Eight Conditions That Will Change Mining Work in Mining 4.0

The mining industry is undergoing a transformation driven by the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, implementing autonomous trucks, drones, positions systems, and similar technologies. This article, drawing on experiences and observations from several studies conducted in the mining industry, ex...

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Main Authors: Joel Lööw, Jan Johansson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
Series:Mining
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6489/4/4/50
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author Joel Lööw
Jan Johansson
author_facet Joel Lööw
Jan Johansson
author_sort Joel Lööw
collection DOAJ
description The mining industry is undergoing a transformation driven by the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, implementing autonomous trucks, drones, positions systems, and similar technologies. This article, drawing on experiences and observations from several studies conducted in the mining industry, explores the impact of these technologies on mining work. It identifies eight key potential changes in working conditions. Firstly, routine and dangerous tasks are increasingly automated, reducing physical strain but potentially leading to job displacement and increased maintenance demands. Secondly, operators and managers are shifting toward handling disturbances and training algorithms, as AI takes over decision-making processes. Thirdly, managers are responsible for more capital with fewer people, potentially altering managerial roles and spans of control. Fourthly, the global connectivity of operations makes the world both larger and smaller, with a universal language blurring boundaries. Fifthly, work becomes location-independent, allowing for remote operation and management. Sixthly, the distinction between work and private life blurs, with increased availability expected from operators and managers. Seventhly, technology expands human senses, providing real-time data and situational awareness. Eighthly and lastly, the pervasive collection and retention of data create a scenario where one’s history is inescapable, raising concerns about data ownership and privacy. These changes necessitate a strategic response from the mining industry to ensure socially sustainable technology development and to attract a future workforce.
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spelling doaj-art-19f87135a11a4089886a920e3ed2b4dd2024-12-27T14:42:00ZengMDPI AGMining2673-64892024-10-014490491210.3390/mining4040050Eight Conditions That Will Change Mining Work in Mining 4.0Joel Lööw0Jan Johansson1Department of Social Sciences, Technology and Arts, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, SwedenDepartment of Social Sciences, Technology and Arts, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, SwedenThe mining industry is undergoing a transformation driven by the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, implementing autonomous trucks, drones, positions systems, and similar technologies. This article, drawing on experiences and observations from several studies conducted in the mining industry, explores the impact of these technologies on mining work. It identifies eight key potential changes in working conditions. Firstly, routine and dangerous tasks are increasingly automated, reducing physical strain but potentially leading to job displacement and increased maintenance demands. Secondly, operators and managers are shifting toward handling disturbances and training algorithms, as AI takes over decision-making processes. Thirdly, managers are responsible for more capital with fewer people, potentially altering managerial roles and spans of control. Fourthly, the global connectivity of operations makes the world both larger and smaller, with a universal language blurring boundaries. Fifthly, work becomes location-independent, allowing for remote operation and management. Sixthly, the distinction between work and private life blurs, with increased availability expected from operators and managers. Seventhly, technology expands human senses, providing real-time data and situational awareness. Eighthly and lastly, the pervasive collection and retention of data create a scenario where one’s history is inescapable, raising concerns about data ownership and privacy. These changes necessitate a strategic response from the mining industry to ensure socially sustainable technology development and to attract a future workforce.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6489/4/4/50Mining 4.0digitizationartificial intelligencework organizationSweden
spellingShingle Joel Lööw
Jan Johansson
Eight Conditions That Will Change Mining Work in Mining 4.0
Mining
Mining 4.0
digitization
artificial intelligence
work organization
Sweden
title Eight Conditions That Will Change Mining Work in Mining 4.0
title_full Eight Conditions That Will Change Mining Work in Mining 4.0
title_fullStr Eight Conditions That Will Change Mining Work in Mining 4.0
title_full_unstemmed Eight Conditions That Will Change Mining Work in Mining 4.0
title_short Eight Conditions That Will Change Mining Work in Mining 4.0
title_sort eight conditions that will change mining work in mining 4 0
topic Mining 4.0
digitization
artificial intelligence
work organization
Sweden
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6489/4/4/50
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