GoldCorp-KPMG driving innovation: ANDRITZ wins #DisruptMining 2019 with AI technology for minerals processing plants, Canada

ANDRITZ, a leading supplier of machines and automation solutions worldwide, won #DisruptMining 2019 at PDAC, Toronto, on 3 March, earning the chance to negotiate a contract or investment of up to $1 million with CEEC sponsor, Goldcorp.

ANDRITZ developed a unique and continuous way of training artificial intelligence (AI) to operate a minerals processing plant using the company’s digital twin. The AI is trained to respond to a variety of situations, making it capable of adapting to changing inputs and improving recovery time. The ability of this technology to quickly process information and recommend data-driven solutions, improves plant operation, such as start-up and shutdown, and helps operators to achieve plant-wide optimisation.

"We thank Goldcorp and KPMG for their tremendous leadership driving innovation and digitalisation forward in mining. We are excited to be part of Goldcorp's success to bring autonomous plant operation to mineral processing and we look forward to getting to work," said ANDRITZ Business Development Manager, Sohail Nazari, and Director of Innovation, Arthur Gooch.

Three #DisruptMining finalists pitched their innovations at the live "shark-tank" style gala, co-hosted by Goldcorp and KPMG. The other two finalists were:

  • Anaconda Mining for its revolutionary drilling approach to narrow vein deposits
  • Voith Turbo for an internet of things application that increases the intelligence of belt conveyors.

CEEC has been proud to share the exciting #DisruptMining initiative, which is important to mining leaders and plant practitioners worldwide.

CEEC CEO Alison Keogh said it demonstrated a visionary investment by GoldCorp, KPMG and partnering organisations in Canada in accelerating smart processing approaches for more sustainable future mining.

The event attracted around 90 entries, showcasing many exciting opportunities for positive, disruptive industry solutions. The event has lifted interest in and awareness of many options for venture capital, miners, METS and governments to invest in change.

Goldcorp President and CEO David Garofalo congratulated ANDRITZ and all the finalists and semi-finalists.

“Innovation doesn't stop or start with one idea, one technology, or one company. For the mining industry to reach the demands and potential of the 21st century, every company must step up and innovate. We must all be safer, more efficient, and responsible and we'll get results faster through collaboration and the kind of break-through thinking the #DisruptMining platform is meant to uncover for our industry," he said.

#DisruptMining, a mining innovation accelerator, offers entrepreneurs a platform to bring disruptive and exponential technologies to the sector, whether it's unlocking exploration opportunities; finding operational and production efficiencies; reducing the environmental footprint and delivering on sustainability commitments; or developing alternative ways to finance mines and capital projects.

The judging panel comprised five industry leaders:

  • Ian Telfer, Chair of Goldcorp
  • Katie Valentine, Partner at KPMG Australia and Global Head of Mining Consulting
  • Sue Paish, CEO of Canada's Digital Technology Supercluster
  • Jacob Yeung, University of British Columbia student and #DisruptMining UBC Captain
  • Wal van Lierop, President & CEO, Chrysalix Venture Capital.

Goldcorp CEO David Garofalo announced that net proceeds of $200,000 from the #DisruptMining live finale would be granted toward mining, innovation and technology scholarships to the University of British Columbia. In addition to the scholarships, Goldcorp and KPMG announced a $50,000 donation to Hope Air, a national charity arranging free transportation to medical appointments for Canadians living in remote communities that would otherwise be challenged to receive specialised medical care.

Source: Goldcorp

SIGN UP FOR OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER