Autonomous mining system means introduction of latest technology, innovative tools and automated machinery to improve the outdated mining practices. Automation will not only improvise the old-school mining practices but also be efficient, time saving and will ensure workplace safety. Developed countries, mainly Australia and United States have already opted for automated system.

Countries like Pakistan are trying its best to cover the technological gap at the earliest. A number of policy makers are focusing on addressing the issue, spreading awareness among the masses and preparing the stakeholders to opt better ways for mining.

The study

A recent study was carried out in which electronic questionnaires were distributed to gather information regarding the adoption of automated system in mining industry. The results were then analyzed qualitatively by using thematic analysis and quantitatively by statistical analysis using Python. The responses were varied.

The sample population was divided into 4 major categories

1. Regulatory Bodies (Directorate and Inspectorate of Mines & Minerals Pakistan)
2. Academia (Professors, Assistant Professors, Technical staff, Research Assistants and Teaching Assistants)
3. Industry (Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation, Punjab Mineral Development Corporation, all mining industry professionals)
4. Academia (Graduates, undergrads looking for jobs, enrolled students)

74% of the respondents agreed to the adoption of automated system, most of them belonged to academia and industry while 60.35% of the students claimed the course outline to be outdated and they were under skilled to adopt new and efficient mining practices.

 

 

The Obstacles

Lack of basic planning, proper policy structure and a huge knowledge gap was seen prominent in the result analysis.

Government officials and agencies had mixed responses because of knowledge gap. A significant number of the higher ups had the fear of increased unemployment as there is a great number of youths that is unemployed.

Mining graduates were of the view that they were under skilled for opting the automated mining system.

 

Policy Making & Recommendations

Developing countries including Pakistan, India and Bangladesh need a strong law enforcement institution that guarantees law regulation and resolves the limitations of policy making. In Pakistan stakeholders do understand the importance of Policy Making and Enforcement yet there is a large number of people with social economic and educational status, who pay no heed to the need of policy making in the mining industry.

Dr. Ali and Dr. Rehman in their recent study suggest

• First and foremost, the curriculum of most engineering universities is outdated. There has to be a revision in accordance with technological and organizational advancements.
• Skill based courses which are essential for a mining engineer must be introduced. Courses like Process automation, artificial intelligence, database management, machine learning and control systems must be made a compulsion for undergrads and graduate students.
• Apart from incorporation of skill-based courses for engineers, training institutions should be made in order to educate workers, inspectorates and mine directors of various technical aspects in mine operation system.
• The fear of unemployment stays on top but government should come up with training and vocational schools in order to teach workers (not working because of automated system) other life survival skills and employment opportunities.

 

In conclusion the education system needs to be reformed in accordance with technological advancements. Experimental labs and licensed software must be provided to students in order to teach them AMS. A new generation of students without technological gap will definitely bear a fruit for Pakistan. However, not only the students and teaching staff needs to play a role, the government officials, directorate of mines and stakeholder have to join hands with the education sector as well as the masses in order to bring a revolution in the form of Automated Mining System.

 

Paper Cited:  Ali, D., Ur Rehman, A., 2020. Adoption of autonomous mining system in Pakistan-policy, skillset, awareness and preparedness of stakeholders. Resour. Pol. 68, 101796.