Barrick: Digitally Transforming Underground Mining

Underground mines are full of activity and keeping all the moving pieces in order is now easier with new digital developments from Barrick Gold. The company has developed new technologies to improve safety and productivity at its operations.

Barrick’s Underground Short Interval Control System (UG SIC) provides greater visibility in underground mining activities. Mine operators use UG SIC through tablets on their equipment to see their tasks and active work areas in real-time. The system allows coordinators to create a detailed schedule of daily tasks that can be shared and checked by operators and supervisors. It also helps them locate equipment easily, track work progress in real- or near-real time, and visualize work plan changes, safety concerns, or maintenance issues.

“At the end of the day, we are pairing with our operators to make their lives more productive, safer, and easier. The miners we work with side-by-side tell us that it takes a little getting used to, but once you do you love it and you can help each other,” says Sham Chotai, Barrick’s Chief Digital Officer. “Is there anything more important?”

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