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Mining conference will tackle remote-first challenges

Beyond Digital Transformation conference takes place in Sudbury on March 22
Epiroc - 1
A fully autonomous SmartROC D65 in the Hollinger open-pit mine. (Supplied photo/Epiroc)

Mining industry leaders will weigh the challenges and opportunities of operating in a remote-first environment during an in-person gathering this Tuesday.

Beyond Digital Transformation (BDT), a half-day mini conference, will take place on March 22 at the SteelWorkers' Union Hall and Conference Centre in Sudbury.

The key feature of the event is a panel discussion of mine managers in the region, who will speak about the challenges and opportunities related to mines that are designed to be operated remotely with the least number of people on site.

According to conference organizers, achieving a remote-first approach to mining will require a “completely different way of thinking.

“This does not mean a crew-less mine; it means using people for their knowledge and expertise and, more importantly, keeping them out of harm’s way.”

Participating speakers include Stephanie Bleker, manager at Vale’s Totten Mine in Sudbury; Iain McKillip, manager of mine technical services (mine engineering) at Glencore’s Kidd Operations in Timmins; and Tom Hopkins, mine manager at KGHM’s McCreedy West Mine in Sudbury.

Samantha Espley, vice-president at BESTECH, will moderate the panel.

BDT is an event of the Sudbury-based organization Partners in Achieving Change Excellence (PACE).