How Agent-Based Simulation Tools Can Drive Innovation and Improvement in Mining Processes

In the rapidly evolving world of mining, the ability to innovate and improve processes is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Alistair Baron, idoba’s Head of Architecture and Data, offers valuable insights into how simulation tools are transforming the way mining companies approach process improvement and innovation. 

A Virtual Playground for Experimentation 

Simulation tools provide a powerful platform for testing hypotheses and exploring new ideas in a risk-free environment. Alistair Baron describes these tools as a "virtual sandpit" where industry professionals can experiment with various scenarios and processes. This ability to simulate real-world conditions allows for thorough testing of new technologies and operational strategies before they are implemented on-site, reducing the risks associated with trial-and-error methods. 

Standardisation and Rigour in Process Improvement 

One of the challenges in the mining industry is the diversity of conditions at different mine sites, leading to varied practices. Simulation tools offer a standardised environment where all improvement ideas can be rigorously tested against the same criteria. This standardisation ensures that decisions are based on objective data rather than subjective opinions, leading to more effective and reliable improvements. 

Uncovering Hidden Factors 

Traditional approaches to process improvement often rely on averages and distributions, which can obscure critical factors like human behaviour and policy impacts. Alistair highlights the importance of agent-based modelling within simulation tools, which allows companies to incorporate these often-overlooked elements into their analyses. idoba’s DiiMOS Simulation is designed to identify emerging behaviours or unexpected outcomes, providing deeper insights into the causes of these events and enabling more targeted interventions. 

Enhancing Safety and Operational Efficiency 

In an industry where safety is paramount, agent-based simulation tools offer a unique advantage by enabling the causal pathway for an outcome. By simulating different scenarios, including those involving human behaviour where an outcome can often be serious injury to an individual, we can unpack why those edge case events occur and identify the potential safety risks that drove this result. This proactive approach allows for the implementation of controls to prevent accidents, contributing to a safer work environment.  

Simulation tools also enable companies to explore pathways to autonomy, balancing cost and efficiency considerations while improving safety and minimising risks. 

“The world is your oyster when it comes to improvement and innovation, you can really test any sort of madcap idea you've got and see what the impact is, what the cost is and how you can improve safety.”

Driving Innovation Through Policy Testing 

Simulation tools are not just for testing new technologies but also for evaluating and refining operational policies. For example, in underground mining, decisions around stockpiling and equipment usage can have significant impacts on efficiency, productivity and costs. By simulating different policy scenarios, companies can develop playbooks that provide operators with clear guidelines, improving decision-making and reducing variability in operational performance. 

Conclusion 

The future of mining lies in the ability to innovate and improve continuously. Simulation tools are at the forefront of this transformation, offering a versatile and powerful means of testing ideas, optimising processes, and enhancing safety. As Alistair aptly puts it, these tools are only valuable if they lead to actionable insights that drive real-world improvements. By embracing simulation technologies, mining companies can turn their ideas into tangible, impactful innovations continuing the current journey towards a safer, more efficient future. 

Alistair Baron 

Supply Chain Design & Solution SME 

30+ years experience 

A technology professional with 30 years' experience in blue chip organisations with industry leading expertise in supply chain optimisation, logistics scheduling, integrated planning, operational leadership, business process improvement and change management. Alistair is passionate about utilising technology to enable organisations find solutions for complex system wide issues and optimise performance at all stages in the business cycle. He has developed scheduling processes and visualisations for fully integrated supply chains, implementing risk-based decision-making technology frameworks across system bottlenecks.