Mining is an ancient practice, and while many of our tools have not changed over hundreds of years, many have. In this guide, we will take a look at the different mining tools and equipment used in 2022.
Mining is big business, and it is only getting bigger. Automation and Technology are slowly but surely changing the way we mine. In 2022, many of the mining tools and machines used today will still be in use, but there will also be new, more advanced equipment.
Types of Mining Methods
In 2022, we are mostly concerned with the extraction, material handling, and material processing. We have mines that operate in open pit designs and underground. The mining method used depends on the ore body, the mineralogy and geology of the deposit, and the economic factors.
Mining Tools and Equipment
In order to mine efficiently, miners need the right tools and equipment. This includes everything from picks and shovels to excavators and drones. The quality of the tools is improved, and the precision that we can mine has improved thanks to new modeling in A.I. and surveying technology.
Mining PPE
Mining has grown safer than ever before, and part of this has to do with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that miners now use. In the past, PPE was often makeshift and not very effective. Today, there are better solutions for automation as well as improvements to respiration, mining alerts, and safety equipment that make it easier for miners to stay safe.
Surface Mining Equipment
In 2022, surface mining equipment will still be a big demand. This is because many large deposits are best mined using this method. Some of the most popular surface mining equipment include excavators, haul trucks, and bulldozers. We are on the precipice of many of these items also being driven autonomously.
Underground Mining Equipment
Underground Mining is a method that is used when the ore body is too deep to mine using surface methods. In underground Mining, we use specialized equipment to excavate and move the ore body. This includes things like mine cars, locomotives, ventilation fans, and pumps. Again, many of these items are being replaced or augmented by autonomous versions.
Other Mining Tools
Many other mining tools and machines were used in 2022, but these are some of the most important. As Mining evolves, so too does the equipment we use. It is an exciting time to be in the mining industry!
This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at https://beckersmcusa.com/. For nearly a half a century, Becker Mining has been at the forefront of industry safety. Becker/SMC is the industry’s leader in increasingly more sophisticated electrical control systems. Most of the major innovations, design features and specialized electrical components have been developed by Becker/SMC.
