Evolving Technologies in the Mining Material Handling Space – Companies Leading the Way

It’s an exciting time to work within the mining industry and we’re already seeing big changes and developments. Across many industries, digital advancements and new technologies are having a profound impact in mining operations and material handling - transforming and enhancing processes with the adoption of AI, automation and progressive data driven decisions through complex data sets and analysis.  

Throughout this article, we talk through some of the companies in mining who are leading the way with innovation and technology. We also highlight some of the key mining roles in demand across the globe. 

Martin Engineering 

At Martin Engineering, products such as belt cleaners, dust control systems, and vibration solutions, are designed to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability in material handling operations. They launched a next-gen conveyor belt tracking tech at the start of this year, explore more on this here. Martin Engineering also offer educational initiatives - training and resources to help companies optimize their material handling processes. This includes workshops, webinars, and on-site training that helps operators and maintenance personnel improve their skills and knowledge. 

Flexco 

Flexco have made a significant investment in smart technologies, such as real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance systems, this aligns with industry trends toward automation and data-driven decision-making. As more companies adopt these technologies, Flexco’s solutions will be increasingly sought after. Flexco’s development of products that improve energy efficiency and reduce waste supports this trend. Their focus on sustainable practices and products will likely resonate well with companies aiming to meet stricter environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals. 

Martin Sprocket & Gear  

At Martin Sprocket & Gear, they have strategically diversified their market reach beyond traditional industrial sectors. With a strong foundation in industries like manufacturing, mining, and agriculture already, the company is also developing in new and emerging sectors such as automation, renewable energy and power transmission.  

Martin Sprocket & Gear are an industry leader who deliver high quality products and place great emphasis on customer care and building lasting relationships with customers based on trust. 

PROK 

PROK have recently opened a specialist manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, located near major mining operations in the US. They have a long history of supplying in the US, but this new facility will supply local engineering expertise, responsive operational and maintenance assistance, and round-the-clock service, taking their offering to a new level. 

Through excellence in leadership, a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, safety prioritisation and a focus on sustainability, PROK is committed to high quality service across all areas. 

Precision Pulley Idler 

Precision Pulley Idler (PPI) have recently acquired continental global material handling – increasing market share, improving efficiency and diversifying their product portfolio. Explore this in more detail here. 

As an industry leader in conveying components globally, PPI deliver a high standard of customer service, high quality products and remain highly competitive within the market. PPI have global operations in warehousing, manufacturing, training and service centres across 16 locations in North and South America.  

With a predominant focus on research and development, plus technological advancements, there is a shift in the core roles in demand across the materials handling space within mining. 

Most In Demand Roles in the Mining Industry

Data Analysts in Mining

Data Analysts can translate complex mining data by understanding what the data is indicating and communicate actionable ideas and approaches through data driven insights. A Mining Data Analyst will analyse and interpret large data sets across full mining operations, their recommendations help to enhance processes, optimise mining operations and ultimately increase profitability and success of the business. 

Core skills of a Mining Data Analyst include; programming, attention to detail, critical thinking, communication, analytical skills as well as systems knowledge including SQL and excel. 

Mining Data Engineer

The core responsibilities of a Mining Data Engineer are to develop, design and implement effective data mining solutions across all operations and applications. Some huge global mining businesses are really focused on increasing the number of data driven roles such as mining data engineers and data analysts to help push forward their new technologies and increase efficiencies.  

A Mining Data Engineer has core skills in cloud computing, statistics, database management, programming, algorithms and SQL. It’s still essential for Data Engineers to have confident communication skills and strong commercial acumen in order to translate insights to internal stakeholders and provide insights and actions.  

Mining Automation Technician

An Automation Technician in Mining focuses on maintaining devices, including robotics and computer-controlled systems. They are responsible for ensuring systems maximise efficiencies, reduce human intervention and potentially hazardous areas that people could be exposed to without this technology.  

Automation Technicians manage the automated mining equipment in a safe and controlled manner in both underground and surface mining. These roles do not necessarily have to be onsite, automation software can be controlled remotely, which instantly widens talent pools for these types of roles, without geographical restrictions.  

Technical Sales Engineer in Mining

In Mining, a Technical Sales Engineer is generally the main point of contact for clients and customers. Not only can they build relationships, explore further ways to support them and offer solutions, but they also have strong technical knowledge and understanding to enable them to provide technical advice and support. They are responsible for gaining a better understanding of what customers want and need and reporting this back to development teams to make relevant adjustments and adaptions.  

Technical Sales Engineers have strong communication, empathy and problem solving skills alongside in-depth technical knowledge and technical writing skills in order to be effective in their role.  

Product Development Engineers

Product Development Engineers in mining sit within the research and development function of a mining business. They play a significant role in the stages of product development, developing new products through research, design and production, making a valuable contribution to advancements in the mining industry through new designs and innovation.  

Generally, Product Development Engineers have strong technical backgrounds within engineering and product design. They must keep up to date with emerging technologies and developments, strong analytical and problem solving skills, technical knowledge and effective project management experience.  

Mining recruitment experts at CSG Talent

Our expert mining recruitment team at CSG Talent continually explore the latest market movements and keep their fingers on the pulse in order to share real time insights with clients and candidates. The team are experiencing a high number of job opportunities within the mining and minerals space, working with a range of businesses from large global players to start-ups new to market with exciting and innovative processes and technologies. If you’re looking for your new career opportunity in the mining space, explore our current vacancies, alternatively if you’re keen to hear talent insights and market information from our expert recruiters or talk through effective hiring strategies, get in touch.