The risk of tailings failures is an increasing challenge for mining – with an ever-present need to protect workers, communities and the environment. It is an ongoing concern for decisions makers in the industry, who could face regulatory penalties or operational hurdles if disaster occurs.
All that has a knock-on effect for manufacturers of battery, renewable energy and other technologies, who rely on rare metals to power economies and support the global transition to clean energy.
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One solution? The Internet of Things (IoT).
That will not come as a surprise to industry players, as nearly half (43%) of those surveyed by Viasat last year say they have already seen IoT help to reduce CO₂ emissions and improve biodiversity.
The challenge is that IoT technology needs reliable connectivity: something that isn’t always available in the vast and remote locations where lithium, copper and an array of other minerals are mined.
That is where satellite technology comes in. It provides mission-critical connectivity, allowing operators to access real-time or near-real-time data visualisation of tailings dams and other sources of potential environmental harm.
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By GlobalDataThe environmental imperative
The mining industry faces increasing regulatory scrutiny and investor pressure regarding its environmental footprint. This is particularly salient given its critical role in the clean energy transition; for example, the extraction of minerals needed for solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
There is a clear paradox at play here: the very industry providing the raw materials for a greener future also carries its own environmental burden and risks.
The growing demand for minerals such as lithium and copper, driven by the burgeoning EV market, amplifies these concerns. For example, lithium demand is projected to quadruple by 2030, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation, as automotive original equipment manufacturers strive to build larger EV batteries to address consumer demand for more range.
However, the extraction of these vital resources is not without environmental consequences. In Australia, only 2% of the tailings waste produced in lithium mines is recycled, according to review by Dowling et al. in Energy Research & Social Science. In the US, one large lithium mine is predicted to create 272 million tonnes of toxic tailings over its 40-year lifespan.
With governments around the world acknowledging the critical role of mining in the transition to a low-carbon economy, mining operators need to juggle competing priorities.
Balancing priorities with IoT
In this context, IoT presents itself as a valuable tool to help meet both demands. Miners know that IoT can improve the efficiency of operations, but a further 53% of miners surveyed are either deploying or trialling IoT for monitoring tailings storage facilities.
IoT offers a critical pathway to improve environmental, social and governance practices by enabling precise, real-time monitoring of water consumption in arid regions and providing continuous data on tailings dam stability, thereby allowing for proactive management and the prevention of catastrophic failures.
Yet, despite its clear potential, cultural blockers to IoT adoption persist. Traditional operational mindsets and a natural resistance to change can hinder progress. The perceived complexity of integrating new technologies and initial investment concerns, coupled with the need for clear return on investment justification, also pose challenges.
This highlights the necessity for a fundamental shift in mindset towards proactive environmental management within the industry.
Satellites and environmental monitoring
The effectiveness of IoT, despite its promise, is inherently tied to reliable connectivity. This presents a significant conundrum in the remote mining areas where operations are typically located.
In fact, a third of mining operators stated in the 2024 survey that the lack of consistent and reliable connectivity is the biggest barrier to their IoT uptake. Satellite-enabled IoT can help provide precise, real-time monitoring of tailings dams, which is crucial for lithium and copper mining operations. By collecting data points such as structural integrity, water levels and seepage, these systems enable early detection of issues, helping operators to prevent dam breaches and mitigate the environmental risks associated with critical mineral extraction.
This real-time monitoring extends beyond just dam stability. Satellite IoT can remotely detect and analyse slope movements to provide automated emergency warnings to minimise the impact of potential failures.
Satellites’ ability to enable rapid response to incidents is paramount in minimising environmental harm, offering a crucial layer of protection in sensitive ecosystems.
The evolution of sustainable mining with automation
The mining industry is undergoing significant change with the rise of autonomous haul trucks and drilling rigs, which play a critical role in sustainable mining.
Optimised routes and operations lead to reduced fuel consumption and emissions, while precision drilling minimises waste and environmental disturbance. With the increasing move towards automation, satellite technology is also keeping pace with this innovation.
A new connectivity technology called Narrowband NTN (Nb-NTN), which allows devices to switch between terrestrial and cellular networks, will soon enable autonomous machinery to constantly stay connected in remote areas of the world.
This round-the-clock connection will only become more apparent as more device manufacturers embed Nb-NTN chips into the antennas of their hardware. Furthermore, given the small size of these chips, mining operators can now more affordably connect their trucks and rigs to satellites, democratising connectivity for operators looking for environmentally responsible solutions.
The future of mining: a complex balancing act
With increasing regulatory pressure to prevent damage to tailing dams, coupled with the benefits in terms of efficiency, it is not surprising that the IoT market is projected to be worth $7.8bn in 2027, having grown at a compound annual growth rate of 16.1% since 2022.
For an industry operating in some of the world’s most remote and challenging terrains, ubiquitous and reliable connectivity is not merely an advantage for mining; it is the absolute necessity. Satellite technology, especially with innovations like Nb-NTN, stands as the only viable solution to bridging the connectivity gap, making real-time monitoring of environmental concerns and autonomous operations a reality, even for the most isolated mines.
The time for widespread adoption of these technologies is now. The costs of inaction – environmental accidents, investor divestment and regulatory penalties – outweigh the investment required for these critical technological advancements.
The increasing demand for minerals essential for the clean energy transition places an even greater responsibility on the industry to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to sustainability.
This delicate balance presents a nuanced challenge that requires ongoing dialogue and collaboration across industries and governments. The path forward demands not just technological solutions, but also a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of environmental impact, economic imperatives and societal well-being.
