De Beers’ marine mining division was selected for a pilot program to test “the feasibility of implementing digital transformation”, according to Mining Weekly.
JJ van der Merwe, De Beers project performance principal, explained that “the company is seeking to ensure interoperability between different machines, devices, sensors and people to ensure clarity of communication”. He added that De Beers’ marine division wants to adopt a “digital twin methodology” – the creation of a “digital replica of physical assets, processes and systems that can be used to provide a deeper understanding of how businesses operate”.
According to the project manager, in light of the decline in grade and productivity of many land-based diamond mines, “marine mining has the potential to be a game changer for the global mining industry”.
