The Australian economy is about to receive a significant boost, thanks to the continued development of regional mining infrastructure. According to a recent report from economic forecasting firm BIS Shrapnel, Australian mining production will increase by an impressive 41 percent within the next five years. This projected growth will translate to a rise in mining share in overall GDP, with estimates pointing to an increase from the current 18.7 percent figure to over 20 percent in 2019.
Despite a greater reliance on machinery, economic forecasters believe these improvements in production will lead to an increase in available mining jobs in Australia. But what factors are spurring this unprecedented industry growth? Experts point to the development of new technology as a huge factor in production increases, with the following equipment and processes predicted to prove especially important in maintaining industry growth:
Micron Grinding Improves Safety And Efficiency Of In Situ Leaching
Despite the standard stereotypes, mining leaders remain dedicated to extracting resources in an environmentally friendly manner. Lately, this has meant establishing a great focus on energy efficient mining processes. The continued reduction of energy usage in mining serves as a win-win situation in that it leads to both a cleaner environment and significant savings for the mining industry.
A prominent example of improved energy efficiency involves the expanding use of in situ leaching, a process through which a greater share of underground resources are recovered through the careful injection of water. Critics have expressed doubts related to the escape of harmful chemicals, a worry industry innovators are now addressing through the incorporation of micron grinding, which, in addition to retaining such chemicals, also boasts efficiency improvements of over 35 percent.
Two-Mass Vibratory Technology Reduces Horsepower Requirements
The role of energy efficiency in increased mining production again comes into play with the development of two-mass vibratory technology. Instead of relying on the brute force approach of traditional single-mass systems, two-mass equipment connects a motor-driven exciter with a trough through an intricate spring setup. This two-mass system is better able to detect load changes and respond accordingly, ultimately reducing horsepower requirements and thus, energy consumption.
An overall reduction in energy consumption should prove reason enough for mining operations to invest in two-mass vibratory systems, but the benefits of this innovative technology certainly do not end there. Leaders in the mining industry can also look forward to reductions in maintenance requirements, thanks to the elimination of such implements as belts and bearings. Implementation of two-mass vibratory equipment is similarly simplified, with the installation process ending once the system has been placed and plugged in. Between greater flexibility in load conditions, easy setup and a reduction in maintenance requirements, two-mass vibratory system clearly serves as a great step towards energy efficient mining.
The future of Australian mining is bright indeed, thanks to a renewed emphasis on energy efficient technology. Clearly, continued innovation in mining technology is worth pursuing — it holds the potential to completely transform both the economy and the environment!
