Anglo American explores 3D printed mining tech
Mining giant Anglo American has partnered with the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and US-based Ivaldi to explore the possibility of distributing spare mining parts and processing equipment manufactured using 3D printing.
The company is looking at branching into a digitally distributed supply chain, including manufacturing, testing and shipping the parts as well as assessing its current inventory of spare parts at its operations based in South Africa.
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Essential mining components such as impellers for pumps, shaft sleeves, gasket bonnet valves, and mining rock drill bits may soon form part of the mining giant's digital supply chain as it looks to bolster local businesses and forms part of the backbone of its push towards sustainability.
Known as the "Collaborative Regional Development" (CRD) scheme, it looks to provide economic stability for local communities beyond the lifetime of a mine, the company claims.
Anglo American launched the Impact Catalyst in 2019 together with its partners the CSIR, Exxaro, Zutari, World Vision SA and the provincial government of Limpopo.
The company also announced its "FutureSmart Mining" programme earlier this month, which looks to address the common issue of environmental footprint within the mining sector.
Mining is currently one of the world's largest polluters and many key industry players are looking to shift towards more carbon-efficient operations.
As part of this, Anglo American has looked to explore a South African hydrogen valley with energy company ENGIE to help power its operations at a platinum mine in the Bushveld area in South Africa.
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The miner has also demerged its coal operations in the country as it looks to shift towards decarbonisation.
Anglo American's head of socioeconomic development Matthew Chadwick said this programme provides them with a "unique" opportunity for innovation and to help support local communities in the future.
He added: “The ability to send files – not physical spare parts – will reduce our carbon footprint, delivery lead times and logistics costs. Importantly, this has the clear potential to create industrial and service jobs for host communities and surrounding regions through on-demand manufacturing systems to produce spare parts locally."
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Ivaldi's CEO Espen Sivertsen said that digital distribution forms a "key part" of the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0.
"We are now practically demonstrating that there are significant savings for businesses and a net positive impact for the environment and associated communities," he added.
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