Information technology is a core component in mining, achieving transformative shifts in the industry by managing large volumes of data, streamlining operations and creating a smarter, more efficient business. Application of IT and Communication continues to grow – leveraging operational technology, bringing remote sites closer, and making mines safer & sustainable. For the 3rd consecutive year, Fleming Gulf will organize the Global Mining IT and Communication Summit with this year's edition taking place in Vancouver - Canada.

As Gold Sponsor of the forum, Hitachi will address event delegates on improving productivity and efficiency of mining through convergence of Hitachi’s high-efficiency machinery, operational technology and information technology. Koji (Ken) Takaichi - General Manager, Mining Project Division, Social Innovation Business Project Division and Gerhard van Niekerk - Vice President Metals and Mining, will be speaking at the summit.

Elaborating the current key concerns of their many clients in the industry, Takaichi stated, "Mining companies are looking to optimize overall mine productivity, keep their people safe and healthy and ensure the privilege to continue to operate in communities. Hence the industry needs suitable IT and Communication tools to achieve the desired goals and sustain operations.”

As General Manager of the Mining Project Division, Ken is responsible for setting up and running Hitachi’s Mining Business as One Hitachi. He brings in vast experience by working in various industry domains and that too in different countries. Ken is instrumental in defining Hitachi’s vision for Mining business and goal to improve productivity and efficiency of mining operations.

Ken further explained that autonomous and semi-autonomous mining equipment is driving a major change in mining. "In the same way that introduction of robots revolutionized the car industry; smart systems enable miners to mine more productively. Mines are often in remote replaces and require specialized skills, skills that are also attractive to other markets like Oil & Gas industry. As a response, the increased use of remote operation and control centers is enabling a smarter way of mining by providing management with direct line of sight of remote operations.", he stated.

Speaking about their participation in the upcoming conference, Ken expressed their desire to exchange ideas on improving productivity and efficiency of mining. “Attendees will benefit exchanging experiences and insights around technology they are deploying for their day to day operations. Suppliers and client attendees are inextricably linked to their common success and focused conferences like this offer an opportunity to learn from, and inspire each other.”, he said.

The 3rd Global Mining IT and Communication Summit will lay a strong focus on integration of operational and Information technology. The event will also address issues like information security, wireless communication, and satellite networks to name a few.