnessed a generational change in company leadership, which has accelerated the technology transition. Tier 1 companies are adopting technology at a faster pace, leading the way to smart mining. These businesses are pushing small and medium-sized companies to adopt new technologies. We also show customers how much they can save on water and energy, so they see all the benefits they get from making their solutions smarter.

Q: What best practices is FLSmidth introducing to the mining sector in Zacatecas? 
A: FLSmidth was one of the first OEMs to open an integral center in Zacatecas. The state has a rich mining culture and hosts many projects, which allows us to be close to our customers. We also have service centers in South America, the United States, and Canada, which allows us to maintain global standards across all our facilities and share experiences. If a customer goes to a facility in the United States, South America, or Mexico, they will receive the same support.

Q: How is FLSmidth communicating the benefits of automation in Mexico? 
A: We are leading the way to a smarter and more sustainable mining industry through the introduction of several solutions, such as digital twins and better data management tools. Digitalization and automation are some of the main axes of our solutions and allow us to help new customers transition to Industry 4.0. 

Q:  How can companies like FLSmidth help mining companies reduce their carbon footprint? 
A: Our Mission Zero program was designed to offer customers forward-looking solutions that enable them to produce more with less, reducing their carbon footprint. We focus on reducing water consumption and recycling water. The industry is focusing on reducing the environmental risk of mining operations, especially with tailings. FLSmidth is working to improve tailings efficiency, operations, and data management.

All OEMs are part of the mining ecosystem and, although we are competitors, our goal is to advance the industry toward more efficient and sustainable mining. The entire sector must work to change the idea that mining is unnecessary, as it is quite the opposite.

Q: How important are automation and AI in the company’s mining solutions? 
A: Automation and AI play a key role in our solutions, as they control and prevent problems. However, we also take into account the expertise of our engineers to develop innovations such as digital twins. Achieving production efficiency involves both our engineers and technology. 

Q: What are the main changes the mining industry will face in the coming six years? 
A: The industry will continue to strengthen its ESG practices, as it needs to demonstrate that mining is truly adopting sustainability. Investment in mining has declined due to a lack of national and international certainty, but companies with good ESG scores will continue to be the most attractive to investors. 

Digitalization is also gaining strength in Mexico, as the industry is just getting started in comparison to other countries. Our strategy to be part of the transition to Industry 4.0 is to increase our personnel and resources, boost our presence and provide better services. We will also be attentive to emerging trends to meet the new needs of the Mexican market. As companies are not starting new projects, the trend in Mexico is to make current projects more efficient.