The Rise of Digital Fuel Management at Mine Sites. It’s high time for African mining companies to seize the opportunities presented by digital technology and artificial intelligence, which were the focal points at this year’s Mining Indaba conference. In various global regions, the adoption of digital fuel management technology is transforming the mining sector, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing profitability, and curbing losses from theft and fraud. There’s every reason for African miners to embrace these advancements and enjoy similar advantages.
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, a prominent legal firm in Africa, recognized Indaba as an exceptional platform for industry collaboration, sharing strategic insights, identifying challenges, and brainstorming solutions.
One of the key highlights from Indaba 2024 was the revelation that digital fuel management providers are revolutionizing the mining sector, saving companies millions of dollars through streamlined fuel supply chains. These advancements offer unprecedented 24/7 transparency and monitoring, whether on-site or globally. The benefits include significantly reduced risks of fuel theft and fraud, elimination of outdated paperwork, and enhanced accuracy in reconciliation processes.
The data generated by digital fuel management systems, exemplified by VERIDAPT’s Adapt FMS deployed by major players like BHP, Rio Tinto, and Glencore, is now more precise and detailed than ever before. According to a recent report from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), advancements in digital technology have vastly improved the quality and quantity of data accessible to mining companies.
The Brookings Institution emphasizes the importance of embracing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and big data for African mining to reach its full potential. These technologies can mitigate environmental damage, enhance working conditions, reduce costs, and boost productivity.
Achieving successful outcomes requires deploying reliable hardware and software to mining sites to measure fuel consumption, manage inventories, and accurately calculate emissions. Digital fuel management systems utilize onboard sensors to automate data collection, reducing errors and improving efficiency.
The rate of digital adoption in the resource sector is expected to continue rising as the financial and environmental benefits of automated fuel management outweigh initial costs.
Wayne Arthur, VP of Mining at VERIDAPT, emphasizes the importance of good data in making informed decisions. VERIDAPT’s digital platform monitors, controls, and authorizes the use of over 30 billion liters of fuel annually across numerous global mining operations, providing accurate emissions tracking, real-time reconciliation, and cost savings.
VERIDAPT’s AdaptFMS solution offers comprehensive visibility into fuel and lubricant usage, enabling precise tracking and management at every level. The system includes various authorization options and enhances fuel service efficiency by identifying abnormal fuel consumption patterns.
To address the lack of visibility in fuel supply chains, VERIDAPT developed a Load Plan and Gantry Solution, enabling clients to monitor hydrocarbon use at every stage, from storage to final consumption points.
Andrew van Zyl, Managing Director of SRK Consulting (South Africa), stresses the importance of managing current risks while embracing positive disruption and sustainable practices for the future of African mining.
VERIDAPT’s innovative digital bulk commodity verification solutions have been recognized as Commodities Technology of the Year by Risk.net in 2021 and 2022 for their groundbreaking approach to carbon emissions tracking and supply chain visibility, combating theft and fraud effectively.