A Chilean engineering innovation hub has launched a new program that will encourage the development of digital solutions to improve mine safety , sustainability and productivity.
The ultimate goal of this new program is the co-creation of solutions with startups, launch new services in Chile and scale them up internationally.
The program has launched three innovation challenges and is calling for submissions:
- on-site health and safety monitoring of workers;
- efficiency and digitalisation of the heap leaching process; and
- monitoring of tailing and copper-concentrate piping systems.
The program is a joint initiative with ACCIONA a renewable energy, infrastructure, water and services company.
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ennomotive says they “seek to co-create with startups, entrepreneurs, or digital technology companies.”
ACCIONA said it is looking for startups with technologies that enable the real-time monitoring of the worker’s vital signs, actively managing their safety and health. It says that the digital solutions for mine safety must work in both open pit and underground mines.
Areas to be addressed by the digital technology include
- How could workers be monitored using devices they are already familiar with (i.e. a smartphone)?
- How could the workers receive alerts when they are at risk? How could the solutions be integrated, considering the current characteristics of the network service?
- How could the collected information be used to improve safety plans?
For each challenge, the best proposal will be selected and awarded $25,000 to conduct a three-month pilot in Chile. ACCIONA will consider signing strategic commercial agreements with the winning startups to scale their solutions both nationally and internationally. The deadline to participate in the challenges is October 28. See www.ennomotive.com/startup-competitions-mining/
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