Why LIMS is the key to digitalization in the mining industry. By Jimmy San Miguel
As the mining industry embraces digitalization, efficient data management is key to improving productivity, compliance and decision-making. A laboratory information management system (LIMS) is at the heart of this shift in terms of digital transformation for the laboratories, streamlining their processes, ensuring accurate sample analysis, decreasing sample times, increased data integrity and regulatory adherence.
LIMS is software that manages laboratory operations and is designed to improve productivity and efficiency through process automation, centralization of information, and availability of data in real-time. Its implementation allows laboratories to increase their productivity, decrease their operational costs, improve the quality of their measurements and results, comply with specific regulations and maintain data integrity and security. This technology has applications across industries and within the mining industry, it can make a substantial impact by enhancing operations, integrating with automated and cloud-based technologies and driving cost savings.
Benefits of implementing LIMS
The mining industry consistently creates and analyzes large amounts of data, whether they are running samples on raw materials or maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. A LIMS platform can help mining operations teams sort through vast datasets from raw materials to process control more quickly by automating and streamlining the analysis. LIMS can also help teams accurately record, track, analyze and manage data efficiently while ensuring accuracy and consistency. This is essential for making informed decisions and remaining compliant with regulatory assessments, such as Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), which require detailed baseline data and continuous monitoring of environmental factors like soil, air and water quality for audits and inspections.
Beyond organizational benefits, a LIMS can help teams monitor and control the quality of samples and processes, enabling mining companies to maintain high standards and consistency. The enhanced compliance features of newer LIMS connect instrument and operator information with calibration samples and results, making it easier to automate instrument configuration and operator identity. Additionally, newer LIMS can integrate with SAP modules and systems while also supporting remote functions, ultimately making it easier for global teams to work together with offline and onsite sampling and result entry.
A LIMS also offers benefits of reduced cost paired with faster turnaround times for sample analysis by automating many of the routine tasks associated with sample management and data handling. In fact, a study by Asrtix Technologies found that the top benefits that labs have found from using a LIMS was eliminating manual processes (61 percent) and efficient sample management (57 percent). By automating these tasks, the technology is enabling labs to reduce costs.
Within the mining industry, being able to trace where samples are from is a crucial aspect of the job and one that LIMS can help with. This comprehensive traceability and detailed reporting that can be used for internal assessments and external communications. Additionally, LIMS have built in security features that protect sensitive information, making it easier to ensure there is no data manipulation within their systems. Depending on the specific LIMS platform, it can integrate with other enterprise systems, such as enterprise resource planning, manufacturing execution systems, plant information management systems, truck management systems, metal accounting systems, geological systems, PIMS, etc. can automate the operations and data exchange between the laboratory and other areas of the organization.
The future of LIMS in mining data management
The future of data use and management in the mining industry is poised to be transformative, driven by technological advancements and increasing efficiency, sustainability and compliance demands. Characterized by increased automation, real-time data analytics, enhanced transparency and a strong focus on sustainability and security, the transformation will drive greater efficiency, reduce costs and help mining companies meet the evolving demands of the industry.
The use of advanced analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) will become more prevalent. The technologies will enable predictive maintenance, optimize production processes, improve resource estimation and ore body modeling, and early detection of problems and anomalies in their processes, leading to more efficient and cost-effective operations. Collaboration between humans and AI, with decision-making augmented by AI-driven insights, will allow for more informed and strategic choices. The Internet of Things (IoT) will continue to revolutionize data collection by enabling sensors on equipment and throughout mining sites to provide real-time data on a wide range of parameters, from machinery performance to environmental conditions and will be crucial for making timely decisions and improving operational efficiency.
The mining industry will increasingly leverage cloud computing to store, process and analyze large volumes of data. Automation will play a significant role in autonomous vehicles, drones, robotic equipment that can enable data collection from hazardous or hard-to-reach areas therefore improving safety and operational efficiency. These technologies will enable more integrated platforms that combine various data sources and tools.
As reliance on digital systems and data increases, so will the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data. Data management systems will increasingly focus on sustainability with advanced monitoring and reporting tools tracking the environmental footprint at mining sites, managing waste and complying with environmental regulations.
Mining companies rely on laboratory testing equipment for quality control and regulatory compliance. Integrating a LIMS can help them do just that, while also optimizing operations, increasing efficiency and enhancing the throughput of continuous processes. As LIMS become further integrated into mining operations and data management, mining companies will be able to increase scalability and reliability, connect the lab to production facilities and drive innovation.
As a technical lead for Thermo Fisher Scientific’s digital science division for Latin America, Jimmy San Miguel has more than 18 years of experience with LIMS systems and analytical instrumentation. With extensive knowledge in the digital transformation of laboratories, he works closely with labs seeking the best automation options to help them maximize productivity gains and return on investment.