TECHNOLOGY waterways , the developing world is grappling with the consequences of a humbler revolution : automating construction sites , surface mining , and especially farming . What were once among the world ’ s most labourintensive jobs may soon be run by smartphones , robots , and drones in a transformation as profound as mechanisation in the past century .
This shift will have serious implications for employment in the sector . Its greatest impact may not be in construction and mining at all , but potentially in the education sector where it will no longer be good enough to send a South African youth out with Grade 9 . This country will soon require programmers , mechanics , and other specialists by the bucket load .
One aspect of E & C where there has been exponential changes in technology , is explosives . Blasting is a profession where just 30 years ago , construction and mining were still using the ‘ light a fuse and run like hell ’ philosophy .
Blasting technology
Simon Tose , AEL Mining Services ( AEL ) consulting mining engineer , says technology development and its adoption have been rapid over the past decade . However , the mining and construction industry has only recently truly realised the need to follow suit to remain relevant , safe , profitable , and efficient .
A strong focus on developing technologies and practices that enable safer working conditions has emerged within the sector . The idea of limiting human exposure to dangerous conditions is driving thought leadership in the realm of drill and blast . The concept of ‘ manless ’ operations ( autonomous , or at the least , machinery remotely operated from a position of safety ) is the ultimate goal , with many technologies already offering the benefit of ‘ no full-time operator ’ on-bench or in the quarry .
While automated construction and mining is in its infancy within South Africa , Tose describes what is possible by referring to some operations in Australia where “ load and haul trucks are ‘ driverless ’ and remotely operated by a joystick , blast holes are drilled without directly involving manpower , while electronic blasting systems , such as the AEL Intellishot™ system , enables remote firing capability , removing the blaster from the blast vicinity at blast time . A blaster is now able to successfully initiate a blast up to 2km away from the actual event , offering much safer operating conditions . The pre- and post-blast capability of the system enables a user to prevent a misfire from occurring , or to at least be warned that a misfire occurred during the blast and therefore prompt the team to take extra precaution during loading ,” says Tose .
“ The future industry will require different skills ; the employee of the future will need to embrace technology , be fluent in a coding language , and be analytical and able to solve problems through innovative equipment and software applications .
CEC September 2018 - 23