**Tokyo**: Yokogawa Electric is celebrating its 110th anniversary by introducing a new End-to-End (E2E) optimisation strategy aimed at transforming mining operations. The strategy focuses on enhancing efficiency, addressing environmental challenges, and meeting sustainability goals while maintaining cost-effectiveness in the mining sector.
Yokogawa Electric, a prominent electrical engineering and software company based in Tokyo, is marking its 110th anniversary with a new strategy aimed at transforming mining operations through comprehensive End-to-End (E2E) optimisation. The initiative is designed to enhance efficiency, address the evolving needs of ore processing, and meet the challenges of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards while keeping costs in check.
The multinational firm has built a reputation for working with tier-one mining companies and now seeks to shift from fragmented solutions that optimise individual processes to a more interconnected approach that enhances the entire mining operation. In a statement, Vice-President Naohisa Endo articulated the need for this shift, noting that while mining companies have made strides in automation and predictive maintenance, many processes remain isolated. “Over the years, mining companies have implemented automation, predictive maintenance and energy efficiency initiatives that have improved some aspects of their operations,” Endo said. “But they remain fragmented solutions optimising individual processes rather than the entire operation.”
Yokogawa’s E2E optimisation strategy aims to address the critical need for improved oversight and control across the entire mining process, which includes extraction, crushing, grinding, flotation, concentration and tailings disposal. Endo pointed out that the increasing complexity of ore bodies and operational demands have compelled mining companies to explore new methods for resource optimisation while maintaining efficiency. He cited the findings of the International Institute for Sustainable Development, which reported that mining activities contribute between 1.9 to 5.1 gigatons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, emphasising the industry’s pressing environmental challenges.
The E2E optimisation approach promises to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, particularly in the crushing and grinding circuits by eliminating bottlenecks and minimising energy usage. Endo highlighted that increased yields may be achieved through improved concentration recovery and cost management of reagents and tailings disposal, all while integration with predictive maintenance could lead to reduced downtime.
“To unlock real efficiency and create long-term value, optimisation must be approached holistically,” said Endo. He underscored the importance of moving beyond incremental improvements to adopt an integrated operational strategy. According to Endo, E2E optimisation comprises three essential components: real-time data integration, AI-driven control, and coordinated decision-making.
Real-time data integration synchronises inputs from various stages of the mining operation, allowing for comprehensive visibility across processes. AI-driven control mechanisms continuously adjust operations in response to shifting conditions, while coordinated decision-making streamlines planning, maintenance, and sustainability objectives into a unified framework.
Yokogawa’s strategy also involves breaking down data silos by integrating legacy systems with contemporary technology platforms. By establishing interfaces that enable communication between distinct systems, the company ensures the monitoring of vital key performance indicators (KPIs) throughout the mining value chain. Endo elaborated on the advantages of this integrated approach: “By monitoring these process-level KPIs in an integrated manner, mining operations can gain unprecedented visibility into their entire value chain.”
To remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry landscape, mining companies are encouraged to adopt E2E optimisation. Endo asserted that those who embrace this comprehensive methodology can access the full potential of their resources, reduce energy consumption while maintaining throughput, and enhance recovery rates without incurring additional costs. Furthermore, the strategy aligns operational goals with ESG targets, enabling companies to meet sustainability objectives while improving worker safety by minimising manual interventions.
With a workforce of approximately 17,000 employees across 60 countries, Yokogawa brings extensive experience to the global mining sector. Endo revealed that the company is currently in discussions with several tier-one mining firms regarding the implementation of E2E optimisation. “These conversations indicate growing industry interest in more comprehensive solutions as traditional methods reach their practical limits,” he said. “Given the potential for increased productivity, improved safety and sustainability benefits, the business case is compelling.”
The information provided reflects Yokogawa Electric’s initiative in promoting a more integrated and sustainable approach to mining operations, amidst significant environmental considerations and operational challenges faced by the industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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