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SPACE PROGRAM INFLUENCES BOTH COAL AND COPPER MINING
Editorial focus by Harold Hough Aug/Sept 2009

This summer marked the 40th anniversary of the flight of Apollo 11 and Man's landing on the Moon. And, while plans to return to the Moon are still on the drawing board and the space shuttle program is winding down, the benefits of both the Apollo and the Space Shuttle programs are making the coal and copper mining industry more productive.

Anyone who thinks mining is a low tech business that relies solely on large machinery is misinformed. Today's mining industry is just as modern as the space program. In fact, Caterpillar's 797 mining truck has more computer power onboard than the first Space Shuttle. And, the modern mining operations center is more sophisticated than Mission Control during the Mercury manned spaceflight program.

Ironically, it was the space program that provided some of the critical spin-offs that have benefited modern mining. Dr. Harrison Schmitt, a geologist who was the last man to set foot on the moon, notes that the space program pushed computer development so the computers embedded in modern mining equipment have more power than the Mission Control of early astronaut flights.
No doubt the computer revolution spawned by the space program has profoundly affected the mining industry. Computers are part of every sector of the industry, from the software that allows more efficient decision making to the computers in engines that allow for cleaner emissions.
Without computers, robotics would be impossible. Caterpillar recently debuted a robotic vehicle at their Arizona testing facilities that can sense obstacles and merge with traffic.

The Caterpillar MINEGEM system uses computers and lasers to allow underground mining equipment to move from loading to dumping areas without a driver. The only direction is from an operator at a command center who can handle several pieces of equipment at one time. While traveling through the tunnels, the equipment is kept on track with lasers that make sure the equipment doesn't run into the wall.

A less exciting, but more common use of computers is one that tracks the location of equipment, monitors the condition of the equipment, and gives the operator updates as necessary. These are outgrowths of the telemetry systems that were put on spacecraft. Heavy equipment manufacturers offer such systems, and there are currently hundreds of pieces of equipment that use these systems to increase the productivity of their operations. Other subsystems like tire condition monitors are offered by other companies that can interface with these systems.

Many of these systems would be impossible without the contribution of satellites; specifically the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS). Thanks to modern systems that use "Pseudo-satellite" signal generators, equipment can track its location with an accuracy of a centimeter even inside deep open pits or when there aren't enough GPS satellites overhead. This allows loader operators to accurately scoop ore instead of overburden and promises more efficient automation systems in the next few years.

Satellite communications are also bringing remote mines and geologists closer to headquarters. Satellite phone communications allow the most remote mining or exploration team to stay in contact. According to Sandy Perry of Perry Remote Sensing, a satellite phone not only allows the geologist in the field to stay in contact, it allows the transmission of computer data like drilling results, satellite data, and maps. With them, an exploration team in the field becomes more efficient and able to accomplish more while in the field.

Even the design of equipment has been radically changed thanks to high tech. Not only are new materials like carbon fibers available, even the design process has changed. Caterpillar uses computers to maximize their equipment design. With it, Cat can determine the probable stress points even before the first prototype is built. In fact, with it, they can custom design a truck body that will enhance performance at your specific mine, while maximizing durability. This allows management to better enhance mine efficiency at the lowest cost.

While some may think mining is just picks and shovels, mining has evolved into a high technology industry that leads the economy in high tech applications. The mining industry has taken the best technology and modified it to meet the needs of the community. Although it may not seem as spectacular as a spaceship, there is no doubt that it is just as impressive.