Michalis Papasotiriou participated in the 2nd Industry 4.0 Summit
30.10.24
Michalis Papasotiriou, Deputy General Manager of Operations at Hellas Gold, participated in the discussion on "Digital and Sustainable Transition: Opportunities & Challenges," where he highlighted Hellas Gold's significant investment in developing both existing and new skills of its people, as well as their continuous training through the modern Training Center. He also spoke about the ongoing digital transformation, best practices, and technologies that ensure a long-term positive impact for all.
In his speech, Michalis Papasotiriou emphasized the critical role of new technologies, which contribute to the rapid evolution of mining activities from traditional, labor-intensive methods to modern processes, allowing companies to operate with increased precision, safety, and efficiency.
Hellas Gold is a pioneer in applying innovative technologies, with the installation of a 4G LTE underground network at the Olympias mine, laying the foundation for digital transition in our projects. Providing coverage up to 300m depth and spanning about 10 km of tunnels, the network allows continuous equipment monitoring and management via devices like tablets, enabling real-time data analysis for machine safety and efficiency. This technology was chosen to achieve the desired speed and communication stability in real-time, optimizing our processes and, importantly, investing in peoples' safety.
Additionally, we have implemented innovative applications based on this network, such as remote blasting, remote mucking and loading, and an electronic safety system, enabling continuous worker location tracking and rapid emergency response. We also monitor air quality via sensors, while ventilation is automatically adjusted based on data.
Lastly, he noted that the Skouries mine is designed to be one of the first fully automated digital mines worldwide. Using advanced software, will ensure operations optimization, while the company will continue investing in new technologies to enhance worker safety and training.
Michalis highlighted the company's significant investment in developing the existing and new skills of its people, as well as their continuous training and familiarity with new technologies through the modern Training Center.
Using virtual and augmented reality simulators, Hellas Gold aims to strengthen employees' digital and traditional skills through a realistic, hands-on educational experience in a safe, controlled environment. As skilled workers, the employees will add value to the mining industry of the future.
Referring to the technological solutions adopted to optimize environmental performance and more efficient resource use, Michalis emphasized that our commitment to sustainable development is reflected in the continuous improvement of our processes, reducing resource consumption, and ensuring that our activities are environmentally friendly.
Technologies such as dry stacking and extensive water recycling ensure that natural resources are used to their maximum potential, minimizing waste and environmental impact. Additionally, the backfilling process allows for environmental restoration alongside our activities and the reuse of mining residues, reducing our environmental footprint.
Our environmental commitment is reinforced by the Environmental Monitoring Program with over 500 control points. We monitor factors such as gas emissions, dust, and other physicochemical parameters, allowing immediate decision-making for environmental protection and complete transparency of our processes. Continuous recording of environmental parameters and automatic notification in case of deviations are vital for ensuring biodiversity and the ongoing improvement of our processes.
These investments strengthen our position as pioneers in digital and sustainable mining activities, ensuring that our people are well-equipped and ready to adapt to future industry challenges, while protecting the environment and looking to the future.
In conclusion, Michalis pointed out that innovation at the Kassandra Mines has an holistic approach, extending beyond the technological upgrade of network infrastructure. It includes adopting a culture of innovation and inclusivity in our approach to everything—not only our operations but also modernizing all our internal processes.
