The FONDEF project ID22I10192, "Remote Monitoring of Wear in Mining Shovels" was concluded with a meeting that brought together university authorities, representatives of the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID), executives from the company Foremin, and researchers from the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA)..
During the event, held at the University of Santiago de Chile, the progress and results achieved by this technological development were presented. This technological development seeks to improve efficiency and safety in mining operations through a remote wear monitoring system for Ground Engaging Tools (GET), key components in the shovels used for mining extraction
The project was led by Dr. Sebastián Allende, along with the deputy director Dr. Álvaro Espejo and researcher Dr. Omar Daud, who detailed the technical aspects of the solution, its field validation and its potential impact on mining..
According to the team's estimates, this technology—capable of detecting wear and tear on uncrushable materials in real time—would prevent major damage to the crusher, one of the main sources of disruption in the mining process. Its application could result in savings of between $200 and $400 million annually in Chilean mining production, and up to $3 billion internationally.
Strategic alliance between science and business
One of the project's highlights was the partnership with Foremin, a national company specializing in solutions for large-scale copper mining. Its Commercial and Innovation Manager, Patricio Osorio, emphasized the importance of the system developed: "Operational continuity is one of the fundamental pillars in the mining industry. The loss of a GET, if not detected in time, can paralyze an entire production line. This remote monitoring system makes it possible to anticipate and prevent these incidents, optimizing safety and efficiency."”.
The event was attended by Dr. Alberto Monsalve, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Creation at USACH; Dr. Juliano Casagrande, Director of the CEDENNA Center Program; Mr. Khaled Awad, Head of the Strategic Management Department at ANID; and Xaviera Hernández, Technology Transfer Manager at the Technology Management Directorate (DGT), among other officials.
The completion of this project represents a concrete step toward smarter, safer, and more sustainable mining and consolidates CEDENNA's role as a key player in developing scientific solutions for the country's needs.
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