The extraction of minerals and metals must take place in the most sustainable way possible, and SINTEF is working on the electrification and digitization of the mineral industry to contribute to this.
We work with the mining and construction industries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from construction sites and to develop zero-emission solutions and new technologies, including electrification of mining and transport. We are committed to sustainable energy systems and energy efficiency along the value chain, including mining and recycling facilities, and we have research activities focused on minerals and critical raw materials for new, sustainable energy technologies - batteries, fuel cells, wind, solar and hydrogen production.
Digitization of the minerals industry is taking place throughout the value chain from exploration and development of mining sites, extraction and processing of minerals, to waste management and further processing. For example, data-driven value chains can ensure seamless information flow across production stages and systems. In this context, the use of real-time data from different parts of the value chain can provide valuable decision-making support for optimizing operations (economy, environment), as well as safeguarding safety and risk aspects. Furthermore, historical data collected over time provides the basis for predictive analysis and planning assisted by machine learning algorithms and statistics.
SINTEF has unique experience and expertise in user-oriented innovation and system development, as well as data collection, visualization and analysis. In the Nypro project, SINTEF collaborated with several mining companies to develop alternative uses for tailings from the Norwegian mineral industry. Among other things, the project conducted a stakeholder analysis, which showed that access to information and data was one of several barriers that potentially prevent alternative utilization. In this context, the project developed the Nypro database; a digital interface aimed at sharing relevant information about tailings from the Norwegian mineral industry. In addition to visualizing the physical and chemical properties of the tailings in an interactive dashboard, the database also contains a screening tool to assess the suitability of the tailings for alternative utilization.
The EU project DINAMINE aims to develop a holistic and data-driven value chain for sustainable mining. SINTEF is involved in a number of activities in DINAMINE, and we are developing an analysis tool based on data from sensors and a number of digital modules included in the project. By combining historical data with real-time data throughout the value chain, the tool can provide an overview of the ongoing processes in a mine, their interrelationships, and link this to long-term goals for production, emissions and energy use. In this way, operators can directly compare and evaluate different activities against the current operating conditions. This analysis tool is being developed in close dialog with the partner mines, Skaland on Senja and Felmica in Portugal, through a user-oriented development methodology that ensures the usefulness of the end product.
Through the aforementioned projects, as well as similar activities, we at SINTEF have built up broad experience and expertise in the digitization of the mineral industry. This is a topic of high societal importance both on a local and global scale, and one that we will continue to be deeply involved in.
