采矿自动化

艾蒂克

Aitik铜矿由 Boliden AB 所有，位于瑞典北部的 Gällivare 镇外。它是欧洲最大的露天铜矿之一。与铜相关的一些黄金和白银与主要产品一起生产。

该矿于1968年投产，年产矿石200万吨。从那时起，产量逐渐增加到现在的每年 1800 万吨。 2010 年，当新的 Aitik 矿山扩建完成时，产量将翻一番，达到 3600 万吨。

2014年预计矿石产量将达到3600万吨，但在年底超过了300万吨。

Aitik 目前的矿石年产量为 3600 万公吨，将增加到 4500 万公吨，而移除的岩石也将增加同样多，甚至更多。然而，鉴于矿山是一个繁忙的地方，增加除石所需的大型机器数量并不是一项简单的任务，保持相同的设备利用率只会增加挑战。此外，每次爆炸都会产生有毒气体，需要在人类进入该地区并开始挖掘之前消散。

自动化和远程控制的机器提供了一种解决方案。自动化钻机（称为“Pit Viper”）可以沿着预定义的路径从一个钻孔移动到下一个钻孔，并自主执行重复性任务，而不是让钻机操作员在现场手动执行它们。如果任务或运动未预先定义，则钻机配备摄像头，使操作员能够远程控制它。大部分时间自治就足够了；然而，有时只有人类才能做出适当的评估（例如，在评估岩石状况期间），因此需要远程甚至本地评估。

• The implementation of automation in the Aitik mine has resulted in major productivity improvements. The use of automated drill rigs has not only increased operating hours but also eliminated the need for additional staff, service stations, parking areas, transport on busy access roads and dangerous staff transportation within the mine. This has significantly improved the efficiency of operations and has allowed Boliden to handle an increased number of blasts with similar equipment and staffing levels. Furthermore, the introduction of high-performance communications for fully autonomous, remotely controlled equipment has opened up a range of safety and efficiency measures for the mine. The use of 4G and 5G technology has enabled the handling of several 3D video streams and the management of highly complex tasks remotely, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of mining operations.

• Automation has resulted in significantly lower costs for Boliden, saving approximately 1 percent of Aitik's total annual costs.
• Carrying out drilling and blasting using automation enabled by mobile connectivity shows an annual EUR 2.5 million net saving for the Aitik mine alone.
• Automating a drill rig could increase operating hours from 5,000 to 7,000 hours per year, an increase of 2,000 hours or 40 percent.